Aug 20, 2025
GOAA Board Selects New Leadership: Stephanie Kopelousos
GOAA Board Members (L-R): Jason James, Mayor Buddy Dyer, Vice Chair Joe Nunziata, Chair Stephanie Kopelousos, Treasurer Dan Giordano, Mayor Jerry Demings, Carson Good
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Board unanimously selected Stephanie Kopelousos to serve as Chair, doubling-down on a commitment to innovation, enhanced passenger experiences, and the next wave of airport development.
During Wednesday’s meeting, the Board also elected Joe Nunziata as Vice Chair and Dan Giordano as Treasurer.
Ms. Kopelousos succeeds former Chairman Tim Weisheyer who served on the GOAA Board since May 2021, and as Chairman since April 2024.
“It is an incredible honor to lead the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Board,” Ms. Kopelousos said. “Building on the outstanding work of former Chairman Tim Weisheyer and the entire Board, we remain focused on innovation and enhancing the passenger experience at every step. Between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), we are in the midst of legacy-defining projects that will not only delight our guests but also strengthen our connection to the Central Florida community we proudly serve.”
Ms. Kopelousos is currently the District Administrator of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. Previously, she served as the Director of Legislative & Intergovernment Affairs for Governor Ron DeSantis; the County Manager for Clay County Board of County Commissioners for eight years; and was the first woman to serve as Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation when she was appointed by Governor Charlie Crist in 2007.
In July, Weisheyer ended his service on the GOAA Board following a gubernatorial appointment to the Florida State University Board of Trustees. Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Jason James to the GOAA Board for a new four-year term. James is President and CEO of Mechanical One.
The GOAA Board is comprised of seven members, including five gubernatorial appointees, the mayor of Orange County, and the mayor of the City of Orlando.
BOARD APPROVES ORL RUNWAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
During Wednesday’s meeting, the Board also approved a $15.5 million Runway Improvement project at Orlando Executive Airport (ORL).
The rehabilitation project includes milling and overlaying the existing pavement, upgrading airfield signage and markings, and replacing incandescent lighting with energy-efficient LED systems. The project will improve runway visibility, increase safety, and enhance the overall experience for pilots and users.
“This investment in Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) is critical to maintaining its role as a premiere reliever airport for Orlando International Airport (MCO) and a key hub for general aviation in Central Florida,” said Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer of Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which operates Orlando Executive Airport. “By making these improvements now, we are extending the life of Runway 7-25 by two decades. That matters because this runway supports 95% of ORL’s operations, ensuring we can safely and efficiently serve our aviation community for years to come.”
Construction is scheduled to begin in Fall 2025 and is expected to be completed by Spring 2026.
About Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is proud to operate Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), two of Florida’s premier air travel gateways. MCO is a world-class global connector, serving nearly 58 million annual passengers across its three terminals, A, B and C. Connected to an Intermodal Terminal Facility that offers high-speed passenger rail service, Terminal C is an inventive structure that elevates the customer experience with 100% automated screening lanes at TSA checkpoints. ORL is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.
For more information, please contact the Office of Public Affairs at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority at 407-825-2055 or email us at MCOPIO@goaa.org for further assistance.