Airport chief out of running for Atlanta job

John Clark III, executive director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority, has withdrawn his name from consideration for the top position at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the airport authority announced Friday.

Clark was one of three finalists to run the world's busiest airport, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

“After much thought and discussion with my family, I have decided to withdraw my name from further consideration for the position of general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson International airport," Clark said in a prepared statement. "Being considered for a position of this magnitude is truly an honor and a valuable experience. However, I am committed, along with our valuable employee team, to delivering a world class airport here … and continuing the focus on our 2010-15 strategic plan.”

On Wednesday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed had chosen the winning candidate for the job, but wouldn’t reveal the selection.

Clark was up against Louis Miller, former executive director and CEO of Tampa International Airport, and Lester Robinson, who managed Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti, Mich., until June, according to the newspaper.

Clark started with the Indianapolis airport in April 2009 after working for Jacksonville’s airport authority for 14 years.

In Jacksonville, he was credited with improving the city’s airport system and has earned praise from airport officials in Indianapolis for his strategic planning.

But he’s also been criticized for his lavish travel spending, which was documented by Folio Weekly, Jacksonville’s alternative newspaper. He is being investigated by Florida State Attorney Angela Corey, who has declined to elaborate on the nature of her inquiry.

In his first year on the job in Indianapolis, Clark spent $36,693 on travel and lodging, IBJ reported earlier this year.