Jay DeWitt Named Assistant Director/Chief Development Officer at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Jay DeWitt, a 28-year professional with the City of Phoenix, has been named Assistant Director/Chief Development Officer for the City of Phoenix Aviation Department. The Aviation Department owns and operates Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix Deer Valley Airport and Phoenix Goodyear Airport.

DeWitt is a Phoenix native, whose career has spanned Municipal Court, Fire, Development Services, Community and Economic Development and for the past 15 years, the Aviation Department. He has extensive experience in the areas of accounting, infrastructure finance, project management, and Airport finance. DeWitt led the programming, financing, as well as the design and construction of the 1,000-room Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel, and the development of the $1.6 billion PHX Sky Train^®project. He has held senior positions at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Planning, Design and Construction, Business and Properties, and since August 2021 has been the Acting Assistant Aviation Director. DeWitt has Bachelor of Science and MBA degrees from Arizona State University and is a Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives.

“Jay has led some of the highest profile construction projects in the city of Phoenix and most recently, was essential in helping to lead Sky Harbor through the COVID-19 pandemic, the most difficult financial period in the history of aviation,” said Director of Aviation Services, Chad Makovsky. “After a national search, I am confident that he is the Chief Development Officer we need for the continued growth and success of the Phoenix Airport System.” 

As Chief Development Officer, DeWitt will oversee the Planning and Environmental, Design and Construction Services, and Financial Management divisions at the City of Phoenix Aviation Department. His promotion is effective immediately, although his organizational responsibilities will not be effective until Sept. 5.

“We are fortune to have Jay on the Executive Team at the City of Phoenix Aviation Department,” said Deputy City Manager Mario Paniagua. “With Phoenix Sky Harbor among the top ten U.S. Airports for passenger traffic, Jay’s leadership will be essential in ensuring we continue to offer our millions of customers a world class airport experience.”