Source: LAWA
- Organization bids farewell to civic leader who shepherded LAX and VNY airports through monumental periods.
Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC) President Karim Webb announced his departure from the board, dedicating nearly seven years serving the City of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Chief Executive Officer John Ackerman and other city officials praised Webb’s leadership at the board’s February meeting. In his final remarks, Board of Airport Commissioners President and civic leader Karim Webb stated, “public institutions thrive when new voices, perspectives, and energy are invited to lead. There are talented Angelenos across this city — from every neighborhood and every walk of life — who deserve the opportunity to shape platforms as significant as this one. Making space for that leadership is not stepping away from responsibility — it is fulfilling it.”
Webb continued, “the work behind us and the work that lies ahead reflects steady progress — not just in capital delivery and operations, but in accountability, modernization, and long-term competitiveness. It speaks to the fact that this organization is not dependent on the work of any one individual. It is powered by a team — and relies heavily on collaboration, partnership, and ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table.”
Webb’s tenure aligned with one of the most consequential periods in LAWA’s history, joining BOAC just months before the global COVID-19 pandemic brought the aviation industry to a standstill. Under his leadership, the Board advanced the largest capital improvement program in Los Angeles International Airport’s (LAX) history and moved forward critical modernization projects at Van Nuys Airport (VNY). Throughout his service, Webb has been known for and recognized by his colleagues for his steady, thoughtful leadership grounded in accountability and collaboration. As president, he advocated for inclusive economic growth that has shaped policy and practice across LAWA — from expanding opportunities for local, small and disadvantaged businesses through LAWA’s Multiple Award Task Order Contracts (MATOC), to ensuring that local workers and HireLAX graduates had the opportunity to be part of LAX’s transformation.
“President Karim Webb is a one-of-a-kind civic leader who used his time on the Board of Airport Commissioners to move Los Angeles forward. While our airports prepare to welcome the world in the coming years, President Webb has been a steady, thoughtful leader, never forgetting his commitment to equity, opportunity and public service,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “Our city is on a better path because of his dedicated efforts to make our airports modern, world-class destinations that reflect the diverse workforce and cultures that thrive here in LA. On behalf of the City of Los Angeles, I want to thank President Webb for his years of service. I wish him well in his next endeavor to serve the people of Los Angeles.”
LAWA is a City of Los Angeles department that owns and operates Los Angeles International (LAX) and (VNY) airports. Both airports play an integral role in helping to meet the Southern California regional demand for passenger, cargo, and general aviation service. As the aviation authority for the nation’s second largest city and hub of one of the world’s most populous metropolitan areas, LAWA is a self-supporting department, governed by a seven-member Board of Airport Commissioners. The Board is comprised of public-spirited business and civic leaders appointed by the mayor and approved by the City Council.
The seven-member Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC) governs Los Angeles World Airports. By the Charter of the City of Los Angeles, the Board is responsible for the formulation of airport policy. The Board is comprised of public-spirited business and civic leaders who are appointed by the Mayor, approved by the City Council and serve staggered five-year terms.
The current members of the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners are Vice President Matthew Johnson, Commissioner Vanessa Aramayo, Commissioner Courtney La Bau, Commissioner Victor Narro, Commissioner Nicholas P. Roxborough, Commissioner Valeria C. Velasco.