Raymond A. Laroche, A.A.E., Earns Professional Airport Accreditation
Joins elite group of airport executives who have completed all requirements of 65-year-old program
PUNTA GORDA, FL (December 15, 2021) – The Charlotte County Airport Authority is pleased to announce that Raymond A. Laroche, A.A.E., Manager of Facilities and Security at Punta Gorda Airport (PGD), has been awarded the distinction of Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).
To qualify for his distinction, Raymond had to successfully complete three phases of the accreditation process: (1) pass a 180-item multiple-choice examination, (2) fulfill a writing requirement, and (3) demonstrate, in the final interview by a panel of A.A.E.s, his knowledge of airport management, business administration, and general transportation economics. Raymond’s achievement attests to his ability to meet these stringent requirements and his experience in managing a public airport.
By fulfilling all the requirements leading to the title of Accredited Airport Executive, Raymond joins a select group of individuals who have earned the designation in the six plus decades of the accreditation program’s existence. At present, fewer than 10 percent of AAAE’s members throughout the country are active accredited airport executives.
Raymond has an Associates in Counter Terrorism Studies as well as a Bachelor’s in Emergency and Disaster Management, both from American Public University where he is currently working towards a Masters in Legal Studies. Raymond is a Veteran of the United States Army, where he volunteered for the Army Airborne program and was assigned the 82nd Airborne Division 3rd Brigade 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment. After his service in the Army, Raymond joined the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in 2003 during the initial roll-out and found himself drawn to security in aviation.
Raymond became a screening manager with TSA for the first decade of the agency’s existence, and worked at Burlington International Airport, Southwest Florida International Airport and Punta Gorda Airport. Raymond is celebrating his eighth year of employment at PGD and is active in the local community through Leadership Charlotte and various aviation-industry groups.
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