Worcester Regional Airport has a new leader, with Massachusetts Port Authority naming aviation industry veteran Matthew Elia as the airport’s next director.
Elia takes over the post effective Monday, Aug. 24, succeeding Andy Davis, who retired in July after nearly 18 years leading the airport, according to an announcement from Massport.
Elia brings more than 20 years of airport management and aviation experience to Worcester, including leadership positions at airports across Massachusetts and Florida.
“I am excited to welcome Matthew Elia to Worcester Regional Airport,” Massport CEO Rich Davey said in the announcement. “We were sad to see longtime Director Andy Davis retire in July, but Matthew will bring years of experience in airport management to Worcester and will be working closely with our airline partners and the community to make sure the airport continues to be an integral part of Central Massachusetts.”
Most recently, Elia served as a senior airport planner with Hoyle Tanner & Associates, where he worked on airport master plans and technical analyses for airports throughout New England and Florida.
His previous positions include assistant airport manager at Cape Cod Gateway Airport in Hyannis and aviation manager for the city of Tavares, Florida, where he managed the Tavares Seaplane Base. He also served as assistant airport manager at New Bedford Regional Airport and with King Aviation at Mansfield Municipal Airport.
Elia steps into the Worcester job following a period of significant growth in commercial service at the airport under Davis, whose tenure included the arrival of multiple airlines and new routes serving Central Massachusetts.
“Matthew will be a fantastic addition to the team at Worcester Regional Airport,” Massport Executive Director of Aviation Sharon Williams said in the announcement. “He brings 20 years of knowledge, relationships and skills to Worcester and will build on the legacy of Andy Davis, who helped bring multiple airlines and flights to Central Massachusetts.”
Williams said Elia will be charged with building on that progress and helping ensure the airport’s continued success.
In addition to his airport management experience, Elia serves on the board of directors of the Massachusetts Airport Management Association and the Aviation Industry Advisory Board at Bridgewater State University.
He has taught general aviation management and aviation marketing management at Bridgewater State and Daniel Webster College and is a commercial pilot and certified flight instructor.
Elia earned a bachelor’s degree in aviation from Bridgewater State University and an MBA from UMass Dartmouth.
Worcester Regional Airport is owned and operated by Massport.
