ADK Consulting & Executive Search, a retained recruitment firm known for its expertise in senior executive searches in the aviation industry, announced the successful placement of Ghassan Abukar as Director of Information Technology & Telecommunications for The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR). In this role, Mr. Abukar will provide strategic leadership for all airport-wide IT and voice/data communication systems.

Mr. Abukar brings more than 18 years of experience leading large-scale digital modernization initiatives, strengthening cybersecurity resilience, and elevating the passenger experience in complex aviation environments. Most recently, he served as Chief Information Officer for Joint Aviation Security Partnership, where he worked closely with airports, aviation authorities, and transportation organizations to deliver executive IT leadership, cybersecurity resilience, and digital transformation strategies. Mr. Abukar has also worked for the Cleveland Airport System as Assistant Commissioner of IT and for Cleveland CPL as Director of Information Technology.

“I am honored to join the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority at a defining moment in its growth and modernization journey,” said Mr. Abukar. “The Authority’s commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and exceptional passenger experience aligns strongly with my focus on leveraging technology as a strategic enabler of safe, resilient, and future-ready airport operations. I look forward to partnering with the executive team and stakeholders to advance enterprise-wide IT and telecommunications initiatives that strengthen security, reliability, and long-term organizational value.”

Mr. Abukar received a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from Lebanese American University. He went on to earn two master’s degrees from Southern Methodist University in Systems Engineering and Information Engineering and Management. He also received a doctorate degree in Management from Case Western Reserve University.