American Airlines is appointing Patricia Ornst as Regional Managing Director, Community and State Affairs for the Northeast.

In this role, Ornst will represent American Airlines, and its parent company, AMR Corp., on all legislative, regulatory, public policy and community issues pending before state, city and other local governments, including airport authorities and governing bodies.

Prior to joining American, Ornst served as the Vice President and Director of Aviation at the New York City Economic Development Corporation, spearheading Mayor Bloomberg’s aviation strategy. She was the principal liaison between the City and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on all airport-related projects. She also managed the City’s relationships with airline, helicopter and heliport operators and other aviation stakeholders.

“With our recent expansion of service, American continues to support the local economy, stimulate travel and tourism and solidify New York’s position as the nation’s foremost gateway to Europe and beyond,” said Art Torno, American’s Vice President – New York. “Bringing Patricia on board is timely as we look to strengthen our city and state relationships and to take on a leadership role to advocate for the industry, our business and our customers. Patricia’s background and experience with aviation issues will make her a powerful addition to our government affairs team.”

During her tenure, Ornst helped develop and support the City’s overall aviation and helicopter policy, successfully negotiated a well-known low-cost carrier’s headquarters in New York City and oversaw the transition of the Downtown Manhattan Heliport to a private operator generating revenue of $17 million over 10 years. She began her government affairs career in Washington, DC, at the Airports Council International-North America, advocating on behalf of U.S. airports legislative priorities related to federal funding, aviation security, immigration and air service.

Ornst holds a Bachelor’s degree in political science from Susquehanna University. She is an active board member on the NYC Urban Assembly and a member of the International Aviation Women’s Association.

American Airlines is committed to the Greater New York community, which more than 11,000 active AMR Corp. employees and retirees call home. The airline has served the New York market for more than 80 years. American and American Eagle, its regional affiliate, currently offer nonstop service to 61 destinations with 226 daily flights from all four New York area airports.