Projects boss to leave Atlanta airport

Official to take position at Jacobs Engineering Group in Singapore.

The man leading Hartsfield-Jackson International’s $6 billion expansion and modernization is leaving to take another job.

Frank Rucker, assistant general manager of planning and development, departs July 7 for a position at Jacobs Engineering Group in Singapore. Jacobs has an aviation team that does planning and development for airports around the world.

“Frank’s diligence, passion and work ethic have left a lasting impact on the world’s busiest and most efficient airport, and we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors,” Hartsfield-Jackson general manager Roosevelt Council wrote in a letter to airport staff.

Rucker was hired in 2015 to replace Jim Drinkard, a longtime manager who retired. Rucker previously worked in airport planning in the United Arab Emirates and had worked for the Atlanta airport in years past as an engineering director.

While the airport searches for a replacement for Rucker, deputy general manager Balram “B” Bheodari will be interim manager of planning and development, with help from longtime planning director Tom Nissalke.

“While organizational change can be challenging, I am confident that our team will adjust and move forward quickly and seamlessly,” Council said.

Bheodari rejoined the Atlanta airport last year after a stint at the Houston airport system, which is led by former Hartsfield-Jackson deputy general manager Mario Diaz.

Cortez Carter, an assistant general manager who oversees the airport’s ATL Business Ventures unit, will also now lead the commercial division, after departure last year of Vivica Brown.

Rucker