Gov. Ron DeSantis appoints Jason James to the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority

Headline Surfer photo illustration / Jason James, president and CEO of Mechanical One, is an appointee to the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. 

By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Jason James to the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. This appointment is effective on Friday, July 18.

James is the president and CEO of Mechanical One, a company that provides expert HVAC, plumbing, gas, and electrical services throughout the entire state of Florida. Schedule an appointment today. Previously, he served as a business developer for One Stop Services and an Insurance Agent for Florida Insurance Specialists. He earned his associate's degree from Valencia College and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida.

Mechanical One / Headline SurferJason James is the president and CEO of Mechanical One, a company that provides expert HVAC, plumbing, gas, and electrical services to the entire state of Florida. Previously, he served as a business developer for One Stop Services and an insurance agent for Florida Insurance Specialists. He earned his associate's degree from Valencia College and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) is the governmental entity responsible for managing and operating both Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) in Orlando.

A seven-member board governs it and is responsible for various aspects of airport operations, including passenger experience, safety, and airport development.

Key aspects of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority include governance. The GOAA board consists of  Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Commission Chairman Jerry Demings, and five members appointed by the Florida Governor and confirmed by the Senate.

The current GOAA board members, in addition to Buddy Dyer and Jerry Demings, are Tim Weisheyer, the chairman; Dr. John L. Evans, Jr., vice chairman; Carson Good,  immediate past chairman; Stephanie Kopelousos; and Joe Nunziata

Management: The authority is led by Lance Lyttle, the executive director appointed by the board, who oversees a staff of over 1,000 employees. Airport Operations: GOAA manages all aspects of the two airports, including terminal operations, airside operations, security, and other related services.

Economic Impact: GOAA supports over 309,000 jobs in Central Florida and is a major driver of economic activity in the region.

Business Opportunities: GOAA provides various business opportunities at the airports, including concessions, procurement, and real estate.

Community Engagement: GOAA is involved in initiatives such as the MCO Rewards program, which enhances the experiences of employees, customers, and business partners. Additionally, programs like the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program and the MCO Paw Pilots Therapy Dog Program aim to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for travelers.

Henry Frederick press card / Headline SurferAbout the Byline Writer: 

Henry Frederick is an award-winning journalist who launched Headline Surfer in 2008. The site serves the greater Daytona Beach, Sanford, and Orlando areas along the I-4 corridor and beyond via HeadlineSurfer.com in Lake Mary, Florida. Frederick earned his Master of Arts in New Media Journalism from Full Sail University in Orlando in 2019. He was a breaking news reporter (metro cops & courts beat) for the Daytona Beach News-Journal for nearly a decade, and before that, the same beat with The Journal-News/Gannett Suburban Newspapers in Rockland/Westchester counties, NY, dating back to 1989. He's also worked as a city editor and city hall reporter for two dailies. Having witnessed the execution of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Florida's death chamber and covering other high-profile cases, Frederick has appeared on national crime documentary shows on Discovery ID, Reelz & the Oxygen Network series "Snapped" for his analysis. Assisting Henry Frederick with Headline Surfer is Sera King, who writes about the weather and feature stories, takes photos, shoots video, and occasionally draws editorial cartoons. •  Bio: https://henryfrederick.com/.