Changing of the Guard at L.G. Hanscom Field
Patzner cleared for takeoff

BEDFORD, MA – The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) today announced the appointment of Sharon Williams as Massport’s airport director at L.G. Hanscom Field, she replaces Barbara Patzner who retired this month after managing Hanscom for 25 years.

Williams who started her aviation career as an Operations Manager at Hanscom before holding various positions at Boston Logan including, Terminal Manager, Manager of Airside/Landside and Fleet Maintenance, Manager of Airport Facilities and Deputy Director of Aviation Services. In 2011, Williams returned to Hanscom as the Manager of Airport Administration.

As airport director Patzner was responsible for the safe operation of New England’s busiest general aviation airport. “Barbara understood the importance of airports as a regional economic engine, while at the same time recognizing the need to balance economic development with the concerns of neighboring communities,” said Massport CEO and Executive Director Thomas P. Glynn. During her tenure, Patzner introduced voluntary noise abatement procedures to minimize aircraft noise over residential areas and the Minuteman National Historical Park, while at the same time encouraging responsible aviation growth at the airport.

Patzner’s aviation career started in the early 1970s, when she joined Trans World Airlines at New York’s LaGuardia Airport before managing New York Air's operations at Newark Airport in 1981 where she was the first female station manager. In 1982, New York Air transferred her to Boston Logan as station manager where she eventually became general manager for Continental Airlines. She joined Massport in 1987, as airport manager.

“Barbara’s been a trailblazer in both the airline and airport industries, who never shied away from a challenge and was always willing to mentor others,” said Massport’s Director of Aviation Edward C. Freni. “Barbara recognized talent when Sharon first came to Massport and we’re very happy she will pick up where Barbara left off as Hanscom’s director of aviation.”

Williams has been a commercial pilot for over 22 years and earned a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management and Flight Technology from Florida Institute of Technology and a Master of Science in Aviation and Aerospace Operations and Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Located in Bedford MA, Hanscom Field is a vital link to domestic and international business destinations for local and regional employers. With its modern facilities, Hanscom is New England’s premier full-service corporate and general aviation airport, contributing more than $249 million to the regional economy each year.

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) owns and operates Boston Logan International Airport, public terminals in the Port of Boston, Hanscom Field and Worcester Regional Airport. Massport is a financially self-sustaining public authority whose premier transportation facilities generate more than $8 billion annually, and enhance and enable economic growth and vitality in New England. No state tax dollars are used to fund operations or capital improvements at Massport facilities.

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