After four decades in the aviation trenches, Kimberly J. “Kim” Becker is taxiing off the runway at San Diego International Airport. The longtime chief is stepping down just as the New Terminal 1 shifts from hard-hat construction zone into active operation, a pivotal moment that arrives on the heels of a months-long national search for her successor and growing service and passenger numbers. Mayor Todd Gloria publicly thanked Becker for her service and leadership on Wednesday.
Mayor praises Becker
Yesterday, Mayor Todd Gloria put Becker’s legacy in simple terms, calling San Diego International “San Diego’s front door to the world” and saying it “got stronger” under her watch. In his message, he thanked her for steering the airport through record growth and major projects and wished her well in retirement.
San Diego’s front door to the world got stronger under Kim Becker’s leadership.
— San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria (@MayorToddGloria) March 18, 2026
After 40 years in aviation, including leading @SanDiegoAirport through record growth and major projects like the new Terminal 1, we thanked her for her service and wished her the best in retirement. pic.twitter.com/oFYacRmak1
Airport Authority names successor
The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority announced in February that Atif Saeed will take over as President and CEO in March 2026, describing the move as the outcome of a months-long nationwide search. According to the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, Becker is retiring after a 40-year aviation career.
Becker’s record and Terminal 1
During her tenure, Becker guided San Diego International Airport, known as SAN, through record passenger growth while juggling the complex, multi-phase New Terminal 1 program. She appeared at ribbon cuttings tied to the project’s milestones, as the airport showed off new pieces of the puzzle to the traveling public. ABC 10News highlighted the opening of the Terminal 1 Parking Plaza and quoted Becker on how the project was designed to boost both sustainability and capacity.
What comes next for SAN
The Airport Authority notes that the first phase of New Terminal 1 opened in September 2025 and that the full program is scheduled to wrap in 2028, bringing additional gates and modern amenities to expand the airport’s capacity. In outlining the leadership handoff, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority said Saeed arrives with experience at major U.S. hubs and holds an MBA along with industry credentials including A.A.E. and IAP.
