Alexandria, VA – American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) President and CEO Todd Hauptli issued the following statement today regarding the President's nomination of Kirstjen Nielsen to serve as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security: "The President has made an excellent selection with the nomination of Kirstjen Nielsen to serve as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. I have had the privilege of working with Kirstjen in both the private sector and during the Administration of George W. Bush and found her to be an incredibly smart, dedicated, focused and tenacious public servant – characteristics that will serve her and the country well as she takes a lead role in working to protect the homeland. AAAE and airport executives across the country look forward to partnering with the Secretary-designate and her team to meet our shared objectives of enhancing security and facilitating commerce at and through airports across the country."