Aviation Senior Policy Advisor Kristian Havard Joins Holland & Knight's Public Policy Team in Washington
WASHINGTON (August 7, 2023) – Holland & Knight welcomes Aviation Senior Policy Advisor Kristian Havard to the Public Policy & Regulation Group in Washington, D.C. Ms. Havard will also be a member of the Aviation Policy Team, joining David Whitestone, who was recently elected Managing Partner of the firm, and Partners Anita Mosner, Mike Friedberg and Joel Roberson.
Most recently, Ms. Havard was the government affairs department head for the Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport. Prior to that, she was the global corporate social responsibility lead for Sabre Corporation, a technology service provider to the travel industry. Ms. Havard also served as the vice president of government affairs for the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association. She has an extensive background advising clients in the transportation, economic development, infrastructure, travel technology, hospitality, arts and aviation sectors on legislative and regulatory issues.
In her most recent role at DFW International Airport, the world's second busiest airport, Ms. Havard navigated complex political landscapes while fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders and spearheading successful advocacy campaigns.
"We are excited to have Kristian join us with her extremely strong knowledge of airport operations and policy, which includes firsthand experience with the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization process," said Rich Gold, leader of Holland & Knight's Public Policy & Regulation Group. "She will assist us as we expand our aviation advocacy portfolio to better serve our clients by providing aviation and infrastructure services to achieve their legislative objectives."
"The aviation industry faces numerous challenges and opportunities as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic," said Ms. Havard. "Working with the Aviation Policy Team at Holland & Knight is a natural next step in my career, and I look forward to working collectively to help clients address specific issues like sustainability and technology integration, while helping to position the sector for success."
Ms. Havard has served in several aviation industry leadership positions, including co-chair of the Aerospace, Aviation and Defense Council for the North Texas Commission and on the Policy Council in Texas and federal airport trade association.
Ms. Havard earned an M.B.A. degree from Southern Methodist University and a B.A. degree from Louisiana State University. She is also a graduate of the University of Virginia's Political Leaders Program.