Charleston Airport Authority selects 2026-2027 officers
September 17, 2026
The Board of the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority unanimously elected the following members to office at its September 17th meeting.
- Helen T. Hill, Chairman
- Charlie Salmonsen, Vice-Chairman
- Ravi Sanyal, Secretary-Treasurer
“I’m honored to continue working alongside the dedicated Aviation Authority team as we build on our momentum and pursue new opportunities to best serve residents, visitors and all of our partners and stakeholders across the region,” said Helen T. Hill. “Expanding air service and investing in our airports strengthens the infrastructure and connectivity that are essential to our economy and quality of life.”
An 11-member board governs the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority. The South Carolina House and Senate delegations representing Charleston County each nominate three members (approved by the governor), and one member is jointly appointed by Charleston County Council and the Charleston City Council. The mayors of the City of Charleston, the City of North Charleston, the Town of Mount Pleasant, and the chairman of the Charleston County Council serve as ex-officio board members.
About Chair Helen T. Hill
Helen Turner Hill is the Chief Executive Officer of Explore Charleston. The nonprofit organization represents 850 member businesses and ten municipal governments in the tri-county region with the mission to create overnight visits and support responsible development through travel and tourism strategies. Growing up in Charleston provided Ms. Hill with unique insights she has put to use throughout her 30 + years of serving the community and promoting the region as a destination. Explore Charleston is celebrated for its innovative and authentic marketing programs that have assisted the Charleston area in becoming one of the most acclaimed destinations in the country.
Ms. Hill’s efforts in air service development over the last decade were instrumental in expanding Charleston International Airport’s route map, including the recruitment of Southwest, Jet Blue, Alaska, Allegiant, Frontier, Air Canada, British Airways, and BermudAir. She was appointed to the Charleston County Aviation Authority (CCAA) board in 2014. In 2019, she was elected as the board’s first female Chair.
About Vice Chair Charlie Salmonsen
Charles E. Salmonsen was appointed to the Charleston County Aviation Authority board in 2018 by the Charleston County Legislative Senate Delegation. As owner of Salmonsen Realty and Appraisal, Inc. he has provided land use sales, management and leasing to his clients for 39 years. A lifelong resident of Charleston County, he has a strong record of local government and community service. He has served on the Charleston County Greenbelt & Advisory Board, and Council of Governments board. He is a member of the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors, and National Association of Realtors.
About Secretary Treasurer Ravi Sanyal
Ravi Sanyal was appointed to the Charleston County Aviation Authority Board in 2019 by the Charleston County Legislative House Delegation. Mr. Sanyal has been practicing attorney and owner of the Sanyal Law Firm which is a personal injury and criminal defense law practice since 2012. Prior to that, Mr. Sanyal spent 6 years as a civil litigation attorney at the Law Firm Clawson and Staubes and was also part-time Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Charleston. He also spent 6 years as Assistant Solicitor with the 9th Circuit Solicitor’s.
Community Service and Involvement has always been important to Ravi. He was appointed by Charleston County Council and served as a Charleston County Park and Recreation Commissioner for 7 years and served two years as the Chairman for Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission. In 2016, Ravi was appointed by Charleston City Council to serve on the City of Charleston Planning Commission where he served as City of Charleston Planning Commissioner for three years
