Abraham Simmons

Managing Director
Roberts International Airport, 2007-2009
Focus Area(s)
Civil Service
Critical Tasks
Civil service corruption
Computerization of records
Downsizing
Salary structure reform
Training
Interviewers
Jonathan (Yoni) Friedman
Country of Reform
Liberia
Town/City
Monrovia
Country
Liberia
Date of Interview
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Abstract

Abraham Simmons discusses his experience as the managing director of Roberts International Airport from 2007 to 2009. He describes the situation of the airport in 2007 as in dire need of renovation, improved services, and financial reform. He notes that his first action as director was to create a clear definition of each position and to establish an understanding of responsibilities. Through the help of foreign consultants Simmons was also able to create an airport operations manual to aid this process. Simmons then discusses the new training programs implemented from 2007 to 2009. He then adds detail in to the challenges that surrounded financing of reforms and new equipment for the airport. With this, he sheds light on efforts to bring the airport up to international compliance. He concludes his discussion with information about a functional review process as an effort to make the operation of the airport more transparent. He also speaks about a new, clearer promotion system that would standardize hiring and firing of employees.  

Case Study:  Getting Reforms Off the Ground: Roberts International Airport, Liberia, 2006-2009  

Full Interview

55 MB
Abraham Simmons Interview
Profile

Abraham Simmons was the managing director of the Roberts International Airport from 2007 to 2009. He had previously worked with McDonald Douglas, UPS Air Group, VOLPAR Incorporated and Air Liberia. Although two years retired in 2007, Simmons took the position of managing director of Roberts International Airport in order to implement various reforms in compliance with international standards.

Keywords
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Roberts International Airport
Not specified