Lee Kaminetz Appointed General Counsel of San Diego County Regional Airport Authority

The Board of Directors of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (Airport Authority) has appointed Lee Kaminetz as General Counsel for the Airport Authority and San Diego International Airport (SAN), effective July 1, 2026. He succeeds Amy Gonzalez who retires after a distinguished 23 years with the organization.

"We are extremely grateful for Amy Gonzalez' exceptional service and leadership over the years," said Lydia Ball, Chair of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority Board. "Amy has provided steadfast legal counsel during some of the largest and most impactful developments in the airport's history. We wish her happiness and success in her retirement, and we are excited to continue the great work with Lee Kaminetz at the helm of our legal team."

Kaminetz brings nearly 30 years of legal experience to the role, including more than 20 years representing the Airport Authority in several legal positions, including Assistant General Counsel for more than a decade. As General Counsel, he will serve as the Authority's chief legal advisor, providing counsel to the Board of Directors, President and CEO, Auditor, and staff on matters critical to the planning, operation, development, and management of San Diego International Airport.

"In welcoming Lee as our new General Counsel, we are not only recognizing his impressive legal acumen but also his deep commitment to our mission and the San Diego community," said Ball. "His extensive experience and familiarity with the Airport Authority position him as a vital asset as we continue to enhance San Diego International Airport for the benefit of travelers and our region."

"We are very pleased with Lee's appointment as our new General Counsel," said Atif Saeed, President and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. "His deep institutional knowledge, exceptional legal expertise, and proven leadership make him uniquely qualified for this role. Lee has been a trusted advisor to the Airport Authority for many years, and we look forward to his continued contributions as we advance our mission and support the future growth of SAN."

"It is a great honor to be appointed by the Airport Authority's Board as its next General Counsel," said Kaminetz. "I look forward to continuing the high level of legal leadership that Amy has provided over the years, as well as working closely with the Airport Authority's executive leadership and Board of Directors. This is a very exciting time to be at SAN, and I am grateful for this opportunity."

Kaminetz is admitted to practice law in California and Maryland (inactive). He earned his Juris Doctor, with honors, from the University of Maryland School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics, magna cum laude, from Wake Forest University.

For a headshot of Lee Kaminetz, click here. For more information on the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority and the San Diego International Airport, click here.