John D. Kasarda

John D. Kasarda is an American academic and airport business consultant focused on aviation-driven economic development.

[citation needed] From 1980 to 1990, he chaired UNC's Department of Sociology, where he held the position of Kenan Distinguished Professor.

[8] Over the following 22 years, he worked at the Institute for the study of entrepreneurship, regional economic development, and global competitiveness, and helped establish the Kenan Foundation Asia in Bangkok,[9] where he continues to serve on its board and executive committee.

[12] Much of his research and applied work since 2000 has addressed how aviation and airports impact the competitiveness and growth of firms, cities, and regions.

[32] Nevertheless, its application has been expanding internationally, such as in Amsterdam, Beijing, Dubai, and Johannesburg, Memphis, Paris, Sydney, and Zhengzhou.