PHX Names Daver Malik Assistant Aviation Director/Chief Development Officer

After a nationwide search, Assistant Chief Information Officer Daver Malik has been named Assistant Aviation Director (Chief Development Officer) for the City of Phoenix Aviation Department. In this role, Daver will oversee the Design & Construction Services, Planning & Environmental, and Technology divisions.

Daver Malik

With more than 20 years of experience in aviation spanning large hub airports and the private sector, Daver brings a strategic, growth-oriented, and global mindset to planning, infrastructure, and technology leadership. He has successfully supported the planning, design, construction, and commissioning of large-scale capital development programs, including the $1.5 billion 25-gate Terminal 3 Modernization, eight gate Terminal 4 S1 concourse, and PHX Sky Train® Stage 2 at PHX, as well as the $2 billion 12-gate International Terminal, rental car facility (CONRAC), and Airport Operations Center (AOC) at ATL.

“Daver’s ability to build strong relationships, align diverse stakeholders, collaborate at all levels, and lead with an innovative mindset makes him uniquely positioned for this role,” said Aviation Director Chad Makovsky. “I am confident that Daver’s broad experience and passion for the industry will directly shape the future of our airport system and the community we serve for generations to come.”

In addition to leading IT program delivery at the City of Phoenix system of airports and Atlanta International Airport, Daver has built a culture of innovation at every stage of his career. He has implemented critical industry initiatives, including the development of a Digital Strategy, the implementation of an innovative Passenger Forecast Data Sharing Model, and the implementation of the Biometrics Exit Program for a frictionless customer experience.

“I am grateful to our Aviation Director, Mr. Makovsky for his vision for our airports and entrusting me with this responsibility at a pivotal time,” Malik said.  “As our airports prepare for the next phase of growth, integrating technology and data into the physical infrastructure design is crucial to deliver efficient, adaptable, and future-ready facilities. At the same time, ensuring our development aligns with evolving passenger expectations, airline business models, and sustainability imperatives will be key to our long-term success.”

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.