Xcēd, an aviation ground support equipment (GSE) provider in North America, named Erin O’Donnell company president. O’Donnell joined Xcēd after serving as the airport director of Chicago Midway International Airport for nearly 22 years. She will report to Jeff Walsh, CEO of Sasser Family Companies, of which Xcēd is a subsidiary.  

“Xcēd is a dynamic GSE provider with an entrepreneurial approach that has expanded its footprint by offering customized financial solutions that give airlines and equipment operators of all sizes one-stop access to new, refurbished and used inventory,” O’Donnell said. “I am excited to be joining the Xcēd team at a time when the aviation industry is experiencing a reset, which is driving airports, airlines and equipment operators to rethink their equipment needs and investments. Xcēd combines a wide range of financing options with asset management services and expertise that gives airlines and operators the flexibility to adjust their equipment needs as their business changes. And being a part of the Sasser family of companies, an organization that has treated customers as partners for more than 90 years, means that Xcēd delivers a personal touch that you cannot put a price on.” 

An aviation industry veteran who was recognized in Crain’s 40 Under 40, O’Donnell was the airport director at Chicago Midway International Airport for the last 22 years.  During her 33-year career in aviation management, O’Donnell held several positions with the City of Chicago Department of Aviation at both Midway and O’Hare airports. During her tenure, O’Donnell led projects such as Midway’s capital development plan, which was valued at more than $2 billion in total investment.  O’Donnell is also active in the American Association of Airport Executives and previously served on the board of directors’ policy review committee.  

“With its unique value proposition and ability to deliver GSE to airports in the U.S. and Canada on time, Xcēd’s business has grown exponentially,” Walsh said. “While sustaining the year-over-year gains made by Xcēd, we believe that we are well positioned to develop new strategies and explore new customer offerings that will help our aviation industry partners remain competitive well into the future. Along with the rest of Sasser’s executive leadership team, I was extremely impressed by the breadth and depth of Erin’s experience, and her grasp of the challenges that airports, airlines and equipment operators are confronted by daily. I am highly confident that under Erin’s leadership, Xcēd is poised to continue its strong performance over the long-term.”

Sasser Family Companies is a fourth generation, family-held transportation asset services and management company.