Africa-Press – Liberia. Hughes brings to the Liberia Airport Authority an extensive professional background spanning accounting, finance, governance, and public service.
The Liberian Senate has confirmed Ernest R. Hughes as the new Managing Director of the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA), alongside John Z. Buway as Deputy Managing Director for Administration.
The confirmation was announced on Thursday, November 13, following the Senate’s review and approval of the nominees forwarded by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.
The appointments, communicated by Senate Secretary J. Nanborlor F. Singbeh Sr., come as part of President Boakai’s efforts to strengthen Liberia’s aviation sector with experienced and qualified leadership.
The nominations were confirmed in compliance with Article 54 of the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia.
“I have the honour to present my compliments and by directive of the Senate (IN SESSION), apprise Your Excellency that the below named nominees forwarded to the Senate, 2nd
Session, 55th Legislature for confirmation consideration in compliance with Article 54 of the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, were confirmed on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Hon, Ernest R. Hughes, Managing Director, Liberia Airport Authority and Hon. John Z. Buway, Deputy Managing Director for Administration, Liberia Airport Authority,” the statement by Singbeh to President Baoakai said.
Hughes’ qualifications
Hughes brings to the Liberia Airport Authority an extensive professional background spanning accounting, finance, governance, and public service.
He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Tennessee Technological University, with a focus on Management Information Systems and Finance, and an Honors Bachelor of Commerce from McMaster University in Canada, emphasizing Accounting and Economics.
Hughes’ career includes senior leadership roles in both the public and private sectors.
Most recently, he served as Vice Executive Chairperson of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), where he oversaw investigations, prosecutions, and implementation of anti-corruption programs across the country. Previously, he was Director of Integrity, Ethics & Compliance at Walmart Corporation’s Global Controllership Office in the United States, where he managed enterprise-wide risk assessments, compliance frameworks, and internal controls.
In Liberia, Hughes has held several high-level positions, including Interim Managing Director and Deputy Managing Director for Administration & Finance at the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), Senior Finance Manager at ArcelorMittal Liberia, and leadership roles at Deloitte & Touché, LLP, and PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP. Hughes is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Liberia and the United States, a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and a Certified Information Security Auditor (CISA).
With his appointment, Hughes is expected to spearhead the modernization and strategic development of Liberia’s airports, improving operational efficiency, enhancing safety standards, and fostering investment in the aviation sector.
President Boakai’s selection reflects a commitment to placing experienced professionals in key leadership positions to drive development, transparency, and efficiency in Liberia’s critical infrastructure sectors.
The President has accepted the resignation of the Chairman of the Board, Hon. Massaquoi Kamara, and has directed the retirement of the Managing Director, Hon. Jeremiah Mends-Cole, on medical grounds.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. on October 27, 2025 appointed Ernest R. Hughes, to replace former Managing Director Jero Mends-Cole, who retired on medical grounds.
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