BROWARD COUNTY, FL - The Broward County Aviation Department (BCAD) is pleased to announce the appointment of CEO/Director of Aviation Mark E. Gale, as the new Chair of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).
Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., and founded in 1928, AAAE is considered the world's largest professional organization representing individuals who work at public-use commercial and general aviation airports.
Gale previously served terms as First Vice Chair of the AAAE Board of Director's Executive Committee for 2021-22, Second Vice Chair, 2020-21, and Secretary/Treasurer, 2019-20.
"I am honored to serve with such a diverse and talented group of airport executives in this new capacity as Chair," he said. "As travel continues to recover and more normalcy returns to airport operations globally, I believe that together we can make significant strides in creating a stronger and better aviation industry to meet the future needs of travelers."
Gale's aviation industry career spans more than three decades, including over 20 years of upper-level management experience at two large-hub U.S. airports: Broward County's Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
During AAAE's 94th Annual Conference & Exposition in Seattle, Wash., June 5-8, 2022, several other key appointments to the organization's Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Policy Review Council were announced.
Earlier this year, Gale was officially recognized by Airport Experience News with its 2021 Director of the Year Award in the Large Airports Division at its annual conference in Orlando. Other honors include a 2019 Apogee Award from South Florida Business & Wealth magazine, which recognizes distinguished top-level business leaders for their dedicated service in their respective industries and communities, and the 2012 Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) Executive of the Year award.
Gale joined BCAD in March 2016 to oversee the executive management and operation of FLL and its general aviation reliever facility North Perry Airport, including strategic vision development and implementation of capital programs, financial performance, new goals, and objectives. Prior to this, he served as CEO at PHL from 2009 to 2016 and as the deputy director of aviation for operations and facilities from 2000 to 2009. He held several other positions with the Philadelphia airport dating back to 1985.
In addition to being an Accredited Airport Executive, Gale is a member of Airports Council International-North America, serving on their U.S. Policy Council, and a member of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Boards of Directors. He holds a bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Studies/Aviation Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
About AAAE
Founded in 1928, AAAE is the world's largest professional organization representing the individuals who work at public-use commercial and general aviation airports. AAAE's 9,000 members represent some 875 airports and hundreds of companies and organizations that support the airport industry. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., AAAE serves its membership through results-oriented representation in Washington, D.C., and delivers a wide range of industry services and professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and a highly respected accreditation program.
About Broward's Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Airport generated $37.5 billion in economic activity annually and nearly 18,000 direct, local jobs. Currently, FLL is one of the fastest-recovering U.S. airports, with domestic passenger traffic approaching pre-pandemic levels. In 2021, the Airport served nearly 28.1 million passengers. FLL is located in Greater Fort Lauderdale in the heart of Florida's Gold Coast. The Aviation Department, FLL's operator, is a self-supporting agency of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners that does not rely on local tax dollars for operations and capital improvements. The department also operates North Perry Airport, a general aviation facility for private and charter aircraft operators. Call 954-359-6100 for more information. For updates on airport programs and services, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, or visit fll.net.
June 27, 2022
MEDIA CONTACT: Arlene Satchell, Public Information Officer
Broward County Aviation Department
PHONE: 954-359-6116
EMAIL: asatchell@broward.org