Mayor Michael A. Nutter Appoints Mark Gale as Chief Executive Officer of Philadelphia International Airport

Philadelphia, PA - Mayor Michael A. Nutter today announced the appointment of Mark Gale as Chief Executive Officer of Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). The appointment is effective immediately. In his new post, Gale is responsible for directing the development, planning and administration of all the activities of Philadelphia International Airport, Northeast Philadelphia Airport and the management of about 800 Airport personnel.

"After a national search and interviewing some impressive candidates, it is clear to me that Mark is the best in the business. Mark’s accomplishments as Acting Aviation Director and as Deputy Director of Aviation for Operations and Facilities are impressive. Mark’s vision for the future of PHL is bold. He is the right choice to lead one of region’s most valuable transportation assets,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter.

As CEO, Gale serves as the city's chief representative in local, state, national and international affairs, in marketing the airport system and improving air service. The CEO will work under the general direction of the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor for Transportation and Utilities and will earn a salary of $200,000 annually. The salary is funded entirely from the Airport enterprise fund, not general taxes.

“Mark brings to this very important post the exceptional management style that is required to run one of the country's most important airports," said Deputy Mayor Rina Cutler. "Philadelphia International Airport is an economic engine for the Delaware Valley. I am confident that under Mark’s leadership that engine will contribute more to the vitality of the region than ever before.”

During a period of economic challenge for the City and airline industry, Mark served as Acting Aviation Director and secured more than $32 million of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for critical repairs and improvements at PHL, trimmed Division of Aviation overtime budgets by half, helped keep PHL affordable for our airline partners, advanced the 6-year $4.8 billion Capital Improvement Program, and opened the runway 17-35 extension as well as the Cell Phone Waiting Lot.

"I am honored that Mayor Nutter and Deputy Mayor Cutler have chosen me for this important assignment. Philadelphia International Airport should not only serve as a world-class air transportation facility, operating with maximum efficiency while offering premium amenities and excellent customer service, but must and will serve as an epicenter for consistently strong regional economic development and global connectivity,” said Gale. “As both the Airport CEO and a lifelong Philadelphia area resident with a tremendous sense of pride in our great City, I am committed to working tirelessly with all necessary stakeholders to achieve these goals."

Gale understands Philadelphia International Airport and Northeast Airport inside and out, having started his career with the Division of Aviation as an intern in 1985. After graduating from college, he returned to the Airport in early 1989 and held a variety of positions during his tenure. In 1996, he was appointed the Airport’s Operations Manager before being appointed Deputy Director of Aviation for Operations and Facilities in 2000. As Deputy Director, he led a group of managers to direct day-to-day critical Airport functions, including all Airport operations, security, safety, maintenance, information technology, engineering design and construction, emergency plans, snow removal, rules and regulations development and also oversaw the daily operations at Northeast Philadelphia Airport.

In 2003, he was named Aviation Facility Manager of the Year by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Aviation. Gale holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Studies from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is an accredited member in the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). Additionally, Gale currently serves as an Officer on the Board of Directors for the Aviation Council of Pennsylvania, and also serves on AAAE’s Policy Review Committee.

Source: Philadelphia International Airport (December 18, 2010)

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