Mark Gale has been named director of the aviation department for Broward County, replacing Kent George, who last week announced his intent to retire later this year. The Board of County Commissioners for Broward County approved Gale’s appointment on Feb. 2.
Gale, formerly CEO of Philadelphia International, was tapped by the aviation department last week, but the move needed approval from the board. Gale will take over in March and will oversee Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) and North Perry (HWO).
“I am honored and very pleased to have been selected,” says Gale. “I look forward to working with the Board of County Commissioners, the County Administrator, the hard working and dedicated employees of FLL and North Perry (HWO) Airports and all of the employees of Broward County.”
George is expected to stay on through a transition period.
George joined the Broward County aviation department in 2007. In his time with the county, he oversaw the construction of a new South Runway at FLL, a terminal modernization program and a $2.3 billion capital improvement program. He was named ARN’s Director of the Year for large airports in 2012.
Gale recently left PHL after 28 years at the airport. He was appointed CEO in 2009, responsible for overseeing the planning, development and administration of all of the Division of Aviation’s activities, including PHL and Northeast Philadelphia (PNE).
During his time as CEO, Gale helped advance a multi-billion-dollar modernization and expansion program, five new airline carriers started service, and business and leisure destination options were added, as were a variety of new amenities and retail and concession options.
