Mark Gale, CEO and Director of Aviation at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), has been selected as Director of the Year, Large Airports Division, by Airport Experience News.
“Mark Gale has overseen significant expansion and modernization of FLL since he took the helm in 2016, all while managing rapid growth in passenger traffic throughout the latter half of the 2010s,” said Melissa Montes, publisher of Airport Experience News. “Those achievements, coupled with his long tenure in dynamic airport management and his commitment to the broader aviation industry, made him a clear choice for Director of the Year.”
Gale has a long history in airport management. Prior to leading FLL, Gale was CEO of Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) from 2009 to 2016, after serving as deputy director of aviation for operations and facilities from 2000 to 2009. Gale held several other positions with PHL dating back to 1985. He retired from the City of Philadelphia in January 2016, joining FLL shortly thereafter.
“To be chosen as Airport Director of the Year by AXN is a high honor and after 35 joyous years in this wonderful industry, I am truly humbled by this recognition,” said Gale. “However, it is essential to note that receiving such an award would not be possible without the steadfast support of many others along the way, but especially over the last 18 months during this horrific pandemic. I am pleased to accept and share this award with an incredible team of talented and dedicated FLL employees, our Broward County Commission, County Administration, and numerous key airport and community partners. Thanks for lifting me up and allowing me to take this incredible journey with you all.”
Gale is the third of three directors of the year to be named by AXN for 2021. Earlier this month, AXN announced the selection of Rick Tucker, executive director and CEO of the Port of Huntsville, as Director of the Year in the small airports division; and the selection of Rebecca Hupp, director of Boise Airport, as Director of the Year in the medium airports division. The three honorees will be featured in the November/December issue of Airport Experience News and will be honored at the 2022 Airport Experience Conference.
