The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials has named Mark Gale, CEO of Philadelphia International (PHL), its Executive of the Year.
The organization chose Gale based on his leadership, efforts and accomplishments in several areas including COMTO service, activities and contributions; hiring and promotion of minorities in executive management and supervisory positions; ensuring growth in contracting opportunities for historically disadvantaged business enterprises; and leadership in supporting equal opportunity and increased access for minorities. He received the award at the organization’s 41st National Meeting and Training Conference in Denver, Colo., on July 24.
“Mark deserves this great honor as it demonstrates his dedication in promoting the mission and values of COMTO,” says Rina Cutler, deputy mayor, transportation and utilities. “Mark and the entire airport team are to be applauded for taking a leadership role regarding the advancement of minorities in the transportation industry. It is a tribute to the goals of the [Mayor Michael] Nutter administration and to be recognized as Executive of the Year in a national forum.”
Under Gale’s leadership, PHL has reached out to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise community, holding economic opportunity forums that have attracted hundreds of participants interested in business opportunities. He has also sponsored COMTO general meetings at the airports and supported the airport’s collaboration with the organization to get students from public high schools in the area to participate in PHL’s annual Career Day. In addition, under his tenure, the airport provided tours for the 2011 Youth Symposium, the youth component of COMTO’s annual conference, which encourages young people to think about careers in the transportation industry.
COMTO’s mission is to “ensure a level playing field and maximum participation in the transportation industry for minority individuals, businesses and communities of color through advocacy, information sharing, training, education and professional development.”
