Thomas Naughton, CEO of the Wayne County Airport Authority, announced Wednesday that he will retire from the airport authority upon the expiration of his contract at the end of September. He will remain with WCAA on a consulting basis to assist with transition needs during the search for a new CEO.
The WCAA Board also voted to appoint Joe Nardone as interim CEO. Nardone is currently the vice president of business development and real estate. He will begin serving in his new role Oct. 1 as the board takes steps to implement a transition plan.
Naughton, who as CEO led the management of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) and Willow Run (YIP) airports, began working at WCAA in 2002 when the authority was established. He became CEO in 2012.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to lead one of the best teams of aviation professionals in the world,” said Naughton. “Together, we have been at the forefront of aviation management and successfully guided the airport authority through many improvements, including the construction of two new passenger terminals and the full reconstruction of the largest, most capable runway at Detroit Metro Airport.”
