Board Appoints Longtime Airport Leader Chris Morello to Ensure Continuity in MRY’s Operations and Capital Projects’ Transformation
First Female Executive Director in the Airport’s 84-Year History
Monterey, CA, Nov. 19, 2025 – Following a nationwide search, the Monterey Peninsula Airport District (MPAD) Board of Directors is proud to announce the appointment of Chris Morello as Executive Director for Monterey Regional Airport (MRY). Ms. Morello has 18 years of aviation experience, having served MRY in the Planning Department since 2007; as the Deputy Executive Director since spring 2022; and most recently as Interim Executive Director since June 2025. An employment agreement between the MPAD and Morello will be considered by the board at its regular meeting, which will be held on Dec. 11, 2025.
“Ms. Morello’s leadership, track record, strong community connections, and aviation and airports’ planning experience will ensure the continued success of MRY during construction of the Replacement Passenger Terminal. Her intimate knowledge of every major project at MRY since 2007 and the many opportunities and challenges facing the Monterey Regional Airport and the communities it serves make her the ideal choice as Executive Director,” said Carl Miller, Chair of the MPAD Board of Directors.
Morello’s career has been marked by her commitment to delivering results. Under her guidance and focus, MRY has achieved significant milestones, including elevating the passenger experience, improving operational safety and efficiency, strengthening relationships with community and business partners, and the recent announcement of nonstop service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Her other key contributions include guiding the development and construction of the FAA-required Safety Enhancement Program, which will conclude when the Replacement Passenger Terminal opens in June 2027.
“I am honored to have been asked to take on the role as Executive Director for Monterey Regional Airport and am excited to build on the incredible legacy of the airport’s former executive directors,” said Morello. “By working together with the airport’s board, staff, and partners, we can continue to transform and strengthen MRY’s aviation infrastructure and deliver world-class services to our local and visiting travelers and aviation tenants.”
As Executive Director, Morello will report to the five-member publicly elected board and is responsible for the development, operation, and administration of the airport and its services to customers. She will lead and represent the airport regionally and nationally to implement regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and stakeholder engagement to ensure MRY meets the evolving needs of travelers, businesses, and the aviation industry.
A resident of Monterey since 2007, Morello is the first female to serve as executive director for Monterey Regional Airport since the MPAD was established in 1941.
MRY’s Executive Director search was conducted by ADK Consulting and Executive Search, a retained firm specializing exclusively in searches for the aviation community.
