McKenna joined the Airports Authority in March 2020 after working nine years as a senior attorney at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of the General Counsel. She previously served as an attorney with the Michigan Economic Development Corp., the Michigan Economic Recovery Office, and Dykema Gossett PLLC, and worked for the U.S. House of Representatives and Michigan State Senate. During her time at the Airports Authority, McKenna has been instrumental in major legal and regulatory matters during a period of strong growth and rapid change in the commercial aviation sector. McKenna’s appointment to her new position was approved by the Airports Authority board of directors at its March 18 meeting.

Claire McKenna

McKenna received her law degree, cum laude, from Notre Dame Law School in 2004, and a bachelor’s degree, with honors, in public administration from Michigan State University.

“While we congratulate Claire, we also are sorry to see Ashley go,” Potter said. “During her tenure here, Ashley has made incredible contributions in some very challenging times, which she was instrumental in helping us navigate through her strong leadership and deep knowledge and experience in the law and aviation. We thank her for her service and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”