DETROIT (July 20, 2016) – At a meeting today, Wayne County Airport Authority CEO Thomas Naughton announced he will be retiring from the Airport Authority upon the expiration of his contract at the end of September. The Wayne County Airport Authority Board voted to approve an executive consulting services agreement with Naughton, effective Oct. 1, to assist with transition needs as the Board conducts a search for a new executive to lead the management of Detroit Metropolitan (DTW) and Willow Run (YIP) airports.
“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.”
Naughton began working with WCAA in 2002, when Public Act 90 established the Authority, and has served in a number of leadership positions including chief financial officer, executive vice president and interim chief executive officer. He was promoted to chief executive officer in 2012. During Naughton’s tenure with WCAA, DTW was named one of the Best Airports in North America by Airports Council International’s Airport Service Quality Program for its customer service and quality. The Authority has made significant progress in diversifying the workforce and improving succession planning across the organization. Also, WCAA has increased opportunities for small-, women- and minority-owned businesses to work with the airports. In a 10-month period, the number of certified small business enterprises jumped by more than 300 percent. As CFO, Naughton assembled the financing for DTW’s capital overhaul including construction of two award-winning passenger terminals, a new airport access road from I-275, the Westin hotel and Crosswinds Marsh, a wetland preserve.
“Tom is rightly recognized as a strong leader in the aviation field who combines considerable financial acumen with a deep knowledge of airport operations,” said Airport Authority Board Chairperson Sue Hall. “Thanks to Tom’s leadership, airline passengers consistently rank Detroit Metro Airport as one of the best airports in the world. We are pleased that he has agreed to advise the Airport Authority through the transition to his successor and want to thank him for his continuing service to the Airport Authority, the aviation industry and, most importantly, the millions of passengers who safely fly to and from our airports each year.”
“I look forward to working with the Airport Authority’s Board and staff during the transition period, and to being available to advise management after retiring as CEO,” Naughton said.
Today, the Board also voted to appoint Joe Nardone as interim CEO. Nardone is currently the Vice President of Business Development and Real Estate for the Authority. He will begin serving in his new role Oct. 1 as the Board takes steps to implement a transition plan.
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