2021
DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR LARGE AIRPORTS
CALM, SAVVY AND APPROACHABLE
FLL’s Gale Liked, Respected By Airport, Industry, City Colleagues BY ANDREW TELLIJOHN While Mark Gale’s most recent roles have been at the director level as CEO of Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and as CEO and director of aviation at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), those who know him personally and professionally say he’s never forgotten his roots. He started as an intern at PHL and worked his way up the organizational chart before becoming the leader. And he still speaks freely with everyone, whether in the C-suite or the convenience store. He’s a savvy leader but also open to helping anyone who reaches out seeking assistance with a problem. And he’s able to stay calm, no matter the stormy circumstances. Here’s what some of his friends and colleagues had to say about him:
JOHN DUVAL National Aviation Director Austin Commercial
“I was director of operations at Logan [International Airport (BOS)] and he was director of operations at PHL. We used to call each other regularly, share stories and ask each other for advice on similar problems. Our relationship goes back 30-plus years. We’ve played a lot of golf together. We get together at conferences. I consider him one of the nicest men I know and a very good friend. He’s the kind of guy who would do whatever he could for you. I used to refer my staff to him and even sent people to PHL to learn how he was dealing with operational issues. And he was always open to helping other airports and airport executives solve issues.”
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