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MAC execuitve director & CEO announces retirement

Jeff HamielA message from Jeff Hamiel, executive director & CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission

When I was preparing to leave active duty as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force, my dream was to become a commercial airline pilot. I loved to fly planes, and I thought that would be great way to earn a living.

What changed my mind? While I was searching, an Air Force colleague showed me a posting from the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), seeking its first noise program manager. I applied, got the job, and have stayed with the MAC nearly 40 years, serving as executive director/chief executive officer for the last 30 of those years.

Operating airports is a challenging and unique experience. We strive to provide safe, efficient, well-maintained facilities, to attract and grow air service and related jobs for the region, and to minimize negative impacts of aviation, such as noise, on neighboring communities. But it is other entities – private pilots, airlines, concessionaires, and service providers as well as government security and air traffic control officials – who give our airport facilities meaning.

For nearly four decades, I have had the privilege of working with many great people from all walks of life who contribute to the success of the MAC’s airports and to the air transportation experience in Minnesota. The relationships I’ve built with the people who use and work at MAC’s airports are what I have valued the most in my career and what I will miss most when I retire.

That day is coming soon. I have notified the MAC board that I will retire in May 2016. The MAC has retained an executive search firm to conduct a national search for my successor. That search will begin in earnest in the next few weeks to allow time for a thorough recruitment and selection process and to have someone on board before I depart in May. MAC Chairman Dan Boivin will appoint a selection committee to narrow down the field of candidates and make a recommendation to the board. The board will then approve the selection of my successor early next year.

Thank you for your continued contributions to the MAC airport system. An airport is a community unto itself, and I am proud of the community we have built together.