MARK GALE
CEO & DIRECTOR OF AVIATION, FORT LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, FORT LAUDERDALE
Gale went to Embry-Riddle planning to become an air traffic controller but fell in love with the idea of running an airport during a work-study internship at the Philadelphia International Airport. Gale developed and implemented capital programs, financial performance, new goals and objectives. In 2019, FLL accommodated nearly 37 million passengers, making it the 18th-busiest airport in the U.S. and the 10th-busiest U.S. airport in terms of international passengers, with 8.8 million.
| EDUCATION | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (BS) |
| CAREER EVOLUTION | Before becoming CEO/director of Aviation for Broward County, Gale held a number of positions at the Philadelphia International Airport, ultimately rising to become CEO. |
| CIVIC EFFORT | Both I and my employer, Broward County, are big supporters of the United Way. |
| SOMETHING SURPRISING | I always thought it would be fun to own/operate a small Italian-style restaurant — maybe stemming from my early days working in them. |