Jeff Mulder, A.A.E., Executive Director of the Lee County (Florida) Port Authority, has received the American Association of Airport Executives’ (AAAE) Distinguished Service Award, which is presented to airport executives in honor of an exemplary career and contributions to the airport industry.
“Jeff is a dedicated colleague who has served the nation’s aviation community in many important roles over his distinguished career, including highly-respected airport leader and active AAAE member,” said AAAE Chair Jeanne Olivier, A.A.E., ACE, Assistant Director, Aviation Security and Technology at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. “In addition to three decades of tireless service to the aviation industry, Jeff has devoted his time and substantial expertise in a wide array of volunteer positions that have resulted in countless improvements throughout our industry.”
The Distinguished Service Award is one of AAAE’s highest levels of recognition. Men and women receive the award as a mark of accomplishments in their professional and personal lives. Respected leaders of their own communities, these men and women also contribute to other aviation organizations, serve AAAE and its chapters, and participate in civic and community affairs. Distinguished Service Award winners exemplify the best in airport management by continually bringing credit to the profession and the aviation community. All DSA winners are Accredited Airport Executives (A.A.E.) and exemplify the standards accreditation seeks to inspire. Mulder received the award last week at a meeting of the Lee County Port Authority Joint Board.
Mulder has been active in many aspects of AAAE over the years, including serving as AAAE Chair for 2015-16. He currently co-chairs the International Association of Airport Executives and serves on AAAE’s Policy Review Committee. He previously served on the Executive Committee for six years and the Board of Directors for 11 years. Mulder held a number of leadership positions at the South Central Chapter of AAAE, culminating in his election as Chapter President in 2011. He is also involved in numerous AAAE committees, including serving as Chair of the Environmental Services Committee and the Ethics Committee, as well as Secretary/Treasurer of the Audit Committee.
Mulder joined the Lee County Port Authority as Executive Director in 2017, where he directs the administration, operations and development at Southwest Florida International Airport and Page Field in Fort Myers, Fla. Prior to that, he was Director of Airports at the Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust. Mulder has also served as Director of Transportation for the City of Tulsa, Okla., and worked at airports in Appleton, Wis.; Evansville, Ind.; Milwaukee and New Orleans. He is a member of the executive committee of the Tony Jannus Society, as well as a member of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Southwest Florida. Mulder was named the 2016 Airport Director of the Year by Airport Revenue News. He holds a commercial pilot license and is a certified flight instructor.
