Chad Makovsky has been named the next Director of Aviation Services for the city of Phoenix, concluding a competitive, nationwide hiring process. Aviation Services in Phoenix includes executive leadership of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT), and Phoenix Goodyear Airport (GYR).
Chad MakovskyChad has served as Executive Vice President – Operations for Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport since March 2017. Prior to this, he was an Assistant Aviation Director for the Phoenix Aviation Department, responsible for oversight, leadership and planning of operations, safety, design and construction, and facilities at Phoenix Sky Harbor, Phoenix Deer Valley and Phoenix Goodyear airports. Chad has nearly 30 years of experience in the aviation industry, including leadership positions at Hollywood Burbank Airport and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, in addition to DFW and Phoenix. Chad holds a bachelor’s degree in aviation operations and management from St. Cloud (MN) State University, and a master of business administration from Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business.
“Chad brings remarkable airport leadership experience, combined with a deep understanding of Phoenix city government and the operations of our three airports. He represents a bright future for effective collaboration between the Aviation Department and the city’s airports, employees, business partners, surrounding neighborhoods and the larger community. Chad is the complete package, including his commitment to public service, business acumen and relationship-building talents,” said Ed Zuercher, Phoenix City Manager.
“Between the moving of cargo and support operations to the north side of the airport, the completion of the Phoenix Sky Train and the expansion of the National Guard’s footprint on the south side, there is a lot happening at Sky Harbor and throughout our airport system,” said Mayor Kate Gallego. “Chad’s deep experience in Phoenix and nationally will be immensely valuable in bringing those projects to completion.”
“Chad is an accomplished leader with broad aviation experience who brings expertise in operations, strategic planning, capital improvement, business and economic development. He is a seasoned professional with an outstanding track record at Phoenix Sky Harbor; his return to the airport will seamlessly navigate us into the future,” said Councilwoman Thelda Williams, chair, Transportation, Infrastructure and Innovation Subcommittee.
“The Phoenix system of airports continues to be exceptionally well run as evidenced by the Wall Street Journal’s recent recognition of Sky Harbor as best large airport in the U.S., and other recent awards. I am thrilled to be given the opportunity rejoin the Phoenix leadership team, and to again work alongside an extraordinarily dedicated team of industry professionals. I remain committed to ensuring the Phoenix system of airports provide world class services and amenities to our customers while reflecting the values of the community we serve,” said Chad Makovsky.
Chad will assume the director role in Phoenix on March 29, 2021, after completing his commitments to DFW. Interim Director of Aviation Services Charlene Reynolds will continue to lead the Aviation Department until that time.
