By Kenn Potts
Jeff Nagel, the Airport Manager at MBS International Airport in Freeland, Michigan has announced he is retiring on June 24, 2020. Nagel started his airport career in 1984 in Columbus, Ohio cleaning airplanes for the FBO. Every night he had to wax a 727 and a 737 for Peoples Express. He also has airline experience at Piedmont Airlines. Nagel’s airport management career started at Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, Michigan. He has spent the last 18 years at MBS International.
Nagel, who has a BS degree in Aviation Management from Florida Tech, stated his proudest accomplishments at MBS are: “I’m most proud of the projects we completed as a team at MBS. As you know, major projects on airports are not individual accomplishments but rather a product of a team all moving towards the same goal. Whether it was the development of the new terminal or a major airfield project, we always had strong buy-in from employees and tenants and I think that goes a long way to having those projects completed successfully.”
During summer months Nagel plans to stay in the area. “We have family in Michigan including both of our daughters. I’m looking forward to spending more time visiting them.” Once the winter weather starts, Nagel said they’ll be looking at heading south somewhere, although the final destination is not yet determined. “Between my time at TVC and MBS, I’ve had enough snow to last me for a while.”
Nagel has spent more than 30 years in Michigan aviation and has met a lot of people along with the way. “I was fortunate to work for two outstanding managers and learned a great deal from both of them,” said Nagel. “As I move into the next chapter of my life, I realize I’ll miss the friends I’ve made the most. Aviation is a dynamic industry and I consider myself lucky to have been a part of it for so long.”
The Airport commission has appointed an airport Personnel Committee to lead the search for a replacement and will be advertising very soon.
