The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) has selected Michele Ross to serve as director of stakeholder engagement following a competitive, national search. Ross started the new role on Monday, Sept. 16.
In this role, Ross will lead the MAC’s Stakeholder Engagement Department, which includes the community relations and events teams. She will be responsible for developing and leading strategic engagement programs for the MAC and its system of airports, engaging stakeholders and community members on topics such as aircraft noise and facility planning, overseeing the MAC’s industry-leading airport noise program, and steering the MAC’s event programs and activities that promote and communicate the positive impacts of aviation and engage employees.
“Stakeholder engagement is a priority for the MAC, and Michele is a great choice to represent us in that work,” said MAC CEO and Executive Director Brian Ryks. “She has a record of working effectively with people on a wide range of topics, and carefully considering diverse perspectives. We look forward to having her represent the MAC in her new role.”
Ross brings a depth and variety of leadership, aviation and planning experiences to her new role. Most recently, Ross was the MAC’s manager of community relations where she worked closely with community members, government staff and elected officials, aviation industry leaders, and a range of advisory groups such as the MAC’s Noise Oversight Committee. Prior to that, Ross held leadership roles that included the environmental review director for the Minnesota Department of Health and serving as a consultant and project manager for various organizations.
“Establishing trust and genuine connection is very important in stakeholder engagement, and Michele has been successful at this in a variety of contexts,” said MAC Vice President for Strategy and Stakeholder Engagement Naomi Pesky. “Her technical expertise combined with her commitment to two-way communication make Michele an effective voice for the MAC on issues that matter to our stakeholders, and we are pleased to have her take on this role.”
Ross has a bachelor’s degree in geology from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration from the University of North Dakota. She is an accredited professional in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and is a certified member in the aviation industry group American Association of Airport Executives. She currently serves as the chair of Airports Council International-North America’s Noise Working Group.
