Managing Director of Sea-Tac International Airport announces retirement
Port of Seattle begins worldwide search for successor
Mark Reis, Managing Director of the Port of Seattle’s Aviation Division, announced today that he will retire in early 2016. Reis has worked for the Port for 27 years, 11 of those as Managing Director of Aviation. Prior to that, he was the deputy managing director of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and the general manager of commercial development at Sea-Tac. He also served as director of finance for the Port of Seattle.
In his most recent position, Reis has overseen airport operations and capital projects in a strategic and skillful manner. He has helped to build one of the most successful airports in the nation. He served as the Chair of Airports Council International – North America and is on the Board of Directors of Airports Council International, the world-wide association of airports. His contributions reach beyond our nation’s borders to connect our region’s people and products with the world.
“Mark’s dedication to the Port of Seattle, the airport, and the people of this region has helped us manage both the recent record-breaking growth at the airport and the economic downturn before that,” said Port of Seattle CEO Ted J. Fick. “His attention to customer service and operational efficiency has generated many benefits to travelers, cargo operators, and our economy. I congratulate Mark on his retirement and thank him for his extraordinary leadership over nearly three decades.”
Reis’ tenure included many achievements:
- Completion of the third runway, a new air traffic control tower, and new rental car facility
- Opening of the Central Terminal and Concourse A - facilities that transformed Sea-Tac
- Total renovation of the airport subway systems
- Expansion of air cargo facilities
- Display of real-time flight information throughout the terminal and online
- Multiple new domestic and international routes with direct service to Beijing, Dubai, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, Osaka, Paris, Reykjavik, Seoul, Shanghai, and Tokyo
- First airport in North America to be certified for reducing carbon emissions by the Airport Council International’s (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program.
“The Port of Seattle’s mission at Sea-Tac Airport is to deliver world-class air service to support our region’s economic vitality,” said Port of Seattle Commission Co-President Courtney Gregoire. “Mark’s leadership in managing our airport investments, and his commitment to the traveling public and our airline partners, will continue to pay dividends to the region for decades to come.”
The Port is beginning the process of selecting a new director for the Aviation Division, hiring a search firm to look throughout the world for the best candidates. Airport customers will be asked for their thoughts about the qualities and potential candidates they think should be considered.