Avports Announces New Manager for Gary/Chicago International Airport

Feb. 1, 2021

Avports announced a new Airport Manager for the Gary/Chicago International Airport (GCIA), Charles H. Sweet II, C.M. who will start Feb. 1.

Sweet comes to the Gary/Chicago International Airport from Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, WI, where he was deputy airport director. Prior to that, Sweet was an Airport Superintendent at Sheboygan Memorial Airport and a technician on a variety of engineering crews. Sweet served as construction project inspector and airfield management specialist for the U.S. Air Force.

“After an exhaustive search, we are thrilled to welcome Charles to the Gary/Chicago International Airport family. His vision for GCIA, drive for excellence, and love of people will accelerate the airport’s growth and maximize its potential. We look forward to working together as we continue to ensure the safest possible air travel and the highest level of service at GCIA,” said Jorge Roberts, CEO of Avports, the service provider overseeing airport operations.

“I’m excited to join the well-supported team at Avports and to lead the Gary/Chicago International Airport into the future,” Sweet said. “I look forward to getting into the trenches with the good people who work at GCIA, to learn from them and together chase excellence. An airport that maximizes its potential is not only good for business but important for the community of Northwest Indiana and our neighbors in the Chicago Metropolitan Area.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Charles Sweet to our Gary/Chicago International Airport family,” said Duane Hayden, executive director of GCIA. “His experience, professionalism and level of prior commitment to both the airports and the communities they serve will be a strong addition to our airport and we look forward to working together.”

“We are looking forward to working with Mr. Sweet,” said Timothy Fesko, chairman of the Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority. “The airport has seen significant growth and investment over the past several years. We feel Mr. Sweet has the experience and commitment to continue solidifying our role as the Chicago region’s third official airport while being the premier mid-sized airport in the Greater Midwest.”