Chad Leqve, a 22-year veteran of the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), has been named its new vice president – management and operations.
In that role, Leqve will oversee day-to-day operation of all seven MAC Airports: Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP), Airlake, Anoka County-Blaine, Crystal, Flying Cloud, Lake Elmo, and St. Paul Downtown.
Previously, Leqve was director of the MAC Environment Department, helping the MAC earn a reputation as an industry leader in aircraft noise mitigation, developing innovative approaches to noise measurement, data collection and communication, and fostering collaboration among airlines, community representatives and Federal Aviation Administration officials. Under Leqve’s leadership, the department also created a tool to measure local impacts of new aircraft arrival procedures, achieved Level 2 Airport Carbon Accreditation from Airports Council International, and strengthened water and air quality protections.
“Chad is uniquely qualified to lead the MAC’s Management and Operations Division,” said MAC Chief Operating Officer Roy Fuhrmann. “Over the course of the past two decades, Chad has focused on airfield runway use, capacity and safety; environmental leadership; stakeholder engagement; and bringing airlines, the Federal Aviation Administration and community leaders together to address concerns collaboratively. A licensed pilot, Chad knows airport operations from both a professional and user standpoint. And his commitment to innovative problem solving will provide a competitive edge in keeping our airport system among the nation’s best.”
As vice president, Leqve will oversee a division that includes the Field Maintenance and Airside Operations, Landside Operations, Facilities, and Terminal 2 Operations departments at MSP. The division also includes the Reliever Airports Department.
“The leaders and employees in the MAC’s Management and Operations Division are a true testament to what makes this organization an industry leader,” Leqve said. “I am honored and excited to partner with them and our airline and federal partners in continuing the MAC’s tradition of excellence at MSP and the reliever airport system.”
A graduate of St. Cloud University with a bachelor’s in aviation management, Leqve has been involved in a variety of industry leadership roles and activities through Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), the Transportation Research Board, Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics, NextGen Joint Planning and Development Office, University of California Davis Annual Noise and Emission Symposium Coordinating Committee, FAA Local Area Augmentation System Government and Industry Partnership Benefits Advocacy Action Planning Group, and American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).
He has also received a number of prestigious awards, including: the AAAE and ACI-NA Randy Jones Award for Excellence in Airport Noise Mitigation, Abatement and Management; the Environmental Achievement Award – Innovative and Special Projects from Airports Council International-North America; Airport Business’ Top 40 Under 40 Award; and the Outstanding Achievement Award for Community and Public Outreach from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Leqve resides in Lakeville with his wife, two sons and daughter.
