Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) Chair Rick King has announced his decision to retire from the commission that oversees the operation of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and six general aviation airports in the Twin Cities.
MAC Vice Chair Patti Gartland will assume interim leadership of the 15-member board on Nov. 21 and will serve in that expanded leadership role until Minnesota’s governor appoints a permanent successor.
Rick King said: “It’s truly been an honour to hold multiple roles amplifying the tremendous work of the MAC that allows Minnesotans to travel the globe and drive economic growth across the state,”.
“It’s been one of my most rewarding experiences, working with the absolute best staff who prioritise what’s best for our customers and business partners.”
King is departing from the MAC to spend more time with his family as he winds down decades of corporate and organisational board leadership.
His MAC service began in 2007 as a representative on the Flying Cloud Airport Advisory Commission. Starting in 2011, he served two terms as a commissioner appointed by Gov. Mark Dayton. In 2019, Gov. Tim Walz appointed King to chair the MAC board.
Gov. Walz said: “I am grateful to Rick King for his outstanding work as Chair of the Metropolitan Airports Commission.
“The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport consistently ranks among the best in North America, and Rick has played an integral role in this success.
“I thank him for his dedication to public service; the impacts of his work will be felt for years to come.”
Brian Ryks, MAC CEO, said: “Chair King has provided a determined energy, a strong voice, and a steady hand in his leadership of the MAC Board of Commissioners over the years, especially through the pandemic recovery — one of the most difficult times our industry has ever faced.
“It’s been a privilege to work with him in championing broad public engagement with our many communities, residents and stakeholders to share the positive impact of our airports across the region.”
Among the many achievements during King’s service on the board, MSP has been honoured with back-to-back (and three out of four) best mega airport honours in the annual J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study and won best airport awards from the Airports Council International Airport Service Quality program for seven out of nine years.
The MAC also approved a record capital improvement program budget in 2024, continuing its strategic investments to modernise facilities across the airport system.
This fall, the MAC completed its 10-year, $600 million Operational Improvements Program, transforming the 1960s-era pre-security areas of Terminal 1 into a modern airport experience.
