The Richland-Lexington Airport District has promoted Michael A. Gula to the position of Executive Director of the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) after a national recruitment initiative.

“I am very excited to transition into the role of Executive Director at CAE and work with the Airport Commission, staff, stakeholders and community,” said Mr. Gula.  “I look forward to opportunities that will continue to make CAE a regional catalyst for air service, cargo and economic growth.”

Since January 2014, Gula has been the Director of Operations, Planning and Facilities for CAE. In his new role as executive director, he will be responsible for the overall business operations, administration, human resources, financing, marketing, community relations, air service development, maintenance, safety, security and planning and development of the Richland-Lexington Airport District and the related airport facilities.

Gula has gained significant knowledge and airport administrative experience while serving four different commercial service airports over 15 years. He previously served as the Director of Operations at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport for two and one half years; Operations Manager at Blue Grass Airport – Lexington (KY) for two years; and as the Manager of Operations and Cargo Development for six years at Toledo Express Airport (OH). He also has prior experience with Emirates SkyCargo/Global Air Cargo, Inc.

Gula maintains an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) certification from the American Association of Airport Executives, and in 2016 was named by Airport Business News a top 40 under 40 recipient. He received his Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management and Operations from Bowling Green State University.

This national search was conducted by ADK Executive Search, a retained executive search firm specializing exclusively in searches for the aviation community.

The Airport stated: Columbia Metropolitan Airport is a major economic engine for South Carolina’s Midlands region. As a self-sufficient entity, the airport doesn’t receive any state and local tax dollars yet generates an estimated $847 million for the state of South Carolina. Columbia Metropolitan Airport names Gula as new executive director