Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) Executive Director, Dan Mann, has announced his decision to accept the position of Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority in Louisville, Ky., beginning in March.

Mann took over as the Director of Columbia Metropolitan Airport in February 2010. During his time at CAE he reduced the airport’s overall cost per passenger from $12 to $9, and lowered the airport’s debt from $155 per passenger to $75. He also led the airport to five consecutive years of passenger growth – a milestone that had not been reached in 40 years. Dan implemented a comprehensive DBE outreach initiative leading CAE to being recognized nationally for its DBE Participation Program. In addition, Mann spearheaded a $58 million capital improvement program that made the airport a more efficient and environmentally-friendly facility. Highlights include the installation of LED lighting throughout the terminal, construction of a new fire station, and the development of a five-acre solar farm on the airport’s campus.

Mann says that the decision to leave Columbia was not an easy one to make as he and his wife Melissa have thoroughly enjoyed their time in the Midlands.

“I’m very proud to have been a part of the CAE team. This is a remarkable group of professionals and we’ve been able to make a tangible impact on the Columbia Metropolitan Airport. Melissa and I have also made life-long friends along the way which makes this a bitter-sweet time for us.”

Jim Compton, Chairman of the Richland-Lexington Airport Commission, CAE’s governing body, has expressed thanks on behalf of the Commission for the contributions Mann has made to the airport and by extension to the region.

“Since day one, Dan has said that his objective is to be the best small hub airport in the country. He has been steadfast in that commitment and the results speak for themselves. He leaves our airport on sound financial footing and with well established relationships with our partners and stakeholders.”

Dan heads to Louisville with 25 years of experience in airport management and air service development. Prior to coming to Columbia, he was Executive Director of the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids and manager of the airport in Casper, Wyoming.

As Executive Director for the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, Mann will oversee the Louisville International Airport, with over 1.6 million enplanements, and Bowman Field, the busiest general aviation airport in the state. The Louisville Regional Airport Authority is also home to UPS’s all-points international air express hub, Worldport.