MAC CEO Brian Ryks receives Distinguished Service Award
AAAE awards Ryks for lifetime of service to airports
Brian Ryks, the CEO and executive director of the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), recently received the Distinguished Service Award from the nation’s leading airport executive association, recognizing his leadership and 40 years of service in the industry.
The award from the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) is one of the group’s highest honors, presented to executives whose leadership, accomplishments and service have made a lasting impact on their airports, colleagues and communities.
Ryks has built a reputation as one of the most thoughtful and forward-looking leaders in airport management. His career has been marked by a deep loyalty to the communities and airports he has served, with leadership roles at six different airports spanning the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes region.
Since 2016 Ryks has led the MAC, overseeing Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) and a system of six general aviation airports in the Twin Cities that form one of the most respected airport systems in the country. The airport has consistently ranked among the best airports in North America for customer experience and operational efficiency in that stretch of time. He’s also championed accessibility for all passengers and led MSP through extensive renovation and modernization projects, positioning the airport for the future.
Ryks’ influence at MSP also has been key to building a culture of collaboration, innovation and service at the airport and across the MAC.