Airport News:

Wayne County Airport Authority Welcomes Three New Board Members

DETROIT – Jan. 28 - The Wayne County Airport Authority, operator of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Willow Run Airport, today welcomed three new members to its Board as they were sworn-in at the start of today’s regular Board meeting in Dearborn.  Samuel A. Nouhan, Renee Pipis Axt and Mary L. Zuckerman each began six-year terms on the Airport Authority Board effective this month.  Wayne County Probate Court Judge Freddie Burton administered the Oath of Office.

"The Airport Authority warmly welcome the leadership and vision that Samuel, Renee and Mary each brings to our Board,” said Wayne County Airport Authority CEO Lester Robinson.  "The Authority staff looks forward to their support and independent oversight as we continue to maintain two of the world's best-run air transportation facilities."

Appointed by Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, Samuel A. Nouhan from Grosse Pointe is a partner in the national law firm of Bowman and Brooke LLP’s Detroit office.  His practice areas include product liability, commercial and municipal litigation.  He previously served in the office of the Wayne County Corporation Counsel and as a clerk to two federal judges.  Nouhan is a graduate of the University of Detroit-Mercy School of Law and previously served on the Grosse Pointe Park City Council.

Also appointed by Executive Ficano, Renee Pipis Axt from Detroit is the President of RCP Associates LLC, a business development and government relations consulting firm in Detroit.  She also serves on the Board of Directors for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.  Pipis holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University.

Our County’s Airports are among our greatest assets and greatest opportunities for business growth,” said Wayne County Executive Robert A. Ficano.  “These new Board members will help to execute the regional vision for Aetrotropolis as the economic engine that will power our economy into the future.  They understand the challenges facing the airlines that serve our Airports and are committed to collaborating with them to ensure that our Airports continue to be respected around the world.”

Appointed by Governor Jennifer Granholm, Mary L. Zuckerman of Livonia is the executive vice president and chief of business operations for the Detroit Medical Center (DMC). Before joining the DMC in January 2004, she spent eight years with Wayne County. During her tenure, she held various executive level positions, including deputy county executive. Zuckerman earned her master’s degree in public administration from Northern Illinois University and a bachelor’s degree from Winona State University.

Established in 2002 by the Michigan State Legislature, the Wayne County Airport Authority is an independent agency responsible for the management and operation of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Willow Run Airport. The Authority is overseen by a seven-member Board of Directors.  Under state law, the Wayne County Executive appoints four of the Board’s members, the Governor of Michigan appoints two, and the Wayne County Commission appoints one.