Chicago Executive Airport Director Earns National Aviation Award

WHEELING, IL — Chicago Executive Airport's executive director has earned a national aviation award recognizing his work connecting the airport, its businesses and surrounding communities.

Jeff Miller received the National Air Transportation Association's Airport Executive Partnership Award on Tuesday during the organization's Aviation Business Conference in Denver, according to an airport news release.

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The award recognizes an airport manager's efforts to foster relationships between aviation businesses and airport operators. NATA's board of directors selected Miller from a group of airport director finalists.

"General aviation airports are part of the fabric of our local communities," NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna said in the release. "Jeff Miller exemplifies the role airport leaders play in bridging the important gap between airports, aviation businesses, and communities and creating opportunities for partnership and shared celebration."

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The recognition comes during Chicago Executive's centennial year. Miller and his team have used public events and community outreach to celebrate the airport's history and highlight its role in the region's economy and transportation network.

"This year's commemoration is a launching pad for the next century," Miller said in the release. "It's also a way to involve the community as a true neighbor and partner."

Miller credited the airport's staff for the recognition.

"To say it was a surprise is an understatement. But what cannot be understated is the amazing team here at the airport, as this award truly reflects our collaborative spirit," he said.

Jointly owned by Wheeling and Prospect Heights, Chicago Executive began in 1926 as a 40-acre grassy field with dirt runways. It has since grown into one of the nation's busiest general aviation airports, according to the release.

The airport supports more than 2,100 jobs and generates approximately $441 million in economic activity, airport officials said.

Miller, a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, has led Chicago Executive for five years. His aviation career spans more than 25 years, including work at commercial airports, airlines and businesses providing services to aircraft operators in Michigan, California and Illinois.