WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — The Connecticut Airport Authority announced its next executive director Thursday, with current Executive Director Kevin Dillon set to retire in early 2025.
According to a spokesperson, Michael Shea, CAA deputy executive director of finance, business development, planning & engineering, will serve as the next executive director.
Shea played a "pivotal role in driving growth at Bradley International Airport, or BDL, over the last decade through strong fiscal management and strategic planning," according to the airport's website.
Shea helped in the funding and execution of CAA's major capital projects, helping to keep airline costs down, double non-airline and increase nonstop routes at BDL from 29 to nearly 50, the spokesperson said.
Shea assisted in the funding and planning and design of construction projects at Bradley including a $210 million ground transportation center that opened in July 2022, according to the airport's website.
He also secured $243 million in federal and CAA funding for a capital improvement program to "enhance the flow and functionality of Bradley's main terminal for travelers," BDL's website noted.
Gov. Ned Lamont said the CAA Board "made an excellent choice in naming Mike Shea as its new executive director."
"Mike is intimately familiar with the operations of Connecticut’s airports, and he is part of the team that over the last several years is responsible for transforming Bradley International Airport into one of the highest ranked airports in the United States,” Lamont said. “He understands that there is a direct connection between the strength of our airports and the strength of our economy, and his leadership will be a benefit to Connecticut’s airport system.”
Shea said that he is "honored to serve" as the CAA's newest executive director.
"I look forward to continue building off the success and momentum that we have been able to achieve together over the past 11 years,” Shea said. “I am thankful for this opportunity, and I particularly would like to thank the CAA Board for its confidence and Kevin Dillon for his mentorship during my tenure with the organization.”
Dillon said that "Mike has been a valued member of the team ever since he walked in the door."
"I am very proud of all that he has and will continue to accomplish with the organization,” Dillon said. “As I enter retirement, I am confident that the CAA will continue to thrive under Mike’s leadership.”
According to the spokesperson, Shea was recently recognized as a Hartford Business Journal 2024 C-Suite award winner. He also won the 2017 CFO of the Year award.
Shea began with the CAA as director of finance and CFO in September 2013. Before that, the spokesperson said he graduated from Boston College with a Bachelor of Science and from the University of Hartford with a Master of Science. He served in senior finance roles for multiple real estate and insurance firms and is a "licensed certified public accountant."
More information about Shea can be found here.
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