JAA CEO Mark VanLoh, A.A.E., Honored With AAAE Distinguished Service Award

For Immediate Release

May 24, 2021

Alexandria, Va. – Mark VanLoh, A.A.E., Chief Executive Officer of the Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA), was honored with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Distinguished Service Award today at a meeting of the JAA Board of Directors. The award is presented to airport executives in honor of an exemplary career and contributions to the airport industry.

“For more than three decades, Mark VanLoh has served as a model airport professional, a respected aviation industry voice, and an effective leader in the communities that have been fortunate enough to have his services,” said AAAE Chair Kelly Campbell, A.A.E., Executive Director of Aviation at Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport. “Mark is the rare breed who has proven adept at getting things done while always being agreeable and respectful. It is fitting that AAAE is honoring him for his dedication, his professionalism, and his significant career achievements.”

The Distinguished Service Award is one of AAAE’s highest levels of recognition. Individuals receive the award as a mark of accomplishments in their professional and personal lives. Respected leaders of their own communities, these individuals also contribute to other aviation organizations, serve AAAE and its chapters, and participate in civic and community affairs. Distinguished Service Award winners exemplify the best in airport management by continually bringing credit to the profession and the aviation community. All DSA winners are Accredited Airport Executives (A.A.E.) and exemplify the standards accreditation seeks to inspire.

VanLoh, who became an accredited airport executive in 1989, has been active in many aspects of AAAE over the years, including continuous involvement at the chapter level and with service on the AAAE Board of Directors, the Policy Review Committee, and the International Association of Airport Executives (IAAE) Board of Directors.  He has served on several committees, including as chair of the environmental committee, and previously has hosted a AAAE national conference on air service.  He is also an active member of Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA).

VanLoh is a 34-year aviation industry veteran.  He received his pilot’s license while serving in the Army and went to work for Pan Am in New York after graduating from college.  While with Pan Am, he supervised the airport operations at several of the airports in the New York area operated by the airline.  He has held the airport leadership position in Rockford, Illinois; Toledo, Cleveland, Chattanooga, Kansas City, and Tulsa.  As the current CEO of the JAA, he oversees the operation of four Jacksonville-area airports.  Mark has been active in the United Way throughout his career. ​

Pictured (l-r): Mark VanLoh, A.A.E.; Kelly L. Campbell, A.A.E., executive director of aviation at Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport presenting Mark’s award on behalf of AAAE; Patrick Kilbane, JAA board chair.