Chad Makovsky, aviation director for the City of Phoenix, has been selected as Director of the Year, Large Airports Division, by Airport Experience News.
Makovsky provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the Phoenix system of airports, including Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT) and Phoenix Goodyear Airport (GYR). Appointed to the City of Phoenix Aviation Department role in March 2021, Makovsky previously served as executive vice president of operations at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Prior to that, he held various executive roles with the City of Phoenix Aviation Department, Burbank Airport (BUR), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and America West Airlines over his 35-year professional career.
Since 2021, Makovsky has led PHX on an aggressive growth path that includes expansion of domestic and international routes, record passenger levels and a reimagined concessions program. Earlier this year, he oversaw the launch of the airport’s latest infrastructure development, a $326-million expansion for Terminal 3.
“Chad Makovsky is driving one of North America’s most admired airports forward with new routes and expanded facilities, all while taking cutting-edge approaches to concessions management, autonomous vehicle integration, green practices and more,” said Melissa K. Montes, vice president and publisher of Airport Experience News. “His ongoing leadership in various facets of our industry made him an easy choice as this year’s Director of the Year in the Large Airports category.
Makovsky called the recognition an “incredible honor” and acknowledged colleagues for their role in PHX’s ongoing success. “This award reflects the incredible work of the entire Phoenix Sky Harbor team and our business partners,” he said. “We’ve achieved record-breaking passenger numbers, expanded our international air service, embraced innovation, and launched new customer-focused programs and sustainability initiatives. I am so proud of how America’s Friendliest Airport continues to elevate the experience for every passenger while contributing to our region’s economic vitality and global connectivity.”
“I’d also like to thank my peers who nominated me for this award,” Makovsky continued. “What a privilege it is to be able to work alongside and learn from so many exceptional leaders in this dynamic industry.”
Makovsky is the third of three directors of the year to be named by AXN for 2025. Last week, AXN announced the selection of Christina Cassotis, CEO of the Allegheny County Airport Authority, as its Director of the Year, Medium Airports Division. Prior to that, AXN announced that Perry Miller, president and CEO of the Capital Regional Airport Commission, was named Director of the Year, Small Airports Division. The three directors will be featured in a special Leadership Issue of Airport Experience News and will be honored at the 2026 Airport Experience Conference.
