Broward hires new chief for Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood airport

Broward County tapped someone new Tuesday to take the controls at Fort LauderdaleInternational Airport.

Mark Gale, who resigned recently from running the larger, busier Philadelphia International Airport, was confirmed by a unanimous County Commission on Tuesdaymorning. He said he’ll ensureBroward’s airport retains its reputation for “easy in, easy out.”

He’ll earn $270,000 a year, plus $450 a month car allowance, reimbursable moving expenses up to $32,400, and a relocation package equal to two months’ pay. If he’s fired without cause and ordered to leave immediately, he’ll receive 20weeks’ pay.

Gale announced in November at the age of 53 that he would leave this job in Philadelphia, where he had risen over 28 years froman intern toCEO.

The city’s airport is

slightly

larger

and busier than Broward’s, with more employees and a higher budget aswell. Recent rankings of the busiest airports in the country showed Philadelphia’s PHL ranked 19th in the country, and Broward’s FLL ranked 21st.

Gale acknowledged Tuesday that the timing of his departure from the city-run airport matched that of the mayor who had appointed him to the top job. Gale said he knew that when a new administration comes in, often there are big changes in staffing. But he said he’d been talking with his family for two years aboutmoving on to “the next chapter.’’ He promised his wife their next home would be in a warmer climate, with no snow.

“I just shoveled about 27 inches of snow lastweek atmy house,” he added.

His nomination to the top county post came despite concerns that the hiring process wasn’t public enough. Broward Mayor