CT airport agency names new executive director, only second to serve as leader

A nationwide search for a new executive director to lead the Connecticut Airport Authority , which oversees Bradley International Airport and the state’s five general aviation airports, has resulted in the selection of an executive who has worked at the CAA for more than a decade.

Michael W. Shea, now deputy executive director for finance, business development, planning and engineering, began his tenure with the CAA  in 2013 as director of finance and chief financial officer.

Shea, 46, will succeed Kevin A. Dillon, who will retire in early 2025 , after leading the newly-created quasi-public CAA since 2012 as its first executive director. The CAA took over the responsibility for Bradley and the other airports in 2011.

Shea’s appointment was approved Thursday by the CAA’s board of directors.

Shea’s employment contract for his new post is still under negotiation, a CAA spokesperson said. Shea is paid a salary of $256,365 in his current position as deputy executive director.

Shea is credited with designing the funding for CAA’s major capital projects and then moving forward with them. At Bradley, the state’s largest commercial airport, those projects include the $210 million ground transportation center that opened in 2022, and $243 million in projects set for completion by early 2026 , including a new baggage screening system.

According to a statement, under Shea’s stewardship non-airline revenue at Bradley — such as concessions and parking, for example — has more than doubled during his tenure, allowing the CAA keep costs to airline low, spurring additional non-stop route growth. The number of non-stop routes has risen from 29 to 50.

Gov. Ned Lamont praised the selection, noting Shea’s deep knowledge of the state’s airports and integral to the transformation of Bradley “into one of the highest ranking airports in the United States.”

“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,” Lamont said, in a statement.

CAA board Chairman Tony Sheridan said Shea will provide a smooth transition for the CAA as its second executive director.

“Mike has been a respected, senior leader at the CAA for many years now, and we are proud to have him serves as the next executive director,” Sheridan said, in a release.

Prior to the CAA, Shea served in senior finance roles at real estate and insurance firms. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree from Boston College and holds a master of science in professional accounting from the University of Hartford. Shea also is a licensed certified public accountant.

Kenneth R. Gosselin can be reached a kgosselin@courant.com .