Mark Papko last month officially began as the new director of the Dane County Regional Airport (MSN).
Papko was named airport director by Dane County Executive Melissa Agard and confirmed by the County Board of Supervisors before beginning onsite at the airport on July 7.
Papko has background in aviation leadership, having served as the director of operations and projects at Duluth International Airport since 2020, where he oversaw a $200 million capital improvement program. He also led environmental compliance initiatives including stormwater and PFAS management in collaboration with federal, state and local agencies.
Papko’s career also spans roles at Grand Junction Regional Airport, San Jose International and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Operations from St. Cloud State University and an MBA in Aviation from Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University. He is an accredited member of the American Association of Airport Executives.
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