ADK Completes VP and COO Search for Norfolk Airport Authority

April 29, 2025

Following a national search, ADK Consulting and Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Melinda Montgomery, A.A.E., as Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for the Norfolk Airport Authority. In this role she will oversee regulatory compliance and the efficient and effective running of certain day-to-day operations at Norfolk International Airport (ORF), which served nearly 5 million passengers in 2024 as the aviation gateway for Coastal Virginia and northeastern North Carolina.

Ms. Montgomery is an industry-recognized leader who has held executive roles at New Jersey’s Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN) for more than 25 years, including the past 13 years as airport manager. She will begin her new role at ORF in early June.

Her duties will include oversight of its Operations, Field Maintenance and Security & Public Safety departments. Ms. Montgomery will also lead the development and maintenance of operational documents such as the Airport Certification Manual, Airport Security Program, Wildlife Hazard Management Plan and Airport Emergency Plan, as well as ensuring compliance with the FAA’s CFR Part 139 and 49 CFR Part 1542 requirements.

Ms. Montgomery earned a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics and Management from New York’s Dowling College, and later obtained a Master of Business Administration from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She earned certifications from the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) as both an Accredited Airport Executive and International Aerodrome Certified Employee. She is also a two-time recipient of the F. Russell Hoyt Presidential Award, presented annually by AAAE’s Northeast Chapter and a National AAAE Leadership Award in recognition of an individual’s ongoing commitment and dedication to the airport industry.

“I look forward to the next chapter in my aviation career,” said Ms. Montgomery. “Norfolk International Airport is rapidly evolving to meet growth among travelers who visit or hail from Coastal Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. As the organization adapts for the future, I’m pleased to join the Norfolk Airport Authority’s leadership team.”

Credit: Norfolk Airport Authority