Brian D. Ryks, A.A.E., was named executive director and CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission in May 2016. He is responsible for the administration and management of one of the nation’s largest airport systems, including Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and six general aviation airports. Read More or go to https://metroairports.org/people/brian-ryks for additional information.Ryks is a board member of Meet Minneapolis as well as the Minneapolis Area Chamber of Commerce. He is also on the Executive Committee of the Center for Transportation Studies at the University of Minnesota.
Ryks was named to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO list in 2024 for his professional and civic leadership. In 2023, ACI-NA presented Ryks with the Excellence in Visionary Leadership Award for his career contributions in managing airports; it’s the highest honor given by the trade association to an active airport CEO/director. Other awards and honors for Ryks include being named the 2015 Newsmaker of the Year in Economic Development by the Grand Rapids Business Journal, a 2012 Minnesota Council of Airports Distinguished Service Award, a 2009 Minnesota Council of Airports Award of Excellence for Outstanding Promotion of Aviation, a Patriot Award from the National Guard and Reserve in 2008, and a TSA Partnership Award in 2006.