Haley Gentry Named Aviation Director for City of Charlotte, Becomes First Woman to Lead Charlotte Douglas International Airport

On June 2, the City of Charlotte announced that Haley Gentry is the next aviation director for Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). Gentry has spent more than 30 years in the Aviation Department, having started as an intern in 1991. She is the first female director for Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

“When I first walked through the doors of the airport as an intern, I knew this was a very special place to work. We have a terrific team and wonderful support from our city leadership. Our focus and hard work have grown CLT into what I believe is the best airport in the country. I’m proud and grateful to have this opportunity to now lead the Aviation Department,” Gentry said. “My focus will continue to be growing CLT and continuing the initiatives that we have been working on for many years, including ensuring that the department is an employer of choice, remaining a cost-effective airport for our partners and providing a great experience for travelers.”

Gentry succeeds Brent Cagle, who was named assistant city manager for the City of Charlotte. Gentry was named acting aviation director in October 2020, when Cagle joined the City of Charlotte’s Manager’s Office on a special assignment.

“Few people know the Aviation Department and Charlotte Douglas International Airport as well as Haley,” City of Charlotte City Manager Marcus D. Jones said. “From starting as an intern to being the interim Aviation Director over the past seven months and demonstrating her abilities to lead the department during that time, Haley has had an exemplary career at the City of Charlotte. I’m excited for her to continue that journey as the new Aviation Director and proud that she’ll be the first female aviation director in our organization’s history and join a small but growing group of women leading the aviation industry in our country.”

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is ranked the sixth busiest airport in the world, averaging 1,400 daily aircraft operations. CLT serves 184 nonstop destinations around the globe and welcomes more than 27 million passengers annually. CLT is the second-largest hub for American Airlines.