ADK Consulting & Executive Search Recruits Chief Commercial Officer for the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority
February 20, 2026 – ADK Consulting & Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Carlos Ruiz as chief commercial officer of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority in Grand Rapids, MI. The search was led by Barry Bratton and Christine Santiago. In his new position, Mr. Ruiz will help elevate the guest experience and support the airport’s strategic goals. “We are delighted to welcome Carlos Ruiz to the Airport Authority’s leadership team,” said Tory Richardson, Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority president and CEO. “Carlos brings a strong track record and collaborative approach that will help foster innovation, strengthen partnerships and position the airport for continued growth. We look forward to the perspective he will bring to support the airport’s mission.”
Mr. Ruiz most recently served as the director of commercial management at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), responsible for a diverse commercial portfolio of over $90 million in annual revenue including parking, ground transportation, rental cars, concessions, and advertising. He oversaw the implementation of CVG’s parking reservation and smart shuttle tracking technology, as well as the completion of major food and beverage concessions redevelopment. Mr. Ruiz is an accredited airport executive (AAE) with the American Association of Airport Executives.
“It’s an honor and privilege to join the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority and serve a community with such strong momentum,” said Mr. Ruiz. “I’m excited to help expand the airport’s commercial opportunities in ways that elevate the guest experience and fuel regional economic development. Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority’s has a bold vision for the future, and I’m inspired by the authority’s commitment to innovation and collaboration. I look forward to working alongside the dedicated team to build on the airport’s incredible foundation and help deliver meaningful value to West Michigan.”
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is Michigan’s second-busiest airport, serving more than four million passengers annually with eight commercial airline partners offering nonstop flights to over 35 destinations. Managed and operated by the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, the airport supports over 40,000 jobs in the region and contributes more than $7 billion to the local economy each year.
Founded in 2003, Atlantic Beach, FL-based ADK specializes exclusively in talent searches for the airport management community. The firm is led by founder and president Doug Kuelpman, who has a history of over 40 years in aviation. ADK’s services include retained executive search, interim management, organizational consulting, and leadership development.
Mr. Bratton joined ADK as senior project manager in 2018 with a diverse background in airport management, military, commercial and general aviation. His part-time work at an aircraft salvage firm provided the means to obtain his pilot license prior to graduation from high school. Mr. Bratton has served in leadership roles in commercial service and general aviation airports administration for 20 years, most recently as general aviation director for page field in Fort Myers, FL.
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Ms. Santiago is a senior human resources consultant for ADK. In addition to providing recruitment services and organizational development for their clients, she actively collaborates and assists in continuous improvement programs for the entire ADK team, improving communication and outstanding service to clients. Ms. Santiago joined the firm in 2019, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the airport industry. She initially worked in human resources and then expanded her role to safety and risk management for Clark County Department of Aviation in Las Vegas, NV.
Massachusetts Port Authority Search
ADK also recently assisted in the recruitment of Taylor Casey as chief people officer of The Massachusetts Port Authority. The assignment was led by Gale LaRoche and Christine Santiago. In this position, Ms. Casey will report to the CEO, leading the Authority’s HR efforts, overseeing talent acquisition, employee relations, DEI initiatives, workforce planning, and benefits administration. Ms. Casey has more than 15 years of experience in driving workforce strategy, organizational transformation, and talent optimization.
Most recently, she served as vice president of people and culture for Ideon, a software company that provides digital experiences in health insurance and employee benefits. In that role, she directed organizational strategy and people operations with full oversight of strategic initiatives. Ms. Casey has also served as chief people officer for Transformative Healthcare in Massachusetts and CALL9 Medical, P.C. in New York.
The Massachusetts Port Authority is an independent public authority of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, created by act of the legislature in 1956. It operates three significant business lines – Aviation, Maritime, and Real Estate – and stewards $3.4 billion in assets that safely, securely, and efficiently connect the Commonwealth and New England to the world beyond and enhance the quality of life for residents in the region.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
