Gary/Chicago International Airport Board Appoints BR Lane as Interim Director

City-of-GaryEarlier today, the Gary/Chicago International Airport Board unanimously approved the appointment of BR Lane as Interim Director. Lane most recently served as Chief of Staff to Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson and will assume her new role effective tomorrow. She submitted the following statement regarding her appointment:

"I am both humbled and honored to accept this appointment and recognize the magnitude and importance of the duties that I have inherited. I thank the Board and the Mayor for having the vision and confidence in me to lead an entity, which I know will have a tremendous impact on this region’s growth and economic development. Just as in my role as Chief of Staff, I am here to serve. I will represent the best interests of the citizens of Gary, NWI, the State of Indiana and all other stakeholders of the airport. I look forward to working with the board and staff to ensure that projects such as the P3 exploration and runway expansion move forward until a permanent director is identified."

Mayor Freeman-Wilson also weighed in on today’s vote.

“I commend and thank the board for selecting Ms. Lane as Interim Director. As I previously stated, I have full confidence in her ability to perform all job duties, while moving all current projects at the airport forward. She has already had a seat at the table as we work to complete the runway and forge a P3 partnership, so her transition into the role of Interim Director makes sense and should be a smooth one.”

City Attorney/Deputy Chief of Staff Richard Leverett will assume the role of Acting Chief of Staff for the City of Gary.

City of Gary’s Mission

To serve the current and future citizens of Gary by providing a safe, clean and working city that continuously improves the quality of life of its residents and establishes Gary as a national model for urban revitalization.

City of Gary’s Vision

The City of Gary will be safe, smart, accessible, prosperous and green. City Hall will provide the citizens of Gary with effective and responsive service while maintaining high ethical standards and fiscal discipline.