Keith Brune, Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation, was honored as the 2024 Northeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives’ (NEC/AAAE) Airport Executive of the Year. The award was presented at NEC/AAAE’s recent Airports Conference.  

Brune was recognized for his significant contributions to the aviation industry, its future leaders, and the NEC/AAAE. The award is presented to an executive member of the chapter who is an Accredited Airport Executive in good standing and has demonstrated themselves as a deserving by their recent professional accomplishments and contributions to the industry, including support and participation in the NEC/AAAE chapter. Keith is an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) and is an International Airport Professional (IAP) certified by Airport’s Council International (ACI).

Throughout his more than 30-year career with the Department of Aviation, Brune has held various positions, including Airport Operations Superintendent, Acting Facilities Maintenance Manager, Airport Operations Manager, Deputy Director of Aviation- Operations and Facilities, and interim Chief Executive Officer.  In his current role, he oversees all day-to-day operations of Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE), including landside and airside operations, security and maintenance of terminals and facilities, and capital development.    

Brune has contributed to the industry and community by serving  on the Board of Directors and Vice President for the Aviation Council of Pennsylvania, Vice Chair of the AAAE Legislative Affairs Committee, Chair of the AAAE International Facilitation Sub-Committee, a member of several committees with both the NEC and national AAAE, and member of the USO's Advisory Board for the Pennsylvania and New Jersey regions. To develop future leaders, he participates in the accreditation process and mentorship of the next generation.  

“I am very grateful for this generous recognition and honored to be the recipient of the Airport Executive of the Year award,” said Brune. “I have been fortunate to work with many incredibly talented and hardworking people and I could not have achieved this without the trust, confidence, joint efforts, and dedicated teamwork of our airport team.”