Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority President and Chief Executive Officer John E. “Jack” Potter, who has led the organization through 15 years of record-setting growth, unprecedented challenges and profound change, has announced he will retire in early 2027.

“It has truly been an honor to have had the opportunity to work with such a talented and dedicated group of people focused on the mission of providing the very best airport experience,” Potter said in his announcement to the Airports Authority’s 1,950 employees. “Together we have faced numerous challenges, which you handled with unfailing dedication to keeping passengers safe and airplanes flying. We tackled all types of weather, dealt with the ups and downs in the economy, managed through the pandemic, and, most unfortunately, worked through the tragic accident near Reagan National Airport.”

Potter’s decision comes as the Airports Authority embarks upon a wide-ranging capital construction program. The initiative includes projects valued at $2.4 billion to upgrade terminals, roadways and other facilities at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and a more than $22 billion program to transform Washington Dulles International Airport into a state-of-the-art “airport of the future” for the National Capital Region.

The Airports Authority’s achievements under Potter’s leadership include completing construction of the Metrorail Silver Line extension, which brought Metro train service to Dulles Airport and points beyond. The Authority also completed Project Journey, which added a new concourse and security screening areas at Reagan National. 

Potter’s business transformation initiatives include the formation of an Office of Revenue for the Airports Authority in 2014, resulting in a significant growth in non-airline revenue, which helped reduce airlines’ operating costs at Reagan National and Dulles International airports and earn Dulles the distinction of “fastest-growing U.S. international gateway airport” in recent years.

He also presided over numerous workforce development programs to increase training and opportunities for employees to move into higher positions and take on bigger challenges. Noting the Authority’s apprentice, professional development and succession-planning programs, Potter said he is “immensely proud of what I believe is one of the best workforces in America.”

Potter joined the Airports Authority in 2011 after a long career with the U.S. Postal Service, including a decade of service as postmaster general of the United States. Upon his arrival, he instituted a series of reforms and policy and process changes to put the Authority on a path to future success. 

During Potter's tenure, the Authority has added amenities and services to give passengers a better airport experience, including in-terminal WiFi, upgraded wayfinding features and restrooms, new passenger lounges, new parking options, gate-area seating and charging stations, additional options for getting to and from the airports and an enhanced concessions program that gives the airports a greater “sense of place” for the nation’s capital.

“Jack Potter’s extraordinary leadership, strategic vision, personal integrity and resilience in challenging times have created a legacy that places our airports among the most respected in the aviation industry and positions us well for future success,” said Airports Authority Board Chairman Mark Uncapher. “His sense of caring for passengers and employees has boosted our customer satisfaction and made the Airports Authority a great place to work. We are privileged to have Jack Potter as our CEO, we thank him for his countless contributions, and we wish him all the best in the years ahead.” 

The Authority’s board of directors has hired the executive search firm Spencer Stuart to lead the effort to find a new president and CEO for the Airports Authority. Potter has assured the board that he will remain on the job until the selection of a new leader and a successful transition.