Advisory Council Chair

Melissa Cooper, A.A.E

Deputy Director of Aviation, Property Management and Commercial Development
Kansas City International Airport (KMCI) &
Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (KMKC)

Council Member since 2019

Melissa Cooper, A.A.E, has served as the Deputy Director of Aviation, Property Management and Commercial Development for the Kansas City Aviation Department since December 2021.  Prior to her current position, she was the Manager of the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport, Field Maintenance at Kansas City International Airport (MCI), Deputy Director of the Johnson County Airport Commission serving as the Airport Manager for New Century Air Center and Johnson County Executive Airport and the Assistant Airport Manager at Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Prior to her positions in Airport Management, she worked as a Contractor with the FAA Central Region Runway Safety Program, as a System Controller for Vanguard Airlines, and a scheduler for Executive Beechcraft.  Melissa holds her commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating.  She has a MS degree in aviation safety and a BS degree in aviation technology both from University of Central Missouri.  Melissa currently serves as Chair of the Bombardier Safety Standdown Advisory Council, President for the Great Lakes AAAE Chapter and the Past-President of the Missouri Airport Managers Association.