Michael Gula’s retirement from Columbia Metropolitan Airport was official on Dec. 13.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Michael Gula, CEO of Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), has retired. The airport confirmed on Friday that his last day was Dec. 13.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport said in a statement that Gula’s decision to retire was amicable and made in coordination with the airport’s oversight committee.
Gula has been at CAE since 2014, first as Director of Operations before being promoted to CEO in 2018. Over his ten years at CAE, the airport experienced significant growth, including:
- Introducing service to Miami and Chicago and expanding service to LaGuardia Airport in New York.
- Securing $8 million in infrastructure, service, and cargo upgrade grants.
- Leading a multi-million-dollar Checked Baggage Inspection System improvement project.
- Expanding TSA checkpoint services and enhancing food & beverage offerings.
- Installing a 2.3 megawatt solar farm, resulting in approximately $280,000 in annual savings.
- Adding air service by VIA Airlines, Silver Airways, and Allegiant.
Gula stated …