Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mark E. Uncapher, Esq., Maryland, Chair (elected by Board in Nov., 1-year term), 2026
Alex Vogel, Virginia, Vice-Chair (elected by Board in Nov., 1-year term), 2026

Maryland members appointed by Governor to 6-year terms: Timothy F. Poole, 2026; Mark E. Uncapher, Esq., 2028; Samuel A. Epps IV, 2030.

John E. (Jack) Potter, President & Chief Executive Officer
Felice C. Smith, Vice-President & Secretary (elected by Board in Nov., 1-year term) , 2026

1 Aviation Circle, Washington, DC 20001-6000
(703) 417-8600
e-mail: publicaffairs@mwaa.com
web: www.mwaa.com (external website, opens in new tab)

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority was created in 1986 by District of Columbia and Virginia laws. An independent regional body, the Authority operates Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (external website, opens in new tab) (formerly Washington National Airport) and Washington Dulles International Airport (external website, opens in new tab) . Previously, both airports were run by the Federal Aviation Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Now, the airports are operated under a 50-year lease between the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (P.L. 99-500, Title VI).

Running a two-airport system that provides domestic and international air service for the mid-Atlantic region, the Authority is responsible for capital improvements at both airports. Its organization involves central administration, airport management and operations, and coordination of assistance from police and fire departments.

Further, in 2006, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding allowing the Authority to operate and improve the Dulles Toll Road and build the Silver Line Metrorail extension. Since November 2008, the Authority has operated and maintained the Dulles Toll Road (external website, opens in new tab) , and, since March 2009, is responsible for funding and constructing the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project (external website, opens in new tab) (Silver Line), a 23-mile segment of the Metrorail System extending to Dulles International Airport and Loudoun County in Virginia.

Self-supporting, the Authority uses aircraft landing fees and revenues from concessions to fund operations. As an airport operator, the Authority can issue tax-exempt bonds to finance major capital improvements.

The Authority's Board of Directors has seventeen members who serve six-year terms. Three are appointed by the President of the United States, seven by the Governor of Virginia, four by the Mayor of the District of Columbia, and three by the Governor of Maryland.

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