SALISBURY — Valerie Steele, Mid-Carolina Regional Airport and Rowan Transit System director, has achieved the highest professional mark in aviation by earning the title of Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).

To receive the designation, Steele had to complete a three-phase accreditation process: pass a written exam, complete a writing requirement, and demonstrate to an interview panel of executives her knowledge and ability to handle the responsibilities of airport management. Her accomplishment marked a milestone for AAAE by reaching 500 active Accredited Airport Executive members in AAAE for the first time since the program began in 1954.

Steele, who previously worked at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Jacksonville International Airport, and Flager County Airport, has been at the helm of Mid-Carolina Regional Airport in Rowan County for the last five years. She is the first Rowan County Airport Director to hold this credential. Steele said she is most proud of “progressing toward the hangar expansion and parallel taxiway projects which will, in the end, account for over approximately $30 million dollars in improvements with approximately one-third of the projects being paid for with grant funding.”

Rowan County Manager Aaron Church praised Steele, saying, “We are so fortunate to have Valerie Steele. She has brought professionalism and leadership skills to Rowan County. Not only is Valerie the director of the airport, but she also agreed to take on additional responsibilities after being here a short time by serving a dual role as the Rowan Transit director, making systemic changes by transitioning the department from contracted drivers and dispatch to an in-house, county-run system. Valerie also played a pivotal role in conceptualizing the new transit building that is currently under construction.”

Commissioner Craig Pierce, who played a role in selecting Steele five years ago, said, “Valerie is the best thing that has happened to the airport in years. She is well respected among our customers, employees, contractors and colleagues. She has taken the airport to the next level.”

When asked, Chairman Greg Edds lauded Steele as “someone who has successfully led a growing airport with nearly 100 aircraft, including the North Carolina National Guard, North Carolina Highway Patrol, a medical helicopter and Food Lion to name a few. Valerie hasn’t been afraid to have hard conversations that have ultimately improved our operations during our continued growth. She has exceeded our expectations while navigating a growing airport that is a strong economic engine for the county.”