As Chairman of Chicago Executive Airport Board for the past eight years, D. Court Harris helped steer the airport through a period of incredible growth, modernization and deepened community engagement with Prospect Heights and Wheeling.

Chairman Harris focused on responsible development of the airport during his two terms, leading the update of the CEA Master Plan to ensure future growth would be guided by a commitment to sustainability and being a good neighbor to surrounding communities. With his guidance, the airport continued to focus on generating self-sustaining revenue from users, rather than relying on local taxpayers.

His leadership was pivotal in attracting the transformative Sky Harbour development, the largest in the airport’s history. This ongoing project includes more than 300,000 square feet of development and the acquisition of the former Ramada Inn. The airport also built a $3 million standalone U.S. Customs facility at the south end of the airfield to clear incoming aircraft and passengers, increasing the airport’s appeal for international travelers.
Chairman Harris credits the improvements to an airport staff and culture focused on responsibility, partnership, and pride.

“What I’m really proud of is that organizations will tell you that operating at Chicago Executive Airport is easy compared to everywhere else they operate. People have confidence it’s going to be a great operation, everyone is professional, the staff is world class,” he said. “We want to be level 1A, among the best private airports, we want to be at that level.”

Making the airport a stronger community partner is one of Chairman Harris’ top three accomplishments. He is especially proud of growing Run the Runway, an annual 5K that has grown to more than 1,000 participants and become a signature community event, and of extending CEA’s partnership with local business chambers.

With his term expiring in July, he sees even more community engagement to come through the plans he worked on with Executive Director Jeff Miller and the CEA board to build a new airport headquarters and community center that will provide space and opportunities for students, aviation education, workforce development, civic groups and more.

Chairman Harris said the CEA’s committed board and supportive local governments make it all possible.

“Without a doubt, the support from the Board and the support from the elected bodies really is the main reason for the success of the organization,” he said. “The community’s interaction and the leadership of the Airport is better now than I’ve ever seen it and they deserve a ton of credit.” Beyond the airport, Court’s life is marked by service and connection. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Court served more than five years in the U.S. Army, including time in Afghanistan managing airbase logistics. There, he first caught the aviation bug that would shape his future. His military career was marked by high-stakes responsibility—managing multimillion-dollar budgets, ensuring logistical support across Central Asia, and overseeing teams and assets valued in the millions.

 

Court’s service didn’t stop when he returned home. He has been an active member of numerous organizations, including the Arlington Heights Police and Fire Commission, the West Point Society of Chicago Board of Directors, the St. Viator Alumni Association, and the Council of 100 at The Bunker Incubator. He’s also involved in cultural and veteran organizations such as the Chicago Sister Cities Committee for Milan, the National Italian American Foundation, Team RWB, the Knights of Columbus, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

During his tenure on the Board, Court and his wife Colette welcomed their daughter Morgan, who has already caught the travel bug from her adventurous parents.

As Chairman Harris concludes his term, the Chicago Executive Airport community reflects with deep gratitude. His legacy of thoughtful leadership, community partnership, and tireless service leaves the airport stronger, more connected, and better prepared for the future.

We thank Chairman Harris for his unwavering dedication and wish him nothing but blue skies and tailwinds in all that lies ahead.