“It will be hard leaving the PWK because I have loved working here,” says Sam Lasky, Air Traffic Manager, Chicago Executive Airport (PWK). “The team here is phenomenal and I truly believe they are among the best in the country.”

Lasky, who has worked in the Chicago Executive Airport tower for a combined four years, will be saying goodbye to his 16 air traffic teammates and other airport friends at the end of June. The FAA has tapped him to oversee an even bigger role as Air Traffic Manager at O’Hare International Airport. There, he will manage an air traffic control team of approximately 100 and an estimated 2,400 flights per day. “I’ve been lucky,” he explains.

Luck aside, Lasky has been training for this big role since he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps as a young man living in Northwest Indiana. Unsure which area he would pursue as a Marine, a high score on a standard aptitude test showed that he had what it takes for air traffic control training. He agreed and went on to complete the Naval Air Traffic Control Academy program in Pensacola, FL and then was stationed in Beaufort, SC. He served there five years with his high school sweetheart who became his wife, Gia, by his side.

Following that, he was deployed to Afghanistan where he served his country as a Marine Mobile Team Leader for one year. He remembers that time fondly and refers to the ‘peaks and valleys’ that come along with serving in war time. Following his international service, Lasky remained an active Marine until he joined the FAA. He graduated from the FAA Academy and was then based in Evansville, IN as an air traffic controller. After that experience, he joined the PWK team as a controller, then he was assigned to Midway International Airport, and then he returned ‘home again’ to PWK.
“I think my ability to work with all types of people and maintain a calm demeanor has served me well,” he says.

When asked to reflect on his career, he admits that it is a lot of work and long hours. “In this business, I really work whenever I am needed, depending on what is going on,” he explains. “But the people are really great.”

We salute you, Sam Lasky, and wish you well!