Chad Newton
Chad Newton
Chad Newton was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in March of 2021 to fill the seat of former regent Rich Baird. He is appointed to fill the remainder of the term ending December 2026.
Newton is a three-time EMU graduate, graduating cum laude from Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice, a master’s degree in technology studies with a specialty in law enforcement, and Eastern Michigan University’s School of Police Staff and Command. Newton is a former member of the EMU Alumni Association Board of Directors, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Michigan State Leadership Academy.
At the age of 18, the Metro Detroit native left home and joined the United States Army. As a member of the Military Police, Newton served tours of duty in Seoul, South Korea and Fort Campbell, Kentucky. After being honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant, he joined the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department as a Deputy Sheriff.
Newton has more than 21 years of airport experience and nearly 32 years as a law enforcement professional. As a leader with a drive to serve, Newton’s career path reflects his genuine desire to help others. In 1999, Newton transitioned to the Wayne County Airport Police Department, where he advanced through the ranks becoming the Vice President of Public Safety for the Wayne County Airport Authority. In May 2018, Newton was assigned the additional responsibility of overseeing Willow Run Airport. Two months later, he was appointed as the Authority’s Interim CEO.
Newton currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA). He began his tenure in November 2018 after being appointed by the WCAA Board. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the independent governmental entity tasked with management and operation of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Willow Run Airport, Michigan’s busiest airport system and one of the world’s leading air transportation hubs. Newton is one of approximately 500 airport executives in the United States certified by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) as an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.), and is the first WCAA CEO with this distinction. He is also a member of the AAAE Policy Committee and the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau Board.
Regent Newton currently serves as Chair of the Board of Regents. He is the Regent representative on the EMU Foundation Board of Trustees and is a member of the Board of Regents Personnel and Compensation Committee. In addition, he serves as a member of the Eagle Administrative Services Board.
First appointed: March 2021
Current term expires: December 2026
Contact Information
Meet Regent Chad Newton: Executive Expertise
Board of Regents Office
207 Welch Hall
Ypsilanti, MI 48197