YQG CEO Mark Galvin Talks People and Possibilities
Story by Karen Tinsley
Photography by Syx Langemann
If you spend even one hour with Mark Galvin, you’ll understand why Windsor International Airport looks and feels unpretentious, convenient, easy to navigate and deeply rooted in community.
Born and raised in Windsor’s Fontainebleau neighbourhood, Galvin says the airport “is in my DNA”.
“Growing up, we’d disappear for hours exploring creeks, catching crayfish and not returning home until the streetlights flickered on. Our parents had no clue where we went or what we did; they didn’t even ask,” Galvin laughingly recalls.
Holding degrees in both engineering and law from the University of Windsor, Galvin is an active member of both the Law Society of Ontario and Professional Engineers of Ontario. He also holds a Professional Traffic Operations Engineer designation, one of
approximately 50 in the province. These details matter; Galvin is no parachuted-in executive; he’s 100% Windsor.
Previously general manager of the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel Corporation and director of plazas for the Windsor-Detroit Bridge authority, Galvin is also a public speaker, published author and serves on the Board of Directors of Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare as well as Essex Powerlines.
Appointed CEO of YQG (Your Quick Gateway) in January 2020, Mayor Drew Dilkens praised Galvin as “uniquely qualified.”
In 2023, YQG celebrated 95 years of continuous existence. What began as a modest hangar in “the middle of nowhere” has evolved into a thriving regional, national and international travel hub.
As CEO of YQG for the past six years, Galvin laughs easily, speaks plainly and says, “I take what I do very seriously, but I don’t take myself seriously,” a line that says a lot about his leadership style.
Early in his career, Galvin realized that aviation and transportation were the perfect intersection of his skills. “Both are 24/7
professions and much of my expertise is relevant,” he explains. Each field demands precision, adaptability and a steady hand— qualities Galvin has proven he possesses in abundance.
His psychologist father shaped his leadership philosophy more than any management textbook ever could. Galvin speaks of him with quiet admiration, crediting him for the empathy and perspective he brings to work.
When talking about YQG, Galvin focuses on people and possibilities. While weathering global shocks, adapting and continuously connecting us to the world, YQG demonstrates a resilience and determination that mirrors Windsor/Essex itself.
When Galvin stepped into the CEO role at YQG on January 13, 2020, his vision lasted exactly 14 days.
“Any ambitions had to be put on the back burner because on January 27, 2020, that global curveball called COVID became reality. That date was my first team meeting and, pardon the pun, there just wasn’t a lot of ‘runway’ for anything else.”
Everything in the travel sector changed overnight. Passenger volumes plummeted. Business travel evaporated. Pilots retired in large numbers. ZOOM technology reshaped the working world.
Alongside 9/11 and the 2007/08 recession, Galvin describes the pandemic as one of the ‘touchstones’ of modern transportation. Each reshaped the industry, demanding “quick yet well-reasoned decisions” in moments of profound uncertainty. Certainty, the one thing every traveler counts on, transformed into turbulence.
Galvin’s calm, measured approach helped YQG navigate that turbulence.
Ask Galvin to describe Windsor Airport, and he doesn’t hesitate to invoke the phrase, which captures both YQG scale and spirit: modest in size, but mighty in determination.
Well known for hassle-free experiences and speedy passes through airport security, YQG embodies a friendliness that feels distinctly Windsor. “Our mission is to connect people to where they want to go; we always punch above our weight,” Galvin says.
And YQG boasts one of the longest runways in Ontario: 9,000 feet, which keeps it poised for growth.
Windsor’s unique border city vibe also shapes our airport’s operations. The economic rhythm (automotive, manufacturing, cross-border commerce, tourism) creates unique opportunities and challenges; understanding them and responding with agility are strategic YQG cornerstones.
Galvin explains, “We look where we can be successful, where we can find great destination offerings,” which has resulted in numerous partnerships and expansions that continues to strengthen YQG.
Post-pandemic, YQG partnered with new and existing carriers to launch new routes, aiming to strengthen connectivity. They also welcomed back Air Transat (with direct flights to Punta Cana), complementing the WestJet/Sunwing service to Cancun and Cuba. Finally, Porter Airlines launched direct Ottawa service and WestJet has increased Calgary service and Air Canada adding an additional flight to Toronto-Pearson.
Careful analysis, strong relationships and a deep understanding of what Windsor travelers want are the results.
“It’s the possibilities that excite me the most,” Galvin says.
And those possibilities extend beyond passenger travel.
It might be surprising that YQG is also a hub for cargo operations, pilot education and specialized aviation services. Often invisible to the average air traveler, all play pivotal roles in economic impact and sustainability.
One deeply interwoven thread through Galvin’s leadership is humility.
Not prone to self-promotion or jargon- speak, he exudes genuine warmth talking about the YQG team, YQG Board, its passengers, partners and community.
He’s quick to credit the people around him and always strives to bring value.
“At the end of every day, if I can say I brought value to YQG, I’m satisfied.” A simple statement that reveals a lot about Galvin’s character.
One of the most striking moments in this conversation with Galvin came when he reflected on the emotional landscape of air travel.
“There are a hundred different stories on every airplane: some people are traveling for business, some are heading to sip a cocktail from a coconut, some are attending a celebration, while others are trying to get somewhere quickly to care for or say goodbye to loved ones.”
This reminds us that airports represent the crossroads of human experience. Joy, grief, anticipation, exhaustion, celebration and transition happen at YQG every day.
Obviously, Galvin deeply understands that.
Our region is entering a period of profound transformation. The new hospital. The massive battery plant. The evolving
automotive sector. Flourishing tourism. Burgeoning new industries.
Galvin sees YQG as a key player in that transformation.
Asked to describe the future of YQG in three words, it doesn’t take Galvin long to say “Resilient” and “Responsive”, but he’s still searching for the third. Maybe it’s “Ready.” Maybe it’s “Relevant.” Maybe it’s “Rooted.” But the sentiment is clear: YQG is poised for a vibrant future, and Galvin is ready to guide it.
Looking ahead, Galvin’s excitement about possibilities that could reshape Windsor/Essex is palpable.
And yet, something is silently simmering: Galvin’s belief in the people who keep YQG moving.
In the end, YQG’s story is about more than an airport. It’s about a hometown leader who sees resilience in his city, responsiveness in his airport and a bright future.
One thing is certain: under Mark Galvin’s steady, human leadership, Windsor’s airport is ready for whatever comes next.
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Published in the May/June 2026 Edition.
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