Cherry Capital Airport Director Kevin Klein has been named the Airport Manager of the Year by the Michigan Association of Airport Executives.

The award honors Klein "for his continued dedication to the industry, his tireless fight for legislation surrounding aeronautics in the state, his continued dedication to the industry, and his commitment to educational opportunities for airport personnel including internships, and professional education," according to a release about the news.

“I am very humbled to be honored with this distinguished award by my peers," Klein said in a statement. "My sincere thanks go to the Northwestern Regional Airport Commission for their ongoing support; it is an honor and a pleasure to be able to serve our northern Michigan community of Traverse City and our surrounding northern Michigan region.”

Cherry Capital Airport welcomed a record-setting number of passengers in 2016 and is on track to experience an even bigger year in 2017. Klein also oversaw negotiations with Costco for the national retailer to open its first northern Michigan location on airport property this fall.