Ann Arbor Times

After building a successful career in the aviation industry, Marques Thomey [BS00] has developed a communications and management style that aligns with his role as Director of Business Development and Real Estate for the Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA).

Thomey's approach, which he terms “authentic leadership,” also aids him in facilitating productive discussions as a member of the EMU Board of Regents.

“I like to be genuine and up-front with people, using a set of core values developed from life experiences,” says Thomey [pronounced Tommy], whose undergraduate degree is in Aviation Management Technology. “I lead with passion and purpose. Although I’m far from perfect, I try to set a good example for others and enjoy accomplishments collectively. Being an authentic leader cuts through everything because others see that I care and am willing to help.”

Thomey resides in Plymouth with his wife and two young children and is involved in most business development deals at Detroit Metro and Willow Run airports.

“My work involves everything from building a new hangar to developing programs to expanding outreach opportunities,” Thomey says. “It’s all based upon relationship building. I’m excited to go to work every day because of the relationships I have with so many amazing people. And that extends to my role as a Regent.”

Working across nearly all facets of airport operations has enabled Thomey to form numerous career connections.

After graduating from Eastern Michigan University, he became a customer service supervisor for what later became known as the Wayne County Airport Authority. He advanced through various positions there in public affairs, security, maintenance, and fleet service before becoming an asset manager at Denver International Airport.

“I’ve worked in just about every airport department except finance,” says Thomey, who also earned a master’s degree in leadership from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. “That’s helped me learn how airport operations work, both publicly and behind the scenes. I met a lot of great people while working in Colorado. I try to apply what I learned there to help Metro Airport run as well as possible.”

Workdays at major airports are rarely routine. For Thomey, these challenges—sometimes unexpected—have made his career fulfilling.

“One memorable period was helping stranded passengers on 9/11,” he says. “Many grounded aircraft landed in Detroit that day. Our team helped people reserve hotel rooms, rent cars and get other transportation to make it to their destination. We even provided cots and toothbrushes for travelers stranded in the airport that night. It was a very long and sobering day for everyone. But it was fulfilling to help so many people during a national tragedy.”

Always taking pride in his communication skills, Thomey also learned basic phrases in Japanese, Spanish, French, and Russian to assist foreign travelers navigating the airport.

“My calling is to be a positive person and impact as many people as I can,” Thomey says. “That outlook comes from my upbringing. I’m the son of hard-working people who put others ahead of themselves every day.”

Thomey's mother was a registered nurse; his step-mother was a special education teacher; his father Ron worked as a special education teacher for 40 years before volunteering at a Native American reservation after retirement.

“My father showed me how to be both a giver and an advocate,” Thomey says. “Those are values and traits I carry today.”

Taking his public service endeavors further, Thomey served on the EMU Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2010 to 2017, including as president. He was also an elected commissioner for the City of Plymouth from 2018-2021 before Governor Whitmer appointed him again until 2023 when he joined the Board of Regents.

“I had a transformational experience as an undergraduate at Eastern and care deeply about the university,” Thomey says. “I’ve built lots of relationships here over the years. As a Regent, I try to treat others respectfully, listen to their views, and be the best team player possible."

When not spending time with family, Thomey enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, writing; he is also a longtime Detroit Tigers season-ticket holder and frequent blood donor.

Thomey's term as Regent expires in December 2030.

Founded in 1849 Eastern Michigan University currently serves more than 13 thousand students pursuing degrees across various disciplines.

For more information about Eastern Michigan University visit its website or EMU Today.