Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of John J. “Jack” Lanners as chair of the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC). Lanners replaces Vicki Tigwell, who resigned in May, to complete her term that expires on January 1, 2007.

“Jack has earned a tremendous amount of respect since joining the MAC for his diligence in learning and understanding the issues before the Commission,” Governor Pawlenty said. “He will be able to hit the ground running and be an effective leader on all the issues currently facing the MAC.”

Lanners is the president and chief executive officer of FTL Corporation, which owns MGM Liquor Warehouse stores; president of R.P. Royalties, Inc.; and is an officer and partner with LannCo LLC, which specializes in commercial real estate development. Lanners serves on the boards of directors of the Woodbury Chamber of Commerce, and the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association. He is also past president of the New Richmond Jaycee’s, and past president of the Woodbury Lion’s Club.

Lanners was first appointed to the MAC in April 2003 as a representative of District “F”, which includes a portion of Anoka County, northeastern Ramsey County, and all of Washington County. Lanners currently chairs MAC’s Management and Operations Committee, and headed a study of the reliever airports. Lanners resides in Woodbury with his wife, Norma Jean.

“I am humbled by the Governor’s confidence in me. I look forward to leading this important Commission and working with MAC staff, the airlines and other stakeholders over the next months in this new role,” Lanner said.

The Metropolitan Airports Commission promotes air transportation locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally by developing the Twin Cities metropolitan area as an aviation center. The commission consists of 15 members, including 13 appointed by the Governor, one appointed by the mayor of Minneapolis and one appointed by the mayor of St. Paul.