EMU Today

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

That style—which Thomey calls “authentic leadership”—also helps him facilitate 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, who lives in Plymouth with his wife and two young children, is involved in the majority of 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 in nearly all facets of airport operations has helped Thomey form countless career connections.

After graduating from Eastern, he became a customer service supervisor for what later became known as the Wayne County Airport Authority. He advanced to 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 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.”

Work days at major airports are hardly routine. For Thomey, those challenges—sometimes quite 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 communications skills, Thomey also learned some basic phrases in Japanese, Spanish, French and Russian to help foreign travelers navigate their way around 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, and his step-mother was a special-ed teacher. His father, Ron, worked as a special-ed teacher for 40 years. After retiring, he volunteered at a Native American reservation in the Dakotas.

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 to another level, 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 to 2021. Thomey served in that role again from 2022 to 2023 until Governor Whitmer appointed him to 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. I think my style of doing what I can to help in a positive manner is the best way to govern.”

When he’s not spending time with family, Thomey enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking and writing. He’s also a longtime Detroit Tigers season-ticket holder and frequent blood donor to the American Red Cross.

Thomey’s term as a Regent expires in December 2030.

Editor's Note: This is the latest in a series of feature stories about members of the EMU Board of Regents.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.