Beukema was selected from a pool of qualified candidates and fills a vacant term that expires December 2020. He will also serve on the Airport Board’s Finance & Legislative Committee.
“Peter is a wonderful addition to our Airport Board,” said Dan Koorndyk, Chairman of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Board. “His experience in the hospitality industry and his knowledge of West Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority 5500 44th Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512-4055 ph 616.233.6000 fx 616.233.6025 flyford.org Michigan is a great combination that will offer tremendous insight into our operations. We look forward to having Peter join us.”
“I am thrilled to join the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Board,” said Beukema. “The travel and tourism industry is in a unique place right now with COVID-19, but I am hoping I can offer my knowledge, skills, and experience to get us back to the record-breaking airport we were just a few weeks ago.”
Beukema, a Michigan native, is the Visionary, Chief Executive Officer and partner for Suburban Inns, a family owned and operated hotel / restaurant management and development company, which was founded more than 40 years ago. He graduated from Northwood University.
He also serves on the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association (MRLA) Board of Directors and is Vice Chair of the Government Affairs and Political Action Committee. Nationally he has served on various committees and is a former board member of the IHG Owners Association, where he continues his passion for service as the Vice Chair of the IHG Rewards Committee. In October 2018, Peter was selected to be one of the 2018 Grand Rapids Business Journal “40 Under 40”; and in the fall of 2019, Peter was listed on the inaugural addition of the Grand Rapids 200 Powerful Business Leaders, by the Grand Rapids Business Journal.
About GFIA
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) is the second busiest airport in Michigan. The Airport served over 3.58 million passengers in 2019 and over 9,000 travelers pass through GFIA each day. The Gerald R. Ford International Airport offers nonstop service to 34 major market destinations with more than 140 daily nonstop flights. The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority 5500 44th Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512-4055 ph 616.233.6000 fx 616.233.6025 flyford.org managed and operated by the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. GFIA generates over $3.1 billion in annual economic output throughout West Michigan and employs over 2,000 people. For more information on GFIA visit: www.grr.org or follow the airport on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: @FlyGRFord
