The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority on Monday named law enforcement veteran David Huchler as its new Chief of Police. Huchler joins the Airports Authority after two decades of distinguished service with the police department of nearby Alexandria, Virginia.

“Chief Huchler brings a wealth of progressive law enforcement experience to the Airports Authority, combined with a deep knowledge of the challenges and opportunities for public safety in the National Capital Region,” said Airports Authority Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Margaret McKeough.

Huchler, who has served as acting police chief in Alexandria, began his career in the Alexandria department as a patrol officer, steadily moving up in the ranks to police lieutenant, police captain and deputy chief. He has managed a workforce of more than 400, developed operating budgets over $60 million, overseen investigative functions and public information, developed and implemented policy and procedures to support improved staffing equity, and has used evidence-based policing to maintain safe communities.

“Having someone with the expertise and judgment to evaluate and implement sound security measures while managing a diverse and talented police force adds value to the organization and positions the Airports Authority to ensure a safe travel experience for the 46.6 million passengers who visit our airports each year,” said Bryan Norwood, vice president for public safety at the Airports Authority.

As the Airports Authority Police Chief, Huchler will direct the operations of the police force while maintaining the commitment to deliver outstanding customer service at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport and the Dulles Toll Road.

Huchler holds a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement and a master’s degree in public administration from George Mason University. He also serves as an adjunct professor in George Mason’s Department of Criminology, Law and Society and is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

About the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority operates the U.S. Capital Region’s gateways to the nation and the world, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport, as well as the Dulles Airport Access Highway, the Dulles Toll Road and construction of the Silver Line project, a 23-mile extension of the Metrorail public transit system through northern Virginia. A record 46.6 million passengers passed through the two airports in 2017.