Suzanne Markle

Suzanne Markle serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA), where she provides strategic leadership for multi-campus operations, academic programs, and industry partnerships. She advances PIA’s mission of preparing skilled aviation maintenance and electronics technicians while ensuring academic quality, regulatory compliance, and workforce alignment.

With more than 26 years at PIA, Markle brings deep institutional knowledge and a strong understanding of career-focused education. She has held leadership roles including general studies faculty, Director of Alumni Services, Director of Admissions, and Director of Education. From 2010 to 2017, she served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, overseeing operations and guiding the organization through significant growth prior to her appointment as President/CEO.

Her experience informs a leadership approach grounded in operational insight and execution. She has led initiatives across curriculum development, accreditation and compliance, enrollment management, student success, human resources, and financial planning, with a focus on aligning education with workforce needs.

Markle serves on the Board of Directors for the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) and is engaged in national workforce initiatives. She collaborates with airline partners and participates in legislative outreach and industry forums.

In 2020, she was appointed by the U.S. Department of Transportation to the Women in Aviation Advisory Board. She also serves on the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools and the Nominations Committee for the National Aviation Hall of Fame. She holds an MBA from Seton Hill University, a BS in Secondary Education from PennWest University, and a certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University.