The next time you make your trip to metro airport in Romulus, there will be a big change in signage. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport’s (DTW) North Terminal was renamed, Monday, as the Warren Cleage Evans Terminal. A special dedication ceremony was held in the ticket lobby in honor of Wayne County Executive Evans who has devoted his life to public service.
“This is truly an honor, and I would like to thank everyone who made this possible,” said Executive Evans. “I have dedicated my life to public service, and I have always believed that you don’t get into this line of work for the awards or recognition. Public service is about serving the public. But I must say that it does feel good to know that others appreciate what I have been trying to do for all these years.”
Evans has been drawn to public service and helping others since childhood. He credits it towards how he was raised by his mother who was a schoolteacher, and his father a medical doctor.
“I grew up expecting to do something in public service,” said Executive Evans. “The motivation for me has been trying to give Detroit and Wayne County the full value for my services and try to do the right thing. Public service is just in my wheelhouse.”
Evans was joined by area municipal leaders, business executives, and family for the historic terminal name change.
In June 2021, the Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) Board of Directors voted to rename the North Terminal which opened in 2008.
“Names identify, names clarify, names headify”, said Rev. Wendell Anthony, pastor of Fellowship Chapel in Detroit, who spoke at the podium as one of the invited guests. “Whether you go south, whether you go east, whether you go west, when you come this way, you got to come to the best, …whether you’re landing, whether you’re taking off, or whether you’re just standing waiting to go, everyone will know that (Evans) is an individual that not only helped folks take off in their lives, but to land safely in their dreams.”
Mr. Evans isn’t one to be deterred from challenge. He has had to lead the state’s most populous and diverse county through a health and economic crisis. Executive Evans also helped steer the county away from bankruptcy during his first 14months in office, helping to engineer and restore to fiscal responsibility.
Evans’ administration jumped into action when the coronavirus pandemic struck in 2020 by delivering $90 million to-date in relief to small businesses, residential resources, service workers, and homeless veterans.
He is a model for ethical leadership and his “no-drama approach to governing” has help improve the county’s financial outlook.
Evans has served as Police Chief in Detroit, Wayne County Sherriff, Chief of Staff of the Wayne County Commission, Assistant County Executive, and Chief of Special Operations of the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.
His name embodies the jurisdiction he serves and it’s the reason the Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) Board decided to honor Evans’ name on such a heavily populated landmark.
“What a great opportunity,” said Marvin Beatty, WCAA Board member. “Historic, but this symbolizes so much opportunity for young people who will ultimately come through this place and learn that Warren C. Evans not only led Wayne County but solidified Wayne County… provided so much opportunity for so many people.”
Evans was joined by his wife, Renata, and family for the special sign unveiling and wall plaque which displays his face and biography near the pedestrian skywalk which will welcome travelers as they enter the terminal.
“The place that so many people when they enter into Michigan, even if they’re just passing through, they get to come to a place like this.” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist. “Leadership and the example he sets, all should seek to follow”.
Entry points to the facility are already pointing travelers in the right direction, including some freeway signage which has changed as well.
The terminal will not only embark a new name, but additional new changes are on the way. During Evan’s dedication ceremony, airport leadership announced upgrades such as a new look for terminal, new technology, and other improvements to enhance customer experience.
“Of the five thousand public airports in the United States, there are only a handful who bear the name as a person of color and none of them are alive to witness it,” said Executive Evans. “I’m grateful to join this small group and even more grateful to be here to witness it.”
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