Edward H. McNamara

Edward H. McNamara
Wayne County Executive
In office 1987–2002
Preceded by	William Lucas
Succeeded by	Robert A. Ficano
Mayor of Livonia
In office 1970–1986
Preceded by	Harvey W. Moelke
Succeeded by	Robert McCann
Personal details
Born	Edward Howard McNamara (1926-09-21)September 21, 1926
Died	February 19, 2006(2006-02-19) (aged 79) Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Political party	Democratic

Edward Howard McNamara (1926–2006) served as Wayne County, Michigan County Executive from 1987–2002, and also served as mayor of Livonia, Michigan, from 1970–1986, and as a member of Livonia City Council from 1962 to 1970. He is probably best known for overseeing the $1.6 billion expansion of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. The expansion included two new runways and the new Edward H. McNamara Terminal, which was named in his honor.

McNamara was mentor to many leading Democrats, including Gov. Jennifer Granholm, who was Wayne County corporation Counsel under McNamara, prior to becoming Michigan Attorney General and later being elected as Michigan Governor. McNamara also played a key role helping the election campaign of Kwame Kilpatrick for mayor of Detroit in 2001, whose father, Bernard Kilpatrick, was McNamara's Chief of Staff while county executive.

McNamara died on February 19, 2006.