Congratulations on your new role as Director of the Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport. What drew you to this position, and what are your initial goals?
I am both honored and excited to have been selected as the Airport Director of the Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport. Being called to serve has resonated with me since my early years in airport management. The opportunity to serve the incredible Louisiana aviation community again, and the growing River Parishes region specifically, was one I could not let slip by. In my nearly 10 years in airport management, I have always centered my focus on providing exceptional customer service, ensuring safe and efficient operations, and fostering continuous, measurable growth.
Can you describe your vision for the airport and how you plan to enhance its role in supporting the Port of South Louisiana?
Airports are the gateway to the communities they serve—both for the traveling public and the aviation community itself. Providing exceptional customer service and ensuring safe and efficient operations are critical to everyone we serve. The Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport is in a unique position, being one of only two airports in the state operated by a port. Finding growth opportunities that capitalize on a truly multi-modal vision and further enhance the region’s economic impact will allow our airport and community to soar to even greater heights.
What are some immediate challenges you anticipate in your new role, and how do you plan to address them?
As I mentioned before, the “three blades of a prop” are providing exceptional customer service, ensuring safe and efficient operations, and achieving self-sustainability through continuous growth and new services. One of the primary avenues to success for any airport—and what I believe is my obligation as Airport Director—is stakeholder engagement. Whether it’s with our regulatory, funding, or community partners, or with our customers, I prioritize maintaining an open dialogue. More importantly, I focus on finding ways to collectively achieve the overall vision and future goals of the Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport.
How do you plan to improve the services and facilities at the airport to better serve its current and future users?
Increasing or improving services and facilities is typically part of any airport’s growth plan. I have always sought stakeholder feedback, fostering the mindset that we provide a service before an aircraft even touches down on the runway or before a passenger arrives at our facilities. Airports are often the first and lasting impression of a community, so it really needs to be a good one. During my first 60 days, our team has created various ways to engage with our customers, including routine written communications, online surveys, planned recurring events, and ensuring our team is accessible during or after hours. What does the community we serve want, and what can we consistently provide now or in the future? We are working collectively with our stakeholders to define what exceptional customer service looks like and to ensure that we can maintain it consistently. As stated in the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s 2022 Louisiana Airports Economic Impact Study Update, the Louisiana airport system is a critical element of the state’s economy, supporting approximately 58,000 jobs, $2.1 billion in annual payroll, and roughly $7 billion in annual economic output. By 2026, this is projected to grow to 85,000 jobs, $3.5 billion in annual payroll, and $12 billion in economic output. The Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport will continue to strive to be a key part of this economic engine through strategic growth and development efforts. This includes creating construction-related jobs and seeking long-term opportunities in areas such as aircraft maintenance and training, flight training, aircraft rental or charter, air cargo, and other in-demand services.
The airport plays a key role in supporting the port’s operations. What strategies do you have in mind to strengthen this connection and support port-related logistics?
We have a unique opportunity—and arguably an inherent obligation—to explore existing or future opportunities where the airport can merge with our maritime and port partners to better serve our customers. From an aviation perspective, the vision is boundless. This can include serving local industries needing hangar space for aircraft storage or maintenance, or connecting local industries to global markets as a charter or cargo gateway. As the old saying goes, “A mile of roadway will take you a mile; a mile of runway will take you anywhere.” I am excited to work alongside the staff and the Port of South Louisiana Commission to identify opportunities that enhance the Port of South Louisiana as a multi-modal hub for the River Parishes region and the state of Louisiana.
Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives at the airport that you are particularly excited about?
I am passionate about growth opportunities that bring jobs and revenue to the airport and our communities, as well as initiatives that add services or capacity to the Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport. We continuously measure growth through key performance indicators such as aircraft operations, based aircraft, fuel sales, hangar development, and the addition of new services. Of the “three blades of a prop” I mentioned earlier, the proposed new terminal building is certainly a top priority of mine. It will set the foundation for exponential growth opportunities for the airport, including a runway extension, additional hangar development, and expanded services and amenities. We will take every opportunity to showcase what the Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport, the River Parishes region, and the state of Louisiana have to offer—while consistently delivering exceptional customer service, ensuring safe and efficient operations, and fostering growth.
In terms of infrastructure, are there any improvements or upgrades you believe are crucial for the airport’s growth and operational efficiency?
Infrastructure improvements fall into two categories: maintaining what we have today and planning for future growth. The Port of South Louisiana has shown incredible support for the airport since becoming its official sponsor and continues to invest in its future success. Sustainability and advancement require proper planning and continuous oversight. This includes monitoring both our horizontal infrastructure—such as runways, taxiways, and aprons—and our vertical infrastructure, like terminals and hangars. Through daily airfield inspections, preventive maintenance, and strategic programming of grant funds, we ensure safety and efficiency while minimizing operational impacts. After all, an airport without a safe and well-maintained runway ceases to be an airport. Looking ahead, economic development initiatives must align with stakeholder needs and industry demands. From addressing pilot and aircraft mechanic shortages to embracing emerging aviation technologies, the sky truly is the limit.
How do you envision the role of technology and innovation in the future development of the airport?
Airports must continue to serve traditional industry needs while standing ready to support inevitable technological advancements, such as the unmanned aircraft market and the evolution of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NEXTGEN). Workforce development is also vital. Advanced technologies in aircraft simulation, STEM education, and hands-on training can create a pipeline of future pilots and mechanics right here in the River Parishes region.
How will you measure the success of your tenure as Airport Director, and what are your key performance indicators?
Serving in airport management comes with an inherent obligation to the community, stakeholders, and aviation industry. Stakeholder engagement is critical, as collaboration is key to achieving a shared vision of growth and support for aviation. Customer satisfaction and key performance indicators I’ve used include revenue and financial health, grant awards, fuel sales, facility utilization, aircraft operations, and economic impact. Other metrics include advancements in technology, community outreach efforts, emergency readiness, and the success of existing or added services.
What are your long-term goals for the airport, and how do you see it evolving over the next five to ten years?
My long-term goals are focused on ensuring the airport becomes a sustainable economic engine through exceptional customer service, safe and efficient operations, and continuous growth. This involves engaging stakeholders, securing funds for growth opportunities, staying informed on industry trends, and adapting to an ever-evolving aviation environment.
