The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority Board has named James “Jim” Gill as Gerald R. Ford International’s (GRR) new president and CEO, replacing Brian Ryks. Gill will start at the airport on Jan. 9, 2017.
Gill previously served for 13 years at the Allegheny County Airport Authority. He has been chief financial officer since 2007 and added the position of chief operations officer in 2015. While there he oversaw Pittsburgh International’s (PIT) transition from county control to an independent airport authority. He also previously served as interim executive director.
Before his time at Allegheny County, he was deputy airport director and chief financial officer at the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority.
“I am delighted to be joining the talented team at GFIA, and I look forward to moving forward together,” said Gill. “An airport is so often the first and last impression that travelers have of the community and region, and so one must be committed to delivering outstanding operational performance while exceeding customer service expectations. I know we will continue to have an outstanding record of success in West Michigan, and I am excited to help lead the airport into a new, expansive era while working closely with the authority board, airport management, staff, and our community and business partners.”
Board Chairman Roger Morgan noted Gill’s track record of strong leadership and community partnership, and said he is well known and well respected among his peers in the aviation industry. “Jim will continue to spark our growth as we invest in customer service, technology and construction projects, and serve as a catalyst for West Michigan’s economic progress,” Morgan said.
