The Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust has named Mark VanLoh its new CEO.
VanLoh will lead Tulsa International (TUL) and R.L. Jones Jr. (RVS) starting Feb. 13.
VanLoh previously served as aviation department director at Kansas City International (MCI), where he directed a staff of 550 employees and oversaw a $136 million annual budget. His tenure there was celebrated for successfully adding airline service to the region and developing airport land that built non-aviation revenue and added jobs at the airport. He also endured criticism after leading the push to redevelop the airport by getting rid of its existing three terminals and replacing them with a single, modern terminal.
“Mark has strong relationships with the airline community and will bring his knowledge to help focus on expanding direct flights in key markets,” says Jeff Stava, chair of the airport trust. “We believe Mark’s high energy, positive attitude and enthusiastic approach will continue the growth and progress of Tulsa’s airports.”
Tulsa Mayor GT Bynum adds: “Mark brings a wealth of airport industry knowledge combined with economic development experience that is tailor made for the next stage of growth for our airport.”
VanLoh will be the ninth chief executive at TUL since 1928. He reportedly was selected from a group of five finalists following a national search. More than 30 people applied for the job, according to the Tulsa World.
He replaces Jeff Mulder, who was hired at TUL in 2005 and served until Dec. 31, 2016, when he left to take a job at Southwest Florida International (RSW). Alexis Higgins, deputy airports director for marketing and community relations, has served as interim director during the search. She’ll stay in that role until VanLoh arrives.
