The Cedar Rapids Airport Commission elected officers at its Monday meeting, unanimously approving Carroll Reasoner as the commission’s new chairman.
Reasoner, vice president for legal affairs and general counsel for The University of Iowa, has served on the commission since 2007. She served as vice-chairman prior to today’s election.
“I look forward to continuing my service on the Commission as we look at ways to improve the terminal and its operations,” Reasoner said. “In addition, the Commission and staff are always looking at ways to enhance air service for the region.”
Reasoner said there have been some significant new air service additions this year – United to Houston and Delta to Memphis and Atlanta – which shows the airlines have great confidence in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City region.
“We will work to help make these cities successful for the airlines and then look to new destinations,” she said. “There are markets where we have a large number of regional travelers frequenting, such as Washington, DC and New York City.”
The Cedar Rapids Airport Commission is made up of five volunteers who are appointed by the Cedar Rapids Mayor and approved by the City Council. The commission serves as the policy-making body which oversees airport management.
Dr. Dee Baird was elected vice chairman. Dee Baird is the interim president of the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and president of Priority One. Joshua Schamberger was elected secretary. Schamberger is the president/CEO of the Iowa City Coralville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Tom Hobson was elected as acting secretary. Hobson is the senior manager for government & public affairs at Rockwell Collins.
The commission also welcomed its newest member, Pat Baird. Baird, the retired CEO and president of AEGON USA, was recently appointed to a three-year term by the Mayor and City Council.