Wednesday the City of Redmond announced Jeffrey Tripp has been hired as the new airport director for Roberts Field Municipal Airport in Redmond. Tripp most recently held the position of airport manager for the City of Prescott, Arizona. He earned a master of aeronautical science in aviation and aerospace safety systems and a bachelor’s in aviation business administration from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
“I have been very impressed by the level of commitment and investment the community has made in the airport and am looking forward to continuing enhancing the airport’s role as an economic engine for the region,” stated Tripp.“We wanted a leader who eats, sleeps and drinks airports and Jeff Tripp is that guy. We are very fortunate to have found someone with such passion for airports matched with the experience to support and develop the airport team,” commented Keith Witcosky, Redmond City Manager.
In addition to overseeing the daily operations, Tripp will be responsible for the continued development of commercial air service, enhancing revenues and promoting airport business activities, and delivering top notch customer service. “Redmond City Council has tasked us to establish Redmond Municipal Airport as the best airport of its size in the country. It’s a bastion for commerce and economic activity – Jeff is very well equipped to carry forward the momentum created by his predecessors,” continued Witcosky.“He is ready for this position and Central Oregon is fortunate to get this rising star in our region,” noted Mike Boggs, Central Oregon Air Service Team member.
Tripp will begin work June 2, 2014. The selection of Tripp follows an extensive search which attracted applicants from across the globe.Witcosky added, “He was the top pick of our panel of experts who vetted the original 20+ applications and participated in the interviews. Jeff was well liked by the leadership team (City of Redmond department directors)during their casual private lunch.
Tripp was among three finalists who came to Redmond on March 13 and 14 and were interviewed by Tim Moor (representing the Airport Commission), Bob Noble (interim Redmond airport director), Mike Boggs (a Central Oregon Air Service Team member), Daren Griffin (general manager at Portland International Airport), Cris Jensen (airport director in Missoula, Montana and Witcosky. The finalists also attended a late afternoon reception with the Redmond Airport Commission on March 13.
Given the importance of the airport to the region’s growing economy and transportation needs, the interim director, Bob Nobel, was lured to Redmond by Witcosky to work on long term airport goals including assessing the current environment, identifying critical issues and developing the processes for implementing initiatives.
Nobel has more than 18 years of experience in numerous public aviation leadership roles across Oregon. With a steady increase over the years in passenger flights and the upgrades and expansion of facilities the Redmond Airport has positioned itself to be the central hub for transportation in Central Oregon.
The Redmond Municipal Airport (Roberts Field – RDM) is the aviation gateway to Central Oregon. Owned and operated by the City of Redmond, the airport offers a full range of general and commercial aviation services. RDM is served by four air carriers; Alaska Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United with 15 daily direct flights to Denver, Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, and Seattle.
