Okaloosa County BOCC — April 5, 2016 — Stenson, Michael Resume

Michael J. Stenson Accomplished air service/business development, general aviation airport manager and marketing manager with extensive finance, cost management, accounting and administration experience in the aviation industry. Proven ability to meet the needs of airlines and passengers through strong analytical skills and clear marketing processes. SKILLS AND RESPONSIBILITIES  Selected to lead county airports department during temporary re-assignment of Airport Director.  Manage assigned staff and day-to-day activities of the Destin (DTS) and Bob Sikes Airports (CEW). DTS exceeds 65,000 operations per year and CEW has the second largest contingent of employees in the county.  Interprets policy and provides staff direction on policy and procedures.  Market and promote 3 airports, 1-commercial service (VPS) and 2-general aviation (CEW and DTS), while managing annual budget in excess of $22M.  Oversee design and production of marketing materials for 3 airports, including rebranding campaign when VPS changed name from Okaloosa Regional to Northwest Florida Regional Airport.  Implement local and national marketing campaigns to increase awareness of NW Florida and position VPS as the preferred airport for the region.  Routinely meet with national and international airline executives and planners at their corporate HQs to increase capacity and new route development.  Participate in trade shows to increase air service to the region, and new businesses to Bob Sikes Airport, including National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Annual Trade Show and Aviation Week’s Annual MRO Show.  Conduct presentations to the Board of County Commissioners and local civic groups.  Write numerous RFPs to bring in additional vendors and concessionaires.  Develop incentive programs to attract new carriers to the airport.  Compile and analyze financial data used to prepare grant reports required by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).  Prepare and administrate consultant contracts, federal and state grants and assurances.  Plans and approves annual budgets; administers approved budget and monitors revenues and expenditures. Ensures airports are financially self-sufficient.  Plans, directs and reviews building, land, and equipment maintenance and protection.  Assures current and future operational and maintenance needs at the airports; monitors security programs, maintenance, inspections, and related activities.  Negotiates leases and contracts with current and prospective airlines and tenants.  RESULTS  Attracted 2 new air carriers to VPS and highly sought after air-service to Washington DC, after delivering comprehensive presentations at corporate HQ. Promoted the new service through television, print, radio, social media, website and billboards increasing capacity by 62%, which enabled the carriers to add additional flights.  Experienced a 40% increase in airline capacity in the last two years when most airports experienced a reduction due to a challenging economy.  Increased non-aeronautical revenue by 18% in two years through food and retail concessions.  Brought in 2 new aerospace companies that created more than 200 jobs for the region by initiating contacts at trade shows and scheduling follow-up meetings at corporate HQs.  Brought in 1 new carrier within the first year of creating an FAA approved airline incentive program that met the needs and desires of carriers.  Reduced airline costs in a challenging economy by creating a revenue sharing program.  Increased daily views to VPS website