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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 by 50% by creating a customer-friendly website with up-to-
date information on flights, hotels, restaurants, and regional events.
Implemented and launched mobile website easing assess to flight and airport information. 35% of
website visitors now assess via mobile version.
VPS featured on nationally televised game show eight times by establishing partnerships with show
executives.
Increased airport passengers by 20% following the BP oil disaster and the only airport in the region
to experience an increase during this time.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Northwest Florida Regional Airport, Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Business Development / General Aviation Airports Manager
2004 – Present
Correspond and communication with airline representatives, government entities and private corporations
on a daily basis to encourage growth for three airports in Northwest Florida - VPS, CEW, and DTS.
Oversee all administrative, finance and marketing initiatives from directing the creative of agency work to
organizing and attending trade shows, placing national ads and monitoring results. Continually research
and implement new campaigns and out-of-the-box thinking to increase revenue and customer satisfaction.
United States Air Force, Stateside and World Wide Locations
Aeromedical Evacuation Technician/Superintendent
1984 – 2004
Executed aeromedical evacuation system in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and to CONUS aboard C-9,
C-141, and C-130 aircraft. Responded to all patient movement requests from U.S. medical facilities,
embassies, consulates, and NATO. Supported launch and recovery of over 60 missions monthly.
Performed 10 missions monthly providing in-flight medical care to 24 patients per mission. Directed, trained,
motivated, and evaluated over 75 staff members. Prepared and reviewed performance appraisals and
annual budget in excess of $2.4M. Served as the key consultant to the commander for all aeromedical
evacuation training issues in European theatre.
COMMUNITY AND PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT
American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)
Selected as active member of Military Relations and Economics and Air Service Development
Committees. Hosted Military/Civilian Joint-Use Airports Conference in 2007 and 2011.
National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA)
Active Member.
Florida Airports Council (FAC)
Member of committee to increase Intra-Florida air service.
Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council
Voting Member on Marketing and Promotion Committee. Routinely brief board members on status of
airport and promotions.
Niceville / Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors
American Heart Association Okaloosa/Walton County Chapter
Member. Executive Leadership Committee
EDUCATION / TRAINING
Masters of Business Administration (MBA) with concentration in Human Resource Management
Touro University International
March 2004
Bachelor of Science in Resources Management
Troy University
September 2002
Certificate in Professional Human Resource Management
Villanova University
June 2004
REFERENCES
Available upon request.
