Longtime director of Centre County Airport Authority to retire, leaving legacy of improvements
A longtime executive director who has overseen operations at the State College Regional Airport for nearly 30 years is set to retire at the end of June, leaving behind a legacy that one of his colleagues said includes major improvements to the airport.
Centre County Airport Authority Executive Director James “Jim” Meyer is to step down June 30, authority Chairman Chris Groshel said in a press release. Meyer has overseen operations at the airport’s commercial airline terminal since 1997.
“For almost 30 years Jim has devoted his professional life, and much of his personal life, to ensuring that folks traveling through our airport have the best possible experience,” Groshel said in a statement. “His focus on customer service is notable, and he will be missed.”
The authority cited a major remodeling of the terminal area, the construction of a new parking lot and maintenance building, and changes to the baggage handling operation as improvements under Meyer’s tenure.
Ralph Stewart, who retired Friday from a long career as Bellefonte’s manager, was named interim executive director. He’s set to start July 1.
“I will have much to learn in this new position, but I am excited about the challenge,” Stewart said in a statement.