LANSING, N.Y. — The current director of the Ithaca Tompkins International Airport will be on the job for another month before retiring Sept. 30 after seven years in the position. Mike Hall will continue working with the airport in a consulting role on strategic initiatives over the next year. That work will include maintaining and […]
LANSING, N.Y. — The current director of the Ithaca Tompkins International Airport will be on the job for another month before retiring Sept. 30 after seven years in the position.
Mike Hall will continue working with the airport in a consulting role on strategic initiatives over the next year. That work will include maintaining and securing additional air-service opportunities for Ithaca Tompkins and overseeing the continuation of sustainability initiatives for the airport, according to an Aug. 18 news release from the airport.
He will have a “special focus” on completing and securing state and federal-grant funding for capital projects. Hall will also be focusing on his leadership positions in the New York Aviation Management Association (NYAMA).
Tompkins County is currently searching for Hall’s successor as airport director.
“It has been a pleasure serving in this role,” Hall said in making the announcement. “Thank you to our fantastic airport team for its support and continuing to provide exceptional service to our traveling community.”
Hall is a Cornell University graduate with a 27-year career in the U.S. Air Force, the airport noted.
Activity during Hall’s tenure
During his seven years as airport director, Hall has been “instrumental” in numerous airport initiatives, the Ithaca Tompkins International Airport said.
They include expanding airline-passenger service with new non-stop service to the Charlotte, North Carolina and Washington Dulles International airports.
Hall also helped in transitioning Ithaca Tompkins to an “updated state-of-the-art” facility by successfully securing state and federal grants that helped pay for the renovation of the airport terminal, doubling the size of the passenger area, and adding new gates and passenger boarding bridges.
In addition, Hall assisted in securing the state funding to move the New York State Department of Transportation site to airport property from the downtown waterfront.
He also helped develop the new customs facility, allowing the airport to accommodate international flights and transition to the title of “Ithaca Tompkins International Airport.”
The initiatives also included upgrading the airport’s fuel farm and expanding its services to other users, and overcoming the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining air service from American Airlines, United, and Delta, the airport said.