EXECUTIVE STAFF

Phillip E. Johnson, A.A.E.
Acting Executive Director
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Brian Picardat, A.A.E.
Finance and Administration Director

Robert W. Benstein, A.A.E.
Public Safety & Operations Director

Thomas R. Ecklund, P.E.
Facilities Director

Bruce L. Schedlbauer, APR
Marketing and Communications Manager

Phillip E. Johnson, A.A.E.
Acting Executive Director
Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Phillip E. Johnson, A.A.E. is the Acting Executive Director for the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, MI.  He is responsible for the overall administration, financing, operations, maintenance, and development of the international airport.  (Mr. Johnson has been the Deputy Executive Director since October 1994.)

Before arriving in Grand Rapids, he was Superintendent - Airport Operations at Long Beach Airport, Long Beach, CA – an airport of similar size and staff to GFIA – where he managed the day-to-day airport operations.  Mr. Johnson also served as an Operations Coordinator at Los Angeles International Airport, coordinating all airport operational duties at this major international airport.

Mr. Johnson has held a number of aviation related positions prior to beginning his airport management career in 1989.  These included:  Systems Engineer for Hughes Aircraft Company - designing air defense and air traffic control systems; Air Traffic Control Specialist for the Federal Aviation Administration - controlling air traffic at Oakland Air Route Traffic Control Center; and Manager, Aircraft Ground Services for National Air Enterprises - managing aircraft line service functions at a Fixed Base Operator (FBO).  Mr. Johnson has over 30 years experience in aviation based industries.

Mr. Johnson holds a Master of Science degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California, a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Azusa Pacific University, and an Associate of Science degree in Air Traffic Management from Mount San Antonio College.

Mr. Johnson is a current pilot holding a commercial pilot license with instrument and multi-engine ratings.  He has been flying for 35 years and has owned three aircraft during that period.

Mr. Johnson is an Accredited Airport Executive with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).  He also holds professional affiliations with the Great Lakes Chapter of AAAE (GL-AAAE) and the Michigan Association of Airport Executives (MAAE).  Mr. Johnson served as President of MAAE for 2002/2003.  Mr. Johnson served as President of the GL-AAAE for 2008/2009.  Mr. Johnson chaired the National Air Service Conference, an annual conference sponsored jointly by AAAE, Great Lakes Chapter of AAAE and ACI-NA for 2005 and 2006.  Mr. Johnson currently serves on the AAAE Board of Directors and as Chair of the AAAE Airline Economics and Air Service Committee.  Mr. Johnson currently serves on the Board of Directors for Experience Grand Rapids, the local convention and visitors’ bureau.