The Eastern Iowa Airport Media Release CONTACTS: Dan Mann, Airport Director, 362-3131 or Pam Hinman, Director of Marketing & Communications, 731-5719 or 551-1490
Airport Director Leaving for Columbia, SC FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 16, 2009 - Dan Mann, airport director for The Eastern Iowa Airport since July 2005, has accepted a new position as the executive director of the Columbia Metropolitan Airport in Columbia, South Carolina. Mann, 44, will continue to serve as director in Cedar Rapids through the end of January. He begins his new duties in Columbia on Feb. 1. During his four-plus years at The Eastern Iowa Airport, Mann made several improvements to the airport, always focusing on ways to improve the customer experience. Additional parking, a free cell phone waiting lot, free wireless Internet service throughout the terminal, the installation of televisions in the concourse and new seating with built-in electrical outlets are just a few of the projects completed during his tenure. Mann also led the completion of a $1.2 million renovation to the C Concourse, a $2.7 million glycol retention facility and a new, $5 million Public Safety Facility, replacing the airport’s original 1967 building. This spring the airport begins the final phase of the $46 million runway project, for which Mann was able to secure a letter of intent from the Federal Aviation Administration to fund the project. Mann said the decision to leave was not an easy one. “While I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with the Commission, the staff and the community, the chance to serve Columbia and the Midlands of South Carolina was too good of an opportunity to pass up.” Dan Thies, chairman of the Cedar Rapids Airport Commission, said the commission is sorry to see Mann leave. “I’m not surprised with his talent that he would be sought after,” Thies said. “On behalf of the commission we want to wish him well. We are going to miss his leadership, his energy and his skills at getting things done.” Thies noted the airport’s relationship with the FAA “couldn’t be better” thanks to Mann’s relationship-building and that positive association is more important than ever as the airport begins the runway project. Thies said the commission will take steps to conduct a nationwide search to replace Mann. Columbia Metropolitan Airport is “really excited” to have Mann become their next airport director, said Larry Koester, chairman of the Richland-Lexington Airport Commission, which operates the Columbia airport. “Dan’s reputation at Cedar Rapids for getting things done was a strong factor in his consideration for the Columbia Metropolitan Airport director’s position,” Koester said. Mann will be replacing Mike Flack, who is retiring from the director’s job at the Columbia airport. Mann came to Cedar Rapids from Casper, Wyoming where he had served as the airport director for almost eight years. He has more than 20 years of experience in the management of airport operations, finance, marketing, and public relations at both commercial service and military airports. In addition to work in Wyoming, Mann’s prior positions were Assistant Airport Manager at the Elmira Corning Regional Airport in Elmira, New York from 1993 to 1995 and the Operations Specialist at the Dubuque Regional Airport in Dubuque, Iowa. From 1987 to 1992, Mann served in the United States Air Force, where he held the rank of Captain and was a B-52 navigator. He also served in the Ohio Air National Guard from 1983 to 1987. A native of Bryan, Ohio, Mann graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. He is also an Accredited Airport Executive through the American Association of Airport Executives and is a licensed private pilot. Contacts: Dan Mann, AAE, airport director (319) 362-3131 Pam Hinman, director of marketing and communications, Office: (319) 731-5719 or cell:(319) 551-1490 Dan Thies, chairman, Cedar Rapids Airport Commission (319) 363-6018 Larry Koester, chairman, Richland-Lexington Airport District, (803) 463-5211
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