TULSA, OK – March 18, 2019 – Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust (TAIT) has promoted Alexis Higgins, A.A.E. to Chief Executive Officer. Higgins has served as Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer since December 2018.
Higgins is a 19-year employee of TAIT, serving the majority of that time as Deputy Airports Director overseeing marketing and air service development. As CEO, Higgins will be responsible for managing the daily operations of Tulsa International Airport, R. L. Jones, Jr. (Riverside) Airport and Okmulgee Regional Airport along with prioritizing short, mid, and long-term strategies that support the utilization of the three airports and position them for future growth.
Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust made the appointment following a 100-day interim period. TAIT Board Chair, Jeff Stava, said, “The Board was inspired by Alexis’ vision and goals established earlier this year. Her ability to engage the airport’s staff, unite airport tenants, and build relationships with community partners were all factors that solidified our decision.”
Tulsa Mayor GT Bynum fully supports the decision. Bynum said, “In a short period of time, Alexis Higgins has transformed the way the city government and the airport work together to grow our local economy. She has the perfect combination of institutional knowledge and ambition for the organization. All of us at the City of Tulsa are excited to have her as the new Tulsa International Airport CEO.”
In addition to driving more airline and property leasing activity, Higgins is most excited about working with the airport’s 140 employees. Higgins said, “We have a talented team with a commitment to serving our diverse customer base. I look forward to providing them with opportunities to develop their skills, supporting their progression within our organization and the industry.”
Higgins will be the airport’s tenth chief executive officer since its inception in 1928.
Higgins holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Tulsa with minors in management and Russian language. In June 2010, she achieved the designation of Accredited Airport Executive through the American Association of Airport Executives. In addition to her work at the airport, she is a five year Reading Partners volunteer at Mitchell Elementary, serves on the advisory boards of Tulsa Community College’s Aviation Sciences Program and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, is a board member of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, and volunteers for Challenge Air for Kids in support of their Tulsa Fly Day.
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