News

TAIT Appoints COO / Interim CEO

TULSA, OK – December 6, 2018 – Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust (TAIT) announced today that Alexis Higgins, A.A.E. has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer and in addition will serve as interim Chief Executive Officer following the resignation of Mark VanLoh from the post last month.  Higgins is a 19-year employee of TAIT, serving the past 12 years as Deputy Airports Director overseeing marketing and air service development.  Throughout her tenure, she has been responsible for the development and oversight of numerous programs that have resulted in improved relationships with airport customers, tenants, neighbors, and the community.  In addition to her management of the airport’s marketing and air service, Higgins has managed programs related to the airport’s disadvantaged business enterprise requirements for both construction and concession projects and has served as a project lead for the airport’s parking and concession programs.

As Chief Operating Officer, she will be responsible for managing the daily operations of the Airport, developing and implementing strategies across the organization, and determining the optimal strategy for resource utilization needed to support all users of Tulsa International Airport, R.L. Jones, Jr. Airport, and Okmulgee Regional Airport.

“Alexis has led critical projects related to air service development, community engagement and commercial enterprise management throughout her tenure at our airports,” said TAIT Chair, Jeff Stava.  “She is well known and respected among her peers in the aviation industry and has established relationships with community stakeholders and airport tenants that position her well to lead key airport initiatives.”

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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