ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – After months of searching, the Delta County Airport has found its next manager.
The Airport Advisory Board began interviewing applicants shortly after former manager Andrea Nummilien resigned in June. Administrators have officially hired Robert Ranstadler to take over the role.
“He comes from the military and was involved in aeronautics during his military service,” said Brian Herioux, chair of the Delta County Airport Advisory Board.
Prior to Ranstadler’s hiring, the board had discussed the possibility of hiring an interim administrator. Herioux says the board is glad the airport can move forward with someone permanently at the helm.
“It’s a relief,” Herioux said. “It’s not the first time we’ve been without a manager in my tenure, but to have it drag on for four months is too long and we’re glad to have this behind us.”
Herioux says the airport was able to continue running smoothly thanks to its small but dedicated team.
“We have five guys out on the field that just take care of it,” he said. “They know what the job is and they work with little to no direct supervision because they don’t need it. [Assistant Manager] Robyn [Morrison], her growth curve has been a cliff for her being new in her role, and she is doing an excellent job of wrapping her hands around what we need her to do.”
Ranstadler begins his new job as manager of the Delta County Airport on Tuesday, October 10.