ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – The search for new leadership at the Delta County Airport continues, following the former manager’s departure in January.
After just over a year as manager, Robert Ranstadler announced his resignation in December. He officially stepped down in February.
In March, the County extended a job offer to its top candidate, an Escanaba native who would have relocated from Alaska. However, Airport Advisory Board Chair Brian Herioux told the County Commission on Tuesday that the candidate “backed out” for personal reasons.
The County Board voted to extend a job offer to its second candidate choice, but the airport’s manager license is set to expire on April 17. If that candidate accepts the job, they may not be able to take over the position in time. While County Administrator Ashleigh Young has taken on some airport management responsibilities in Ranstadler’s absence, the Advisory Board wants to have a dedicated airport employee in place with enough time to properly prepare for a planned FAA inspection in June.
In the meantime, the Herioux said the Airport Advisory Board will be reaching out to a search firm to hire an interim manager that can keep the airport fully operational.
WZMQ 19 will continue to follow the Delta County Airport manager search as it develops.
