Regional Airport Authority

Regional Airport Authority Overview

airplane-sunset

The Louisville Regional Airport Authority (LRAA) is an autonomous municipal corporation established by KY state statute that is responsible for owning, operating and developing Louisville International Airport (SDF) and Bowman Field (LOU).

Much like a private corporation, the Authority is self-funded and derives operating revenue from a variety of user fees. The Authority does not receive local or state funding for the routine operations of either airport.

The forerunner of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority was established in 1928 by the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s General Assembly and is believed to be the first airport to use the authority-type governance in the United States.

Governance

Board of Directors

An 11-member Board of Directors sets policy, approves the budget and hires the executive director, who serves as the organization’s chief executive officer and governs the Authority. The Board is comprised of the Mayor of Louisville, seven mayoral appointees and three gubernatorial appointees-one of which is a member of the Airport Neighbors Alliance Executive Committee. The board members serve four-year staggered terms without compensation.

2017 LRAA Board Meeting Schedule

2017 LRZC Board Meeting Schedule

Board Members

Jim Welch – Chairman

Mary Rose Evans – Vice Chair

Lesa Seibert – Secretary/Treasurer

Greg Fischer – Mayor

Dale Boden
William Byrley
Nikki R. Jackson
Earl F. Jones, Jr.
Pat MacDonald
Jon Meyer
John Moore

Skip Miller – Executive Director

The executive director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority is Charles T. “Skip” Miller. Miller came to Louisville in September 2003 from the Ft. Wayne/Allen County Airport Authority, where he served as Executive Director of Airports (CEO). As executive director, Miller implements board policies and oversees a staff of about 200 who handle day-to-day operations, maintenance and administration.

Miller serves on the Board of Directors of the Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) and is also a member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).

Powering the Regional Economy

Louisville International Airport and Bowman Field comprise the largest employment center in Louisville Metro. Growth at the airports translates into additional jobs, payroll, business expenditures and construction projects, as well as generating additional local and state tax revenues for the region.

The Airports also fuel the economy by helping retain and attract business, conventions and tourists. They provide access to world markets overnight and connect passengers to world destinations quickly.
In 2014, Louisville’s airports generated recurring economic impacts of: