Chief Operating Officer

FGP/Alvion has been retained by Richmond International Airport to identify their next Chief Operating Officer.

The COO is responsible for managing daily operations of the airport by planning, developing, directing, and overseeing the operational personnel and divisions including Capital Development, Maintenance, and Operations & Security. This includes coordinating activities across these divisions, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and policies, supporting efficient and safe airport operations, and providing leadership to maintain effective communication and workflow throughout the organization.

The COO plays a critical leadership role in operationalizing the airport’s culture by translating organizational values into daily practices, behaviors, and accountability across all operational areas. The COO is responsible for converting the airport’s strategic plan into clear operational priorities, service standards, and measurable performance expectations that drive organizational alignment, operational excellence, employee engagement, and a consistent customer experience.

• Prepare, present, and administer a budget for the divisional areas of responsibility.
• Direct and supervise the preparation and recommendation of both an airport master plan and an airport capital improvement plan.
• Ensure the organization operates within legal and ethical boundaries by monitoring adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies; identify potential compliance risks and implement strategies to mitigate them.
• Oversee the maintenance and development of operational, security, and emergency plans for the airport.
• Manage holistic facility management and asset program.
• Ensure operational efficiency, decrease operational costs, and realign resource allocation for optimal efficiency and resiliency.
• Ensure compliance of facilities, infrastructure and maintenance, airfield, security, and communications operations with local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and sound business practices.
• Serve as a leader in emulating the cultural vision and values while ensuring a culture of civility.
• Ensure employee performance evaluations are established and updated regularly; provide feedback to direct reports and monitor workload and assignments.
• Maintain regular and sustained attendance.

• This position oversees the Capital Development, Maintenance, and Operations & Security divisions. Supervision is the responsibility of positions in this classification.
• Decisions are made within broad interpretation of applicable guidelines and federal, state, and county policies and rules.

• Master’s degree or bachelor’s degree in aviation or airport management, business administration, planning, engineering, public administration, public safety, or a closely related field.
• Ten to twelve (10-12) plus years of progressively responsible airport leadership experience. At least five to six (5-6) years of director level experience and must include the supervision of staff.

• Industry Knowledge – Knowledge of all aspects of airport management including airport capital development, airport operations, airport security, airport facility development and rehabilitation projects, maintenance and facility management, asset management, airside and landside operations, communications, airport security, aircraft rescue/ firefighting and law enforcement on airports.
• Regulatory Knowledge – Knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for federally funded programs and projects. Knowledge of state, local, and Capital Region Airport Commission regulations and requirements.
• Operations Knowledge – General knowledge of airport operations to ensure that plans include considerations for the continuity of operations through the program and project implementation process.
• Presentation and Reporting Skills – Skilled at presenting ideas and preparing concise reports that align with organizational goals.
• Communication Skills – Ability to communicate effectively, deliver clear…