Press Room

Posted on: Wed, 01/20/2016 - 08:07

33-year aviation veteran recruited in five-month global search

ONTARIO, Calif. - January 20, 2016 -- Capping a five-month global search for an experienced aviation leader to restore Ontario International Airport (ONT) as the region's economic engine, the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) today approved the nomination of Kelly J. Fredericks as its Chief Executive Officer. He currently serves as President/CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corp. (RIAC), operator of T.F. Green, the commercial airport serving Providence, RI and the New England Region.

As CEO of RIAC, Kelly oversees the operation and related economic development of a six- airport system consisting of medium-hub T.F. Green, two non-hub primary commercial airports (Westerly State and Block Island), a joint use military facility (Quonset State), and two corporate/general aviation facilities (North Central State and Newport State).

Fredericks, who has 33 years of aviation related industry experience, was nominated for the position by a two-member ad hoc subcommittee of the OIAA. He has served in senior leadership roles in the management of large, medium, small and non-hub airports, as well as overseeing the planning, design and construction of billions of dollars of airport development projects as an aviation consultant.

"After a global search for the ideal aviation professional to manage and grow Ontario International Airport, we are extremely fortunate to have successfully recruited Kelly Fredericks," said OIAA President Alan D. Wapner. "He is a rising industry star, well-respected and well-known. He will ensure ONT is ready to meet the growing demand for air service in the region while maximizing the airport's positive economic impact in the Inland Empire and beyond."

Fredericks will join the OIAA in March 2016 and take the helm of ONT following approval of the airport transfer by the Federal Aviation Administration. An agreement reached between the cities of Ontario and Los Angeles in 2015 provides for the transfer of the airport from Los Angeles World Airports to the OIAA.

Fredericks is an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E) by the American Association of Airport Executives, a Professional Engineer (P.E.) and a private pilot. He serves on the Board of Directors of Airport Council International - North America, and is a Regional Director and Board Member of the National Association of State Aviation Officials.

"I am pleased and honored to become the first CEO for the Ontario International Airport Authority," said Fredericks. "I am impressed by everything happening in the Inland Empire. The transformation of Ontario International Airport is the most intriguing and exciting development project I can imagine. I have never seen such commitment and support demonstrated by a community towards a key transportation hub, and such a spirit of collaboration to optimize its economic benefit."

Before joining RIAC in 2013, Fredericks served as Senior Vice President of the Corradino Group, leading efforts as Program Manager for the design and construction of a multi-billion dollar airport expansion program at Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport; Executive Director/CEO at Erie International Airport, Tom Ridge Field from 1999-2008; Deputy Aviation Director/COO at Pittsburgh International Airport 1996-1999; and Manager of State-Owned Airports/Improvements at Harrisburg International Airport 1980-1993.

Kelly graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1983 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering.

Tim C. McNamara, managing partner of Washington, D.C.-based Boyden Global Executive Search, assisted the OIAA Board in the CEO search process.

About the Ontario International Airport Authority

The City of Ontario and San Bernardino County formed the OIAA in August 2012 by enacting a Joint Powers Agreement. The OIAA provides overall direction for the management, operations, development and marketing of Ontario International Airport (ONT) for the benefit of the Southern California economy and the residents of the airport's four-county catchment area. Commissioners are Ontario Council Member Alan D. Wapner (President), Retired Riverside Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge (Vice President), Orange County Business Council President/CEO and California Transportation Commission Chair Lucy Dunn (Secretary), Ontario Council Member Jim W. Bowman and San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman.

About Ontario International Airport

ONT is located in the Inland Empire, approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California. It is a medium-hub, full-service airport with direct commercial jet service to 15 U.S. and Mexico cities. There are 62 daily departures offered by eight air carriers. ONT's service area includes a population of six million in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, and portions of Orange and Los Angeles counties. It currently is operated by Los Angeles World Airports, a City of Los Angeles agency also operating Los Angeles International and Van Nuys airports. Beginning in the second half of 2016, subject to FAA approval, ONT will be owned and operated by the Ontario International Airport Authority under a Joint Powers Agreement enacted by the City of Ontario and the County of San Bernardino.