Following a nationwide search, the Airport Manager Hiring Committee of the City and Borough of Juneau has selected two finalists for the position. They will join community meet and greets and complete interviews with the Airport Board of Directors and Airport Manager Hiring Committee on June 11 and 12, 2025.

The finalists are (in alphabetical order):

Michael Clow (view resume)

Michael Clow has extensive experience in airport executive management, having held leadership roles at both commercial service and general aviation airports. Prior to his current role managing his own company, MJC Aviation Services, he served as Governmental Affairs and Grants Administration Manager for the Delaware River and Bay Authority, where he managed legislative strategy, stakeholder engagement, and secured over $30 million in grant funding for a range of multimodal transportation assets. Prior to that, he was the Assistant Manager and Chief Operating Officer at Republic Airport in New York, overseeing operations, security, finance, and a $20 million capital program while managing a staff of 30 and coordinating with more than 50 airport tenants. His career reflects broad expertise in operational oversight, capital development, and stakeholder relations across multiple airport environments.

Michael Isaacs (view resume)

Michael Isaacs has over 25 years of experience in airport and transportation management, with a focus on operations, compliance, capital projects, and stakeholder coordination. Most recently, he has served as the Airport Director at Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport in Idaho, where he manages the annual budget, oversees capital improvement projects, administers property leases, and has worked on expanding air service. Prior to that, he held the role of Airport Manager for regional airports in South Dakota and Montana, where he was responsible for day-to-day operations, FAA Part 139 compliance, and the execution of AIP-funded capital improvement projects.

The public is invited to two different events that are part of the Airport Manager selection process and will be able to submit comment cards that will be reviewed by the Airport Board and Hiring Committee.

Michael Clow: Wednesday, June 11, 2025; Alaska Room, Juneau International Airport

4:30 – 5:30 pm: Public Meet and Greet

5:30 – 6:30 pm: Hiring Committee and Airport Board Interview—the interview will primarily be held in public, but the end of each interview will be held in executive session.

Michael Isaacs: Thursday, June 12, 2025; Alaska Room, Juneau International Airport

4:30 – 5:30 pm: Public Meet and Greet

5:30 – 6:30 pm: Hiring Committee and Airport Board Interview—the interview will primarily be held in public, but the end of each interview will be held in executive session.

On Friday, June 13, 2025 at noon, the Hiring Committee and Airport Board will meet over Zoom and go into executive session to review the information received from the selection process the previous two days.

The City and Borough of Juneau is actively recruiting for an experienced airport executive to lead Juneau International Airport, the primary air transportation hub for Alaska’s capital city. Applications will be accepted through April 27.

Following many years of dedicated leadership as manager and deputy manager, Airport Manager Patty Wahto will retire on May 1, 2025. Former airport manager Dave Palmer will serve as interim manager while recruitment for a successor is underway.

Juneau International Airport (JNU) serves as a vital link between Juneau and the rest of the world. With no road access connecting Juneau to the mainland, the airport plays a crucial role in passenger travel, cargo transport, and emergency services, making it an essential part of the region’s economy and daily life.

The Airport Manager is responsible for the overall management and operation of JNU, serving approximately 900,000 passengers, and approximately 100,000 aircraft operations annually. Reporting to the Airport Board, this executive-level role oversees airport activities, ensures regulatory compliance, and represents the airport to stakeholders, government agencies, and the public. The overall 2024-25 budget is $10.8 million, including funding for 40 permanent and part-time positions and contractual services (aircraft rescue and firefighting, airport police).

The Airport Manager provides strategic leadership, directing all aspects of airport operations, maintenance, finance, and development. The position requires independent judgment in staffing decisions and policy implementation, ensuring JNU remains a safe, efficient, and financially sustainable transportation hub.

The ideal candidate will be a visionary strategic leader and decisive problem-solver, who holds a commitment to operational excellence and is able to thrive in high-pressure environments. An effective communicator and skilled negotiator, the right candidate will have the necessary skills to foster strong relationships with stakeholders and the community, manage contracts, and generate revenue.

Desired qualifications include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in aviation management, transportation, business or public administration or related field; four years of management level experience in airport operations or commercial aviation at an airport of comparable or greater size to Juneau; and an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) designation.

CBJ is partnering with ADK Executive Search to recruit and identify candidates of the highest possible quality for this crucial position. Read an in-depth recruitment brochure at bit.ly/JNUManager or see the full job description at bit.ly/JNUManagerSpec.

The salary range for this position is $122,283 – $195,228. The position includes a generous benefits package and relocation assistance.

To apply online, visit bit.ly/ApplyJNUManager. Recruitment closes April 27, 2025.

For questions about the application or position details, please contact Rod Dinger, A.A.E., at [email protected].