David Allen, Pocatello Regional Airport manager, will put down the controls to the airport April 20 after more than 10 years. During his time at the airport, he oversaw the over $4 million terminal renovation, the installation of the Kizuna Japanese Garden, and the Airport Appreciation Days events. Over the last two years, he has helped the airport to double the number of commercial flights to and from Pocatello.
“Every day is different at an airport,” said David. “I start each day with a task list and I’m lucky if I get 20 percent of it done. There is always something that surfaces that needs urgent attention. You do what you can and you do what needs to be done.”
Prior to coming to Pocatello, Allen was the general manager for Alaska Cruises and the director of transportation services for the Ketchikan Gateway Borough, both in Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as the Twin Falls Airport manager, and a United States Air Force airfield manager for 22 years.
“I will miss my coworkers,” David said. “We are a small department so we rely on each other to keep the airport to the high standards necessary for success. For example, when a snowstorm hits, everyone is either assessing and reporting conditions or plowing and shoveling so that the aircraft can operate safely and the passengers can use the roads and walkways safely.”
As for the future, Allen is embarking on a new set of travels. This time, he’ll be taking to the high seas. He and his partner, Susan, plan to sail around the Caribbean for a couple of years before setting out in the South Pacific.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this community,” Allen said. “I’ve been fortunate to have been involved with many different service projects and have had a lot of fun along the way.”
An open house will be held April 20 at 3:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers in David’s honor. The public is invited to attend.
