The St. Clair County Public Building Commission (PBC), which oversees the operations at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) in Mascoutah, Ill., announced that Bryan Johnson has been hired to serve as the airport’s new director, effective April 3. Johnson is taking over the leadership position from Tim Cantwell, who has served as director of MidAmerica Airport for the past 17 years, leading the charge to grow the airport’s passenger and cargo operations while also attracting new tenants and continuing to operate the airport as a Joint Use Airport partnering with Scott Air Force Base. Cantwell, who has been director of MidAmerica Airport since July 2002, announced his retirement in October, committing to stay on the job until his replacement was hired.
Johnson most recently served as a Senior Consultant for Aviation Management Consulting Group (AMCG) in Centennial, Co., and he has more than 25 years of aviation and transportation experience, most at the executive or management level. Over the course of his career, Johnson has gained in-depth experience in airport planning, management, operations and development at a mix of general aviation and commercial air carrier service airports. Immediately prior to joining AMCG, he served as Airport Director at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (KBJC) in Broomfield, Co., and prior to that Johnson was the Assistant Director of Aviation at Quad City International Airport (KMLI) in Moline, Ill.
“We selected Bryan following a national search that also reached international interests and drew applications from more than 60 applicants from around the world who were eager to be part of the operations here at MidAmerica Airport,” said St. Clair County Chairman Mark Kern, who served on the search committee along with other members of the PBC. “Given his solid qualifications and his demonstrated ability to take what is in place and grow it, we are confident that Bryan is the best person to lead MidAmerica Airport into the future.”
Johnson has been actively involved in developing and implementing strategic airport business plans, primary management and compliance documents, managing airport property development projects, and negotiating associated development and lease agreements. He has also engaged and collaborated with multiple government agencies, public entities and other organizations to increase opportunities for growth and revenue while supporting aviation business and operations.
He is currently an Accredited Airport Executive and is one of three Certified Member Instructors for the American Association of Airport Executives and a primary instructor for the ACE Finance Program.
Johnson earned his Master of Public Administration from the University of Nebraska – Omaha with an emphasis on municipal government, budgeting and administration. His undergraduate degree is in Aviation Management from Metropolitan State University in Denver, Co.
Over the course of his entire career, Johnson has been actively involved with numerous public and private entities and service organizations, both on a personal and professional level. He previously served on a governor appointed transportation committee in Nebraska as well as the Illinois Aviation Trades Association, and he is a past board member for the Colorado Aviation Business Association (CABA). He is a commercial/instrument pilot.
“I am honored to be confirmed as the next leader of a terrific team at the MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. I would like to thank St Clair County Chairman Kern and the St. Clair County Public Building Commission for their support and for placing their trust in my leadership,” said Johnson. “I look forward to meeting the BLV team, our Scott Air Force Base partners, and working with Allegiant Airlines, Boeing, North Bay Produce and engaging with the local business community leaders.”
