FLINT, MI -- The Bishop Airport Authority has taken the interim out of the title of Airport Director Nino Sapone.

Members of the authority voted unanimously Tuesday, Oct. 22, to make Sapone’s appointment as director permanent after a short trial run in the position.

“Nino is at the top of the list. We welcome him as our new director," Airport Authority Chairman Win Cooper said in a news release that announced the action.

Sapone had served as deputy director at Bishop since March, but was promoted to the top administrative job at the airport following the sudden resignation of former Director Craig Williams in July.

He’s being paid $150,000 annually in the job.

“I am honored and humbled to be given this amazing opportunity to lead a talented team ... and I look forward to moving forward together,” Sapone said in a statement issued by the airport. “An airport is so often the first and last impression that travelers have of the community and region, and so one must be committed to delivering outstanding operational performance while exceeding customer service expectations.

"I look forward to building on the growth and success at Bishop ... and working with the community to make the airport the best it can be.”

Sapone originally came to Flint, after a nationwide search for his prior position, from Pittsburgh International Airport, where he served as the vice president of airport operations.

He has more than 25 years of aviation industry experience, is an accredited airport executive through the American Association of Airport Executives, and has served as president for the northeast chapter of the organization.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from California University of Pennsylvania.

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