The Naples Airport Authority Board of Commissioners selected James Gilligan to represent the airport’s southwest quadrant, John Kuntz to represent active commercial and general aviation pilots and Julie Schmelzle to represent the airport’s northeast quadrant on the Noise Compatibility Committee.
The NCC is comprised of nine citizen volunteers who help monitor the impact of aircraft noise and make recommendations about noise-mitigation procedures for consideration by the Naples Airport Authority Board of Commissioners. The members serve as volunteer representatives of the Collier County Commission, Naples City Council, general aviation pilots and six geographic areas surrounding the airport.
Retired after 27 years as CEO and founder of American Pricemark Company, Gilligan transformed the startup company into a national leader in bar-coding equipment and software. He has many years of experience in international sales and business management. Gilligan is a former aircraft owner and private pilot and served in the U.S. Air Force as a staff sergeant specializing in Aviation Fuels Management and Distribution to both U.S. and NATO Allied air bases throughout Europe. Gilligan has had a lifelong interest in aviation and will add valuable experience to the committee.
Kuntz, a career entrepreneur who has founded numerous businesses, is currently president of All Dry SWFL, a water and mold mitigation service company. In addition to his business background, Kuntz’ years of experience and qualifications as a pilot, along with his degree in mechanical engineering, will provide important technical knowledge and insight to the committee.
A Naples resident for 32 years, Schmelzle is a senior vice president and senior client manager at Bank of America, responsible for corporate client management in southern Florida. A member of numerous local organizations, including The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, the Partnership of Collier’s Future Economy and the Community School of Naples Board of Trustees, Schmelzle’s deep roots in the Naples community will be an asset to the NCC.
The Naples Airport Authority thanks Bruce Byerly, Russell Tuff and Ernest Linneman for their years of commitment and service to the NCC as their terms expire.
The NAA and NCC launched the “Please Fly Safe Fly Quiet” campaign in 2012 to encourage pilots and aircraft operators to do all they can to minimize aircraft noise. The campaign encourages pilots to observe the airport’s recommended 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. quiet hours, which currently has 99 percent compliance.
