Airport chief hired

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

COEUR d'ALENE — Turns out the next director of the Coeur d'Alene Airport was just a short plane ride away.

Steven Kjergaard, who has spent the past six years as director of the Sloulin Field International Airport in Williston, N.D., was named the director of the local facility on Monday.

"I am excited about the opportunities that the Coeur d’Alene Airport has moving into the future," Kjergaard said. "My goal is to continue to develop the airport to be as successful as possible. I look forward to this opportunity to work with the citizens of Kootenai County as well as enjoying the region."

Kjergaard replaces Greg Delavan, who was fired in December after 22 years as director. Delavan was also fired two years ago before being re-instated.

Kjergaard will start in mid-April.

Prior to leading the Williston airport, Kjergaard served in airport operations for two years with AvPorts, an airport management firm based in Dulles, Va. His work experience has included all aspects of regional airport development and maintenance, including working knowledge of airport zoning administration, Federal Aviation Administration processes and marketing.

Kjergaard is a 2007 graduate of the University of Minnesota, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in marketing and aviation management. In addition, he holds several certifications related to airport operations and is a member of the American Association of Airport Executives and the Airports Council International.

Kjergaard, a Minnesota native, was integral in navigating the development of the new $250 million Williston Basin International Airport that is expected to be completed by mid-2019.

"Steven’s extensive knowledge and experience in the aviation industry were exactly what we were looking for and we’re pleased to welcome him aboard," said Kootenai County Commission Chairman Marc Eberlein.

"The board of commissioners is confident that Steven will play a key role in the future of our airport and its community partnerships."

Eberlein said he was particularly impressed by Kjergaard's leadership at the Williston airport during the oil boom.

Kjergaard's hiring comes as Kootenai County is about to update its airport master plan that will involve citizens and stakeholders from throughout the county. Eberlein said there has also been interest from multiple companies in moving to the Coeur d'Alene Airport.

Sixty-seven people applied for the job; two were interviewed.

The second-busiest airport in the state, the Coeur d'Alene Airport is a general aviation airport that supports more than 1,000 jobs and is responsible for more than $130 million in annual economic impact.