Pittsfield's Airport Manager Finds New Opportunity Elsewhere
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Airport Manager Gloria Bouillon has taken a new job in Beverly.
Bouillon has been on the job since February of last year and is credited with moving a number of improvement projects along, increasing revenues, and positioning the airport for years to come. She came to Pittsfield from Colorado, citing Pittsfield as an airport with great potential.
"I was presented with this great opportunity. It was a tough decision because I had such a great team in Pittsfield," Bouillon said. "My time in Pittsfield was extremely positive."
Bouillon said she wasn't looking to leave the city but a little over a month ago it was suggested she look at the job in Beverly. She said the job was a right fit and tied in with her desire to move to a more metropolitan location.
"It was on a personal level than anything else. And it was a good opportunity," she said.
Her time in Pittsfield is particularly marked by her ability to line up improvement projects. A runway paving project is underway and a large solar project eyed to boost revenues is on track. The city is also lined up to receive funding to help refurbish the administration building.
"There is so much potential with the projects. It just needed to be led," Bouillon said. "One of the greatest successes was to get the buy-in from stakeholders."
She had also taken the job following a lengthy report from an airport review commission. The city has been contributing to the airport's operations each year and the hope was that the airport could at least break even with revenues. Bouillon took on a rate and fee analysis and raised those to generate more revenue. That is expected to be bolstered significantly by the income from the solar array.
At the same time, airport traffic saw an uptick under Bouillon, with 40 percent growth over the past three years that has driven a demand for hangar space.
But her time hasn't been without any challenges. For a period of time, there was nobody else on staff and she recalled taking conference calls while she was personally plowing the runways.
"We were short staffed for quite a while," she said.
During that period, she handled maintenance while attempting to keep the numerous capital projects on track. And then when staffing was brought on, she was charged with bringing them up to speed. But, she said she sort of liked that pressure -- there was an excitement level to keep up with the deadlines.
"I have only the best memories of Pittsfield," she said.
Mayor Linda Tyer thanked Bouillon for her time at the airport.
"We thank Gloria for her service to the City of Pittsfield and wish her all the best in her next endeavor," Tyer said.
But Bouillon becomes the second airport manager in three years to leave. Robert Snuck held the job prior to her for less than a year. He had replaced longtime Airport Manager Mark Germanowski.
City Council Vice President John Krol said Bouillon's loss is a big one for the airport and the city.
"She was incredibly skilled and talented, and, in my opinion, and exceptional department head in Pittsfield. It is a great loss," Krol said.
Airport Commissioner Tom Sakshaug echoed a similar sentiment.
"I thought Gloria was doing a very good job and I think Pittsfield has lost a real gem. I hope we can find someone of similar quality to replace her," he said.
In the meantime, Sakshaug is confident in Assistant Airport Manager Kristopher Keane's ability to oversee operations.
Bouillon said she will fondly remember her time in Pittsfield and still believes in the potential for Pittsfield Municipal Airport and has confidence in the staff she is leaving behind.
Tags: pittsfield airport, resignation,
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