Star-Telegram / Paul Moseley
Alliance Airport's director, Tim Ward, left, is stepping down after running the airport since it opened in 1989. His replacement is Tom Harris, right.
Star-Telegram / Paul Moseley
Alliance Airport's director, Tim Ward (left), is stepping down after running the airport since it opened in 1989. His replacement is Tom Harris (right).
FORT WORTH -- When Tim Ward stood on Alliance Airport's runway on opening day in December 1989, he spun around and saw nothing.
There were no office buildings and no hangars. It was just a concrete runway and lots of grass fields.
"I think about standing on this apron in December of '89 and looking around 360 degrees and not seeing any vertical development. And look at what exists out here today," Ward said with a smile.
After 23 years of running Alliance Airport, Ward is retiring at the end of the year. During his tenure, he has produced 21 air shows and built a fixed-base operation to serve private planes that has received numerous industry awards, including 14 ExxonMobil Gold Tiger Spirit Awards for customer service.
Ward has also overseen the funding and management of a $240 million runway extension project scheduled for completion in 2016. The project will extend runways to 11,000 feet and will include moving roads, railways and dirt to accommodate the extension.
"He's kept that thing moving, and we continue to progress to the point where now most of the funding is in place for the runway extensions," Hillwood Properties President Mike Berry said. "It's a pretty big achievement and a great testament to his leadership."
Ward has also hired his replacement, Tom Harris -- twice. When Ward was working to develop Austin's airport in the 1980s, he hired Harris to help with operations.
And when he took the job at Alliance, he hired Harris again. Since 2000, Harris has worked on real estate development for Hillwood.
Harris said he will continue the runway project and focus on the Alliance learning center concept, where workers can receive continuous training in aviation and aerospace as part of programs with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Tarrant County College and the University of North Texas.
"Getting the learning center of excellence focused on aviation logistics development built is very, very important for Alliance," Harris said.
He said he is already moving into some of the daily operations handled by Ward.
As he enters retirement, Ward said, he plans to stay in his Colleyville home and play more golf.
"I'm ready to not have that responsibility of the 24-hour operation," Ward said. "I'm ready to travel a little bit and enjoy my days and not be driven by the clock."
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http://www.airnav.com/airport/AFW
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