Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Blankenship leaves Headland Municipal Airport (0J6), Alabama

After 12 years of dedicated service to the Headland community as the Headland Municipal Airport manager, Stephanie Blankenship will resign her post Dec. 31. 

 Blankenship will start 2013 with a new career path. She has been appointed by the Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation (ODEC) as the executive vice president and director of aviation in Ozark.

“I am pleased and excited about my new position with the Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation,” Blankenship said. “I have enjoyed my career at the Headland Municipal Airport. Over the past 12 years, several accomplishments have taken place here at the airport, and I am grateful I had a part in that.”

During Blankenship’s career as airport manager in Headland, the airport has received more than $2.6 million in state and federal grants. The following is a list of improvements that have taken place under Blankenship’s administration:

  » Overlay on runway

  » PAPI’S installed

  » REEL’S installed

  » Relocated and installed new windsock and segmented circle

  » Runway extended to 5,000 feet

  » Refurbished the beacon

  » Overlay the existing apron

  » Expanded 8,000 additional feet to apron

  » Construction of three sets of t-hangers

  » Aviation maintenance available on field

  » Industrial access road

  » Sewage line run on County Road 134 and pumping station installed

  » Manager’s office built

  » Refueling system installed

  » Dual enrollment through Alabama Aviation College for all Henry County high school students.

  » Blueberry processing plant built

  » Implemented new t-hanger lease agreements

  » Established minimum standards and security plans required by FAA


 “I have met a lot of great people during my career here in Headland,” Blankenship said. “My position here has given me the opportunity to excel in the field of aviation management, and now, the ability to look back and see the transformation of the airport, I am blessed to have been a part of that.”

The city of Ozark welcomes Blankenship into her new career field.

“Stephanie is a highly accomplished administrator with extensive knowledge of airport operations and economic development,” said Eric Basinger, ODEC executive director.

In addition to managing the airport and planning future improvements, Blankenship will assist with economic development initiatives coordinated by ODEC. She will also continue as executive director of the Aviation Council of Alabama, an industry organization she has led since 2004.

“I look forward to working with the Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation,” Blankenship said. “I believe, with everyone working together, we can help the Ozark Airport reach its full potential with the existing industries and the aviation college located around the airport. The future looks bright for Ozark and Dale County, and I am proud to be a part of that.”


Story and photo:   http://www.dothaneagle.com


http://www.flyheadland.org

http://www.airnav.com/airport/0J6

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