Gary/Chicago International Airport (KGYY), Gary, Indiana: Collins Resigns from Airport Board

The Gazette is attempting to confirm a report that Thomas Collins, Sr. has resigned from the Board of the Gary/Chicago Regional Airport.  Collins served as President of the Board under legislation passed last year that was designed to provide professional and independent oversight over the airport.  Collins was the sole vote against the controversial public/private partnership plan known as P3.  Collins was appointed by Governor Pence in August of 2013.  The Gazette will continue to work on this breaking story.

The full text of the Governor’s statement appointing Collins is as follows:

Indianapolis, IN – Governor Mike Pence today appointed Thomas M. Collins, Sr. to a four-year term as President of the Gary/Chicago International Airport Board.

Collins, of Valparaiso, is President of Luke Oil Company, a family-owned and operated business which was founded in 1967 by his father-in-law Ralph Luke. Collins, who joined the company in 1986 after working as an electrician for ten years through IBEW Local 697, has played a critical role in growing the business and was personally responsible for Luke Oil’s north Lake County growth strategy in the late 1990’s. In 2005, the company purchased County Line Orchards, where they have held a number of fundraisers to benefit local charities including the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana and various veterans’ organizations. Today, Collins spends much of his time managing and growing the wholesale fuel and transportation business and is active in the company’s growth plans, real estate development and investment opportunities. He recently completed a term as President of the Indiana Petroleum Marketers Association and serves as Indiana’s board member to the Petroleum Marketers of America Association. He is a lifelong resident of northwest Indiana.

“With nearly thirty years of firsthand economic development experience in northwest Indiana, Tom Collins, Sr. has the skills and unique perspective necessary to lead the Gary/Chicago International Airport Board,” said Governor Pence. “Under his leadership, I am certain the Board will ensure quality service and operation of the airport for Hoosier taxpayers in the region for years to come.”

The Board is a municipal corporation responsible for the management and operation of the Gary airport. Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson names four appointments to the Board while the Governor, the Lake County Board of Commissioners and the Porter County Board of Commissioners each name one appointment.

Source:  http://nwigazette.com