In 1979, the Asheville Regional Airport Authority Board was established under North Carolina Statutes by Buncombe County and the City of Asheville to maintain, operate, regulate and improve the airport while enhancing the economy of the region.
Since its creation, the Authority has been successful in the development and operation of the airport and has matured into a fully self-sustaining enterprise requiring no local financial assistance for its operations, maintenance or capital programs.
The Board is comprised of seven members. Three members are appointed by the Asheville City Council, three by Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, and the seventh is appointed by the six as the At-Large member. Authority meetings are held on the second Friday of the month and are open to the public.
Chairman
Appointed by: City of Asheville
Term expires: June 2014
Address: 47 North Market Street, Asheville, NC 28802
Phone: 828-258-3368
A graduate of Duke University Law School, David Hillier has been practicing law in Asheville since 1978. He is currently an attorney with the firm of Gum, Hillier & McCroskey, P.A., working primarily in the areas of bankruptcy and financial distress.
Mr. Hillier served as a member of the Asheville City School Board for eight years, was president of the local (500 + lawyers) Bar Association and is a recipient of the prestigious Centennial Award for Outstanding Community Service from the State of North Carolina Bar Association.
Vice Chairman
Appointed by: Buncombe County
Term expires: June 2012
Address: 82 Church Street, Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: 828-252-2852 or 800-273-4002
A partner of David Gantt Law Office in Asheville, David currently serves as Chairman of the Buncombe County Commission, where he has been a member for 14 years. He holds a degree in Economics from UNC Chapel Hill and received his law degree from Campbell University. David has practiced accident and disability law in the mountains for the last 29 years.
Secretary-Treasurer
Appointed by: Buncombe County
Term expires: June 2012
Address: 37 Forest Knoll Drive, Weaverville, NC 28787
Phone: 828-658-1719; Fax: 828-252-6442
As the Executive Food & Beverage Director of The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, Jeff has more than 30 years’ experience in hospitality. He has worked with many community groups, including Eblen Charities, March of Dimes, Habitat for Humanity, and Leadership Asheville. Jeff is an active member of the American Culinary Federation and is recognized as a Certified Executive Chef.
Member
Appointed by: City of Asheville
Term expires: June 2012
Address: 11 North Market Street, Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: 828-258-2991
A partner of the Van Winkle Law Firm in Asheville, Esther currently serves as vice Mayor of the Asheville City Council. She holds a Masters in Public Administration and law degree from UNC Chapel Hill. Esther is married to Mark Harris, a teacher and coach at Enka High School and they are the proud parents of three young boys, Levi, Greyson and Asa.
Member
Appointed by: City of Asheville
Term expires: June 2014
Address: 2106 Hendersonville Road, Arden, NC 28704
Phone: 828-257-5725
Regional Executive Vice President of First Citizens Bank & Trust Co., Bob has 26 years of experience in the banking and financial business. He holds a degree in Industrial Relations and Psychology from UNC-Chapel Hill. Bob is the YMCA of Western North Carolina Board Chairman and is on the board of several other organizations, including Eblen Charities and Mission Healthcare System.
Member
Appointed by: Buncombe County
Term expires: June 2014
Address: 555A Brevard Road, Asheville, NC 28806
Phone: 828-258-5019
Martha is a native North Carolinian, born in the Sandhills. She has degrees in Economics and Management and is a graduate of Duke University’s Utility Management program. Martha is a 30 year veteran of Progress Energy, where she is currently responsible for issue management and resolution, political, community, and media relations, economic development, and philanthropic initiatives, among others.
At-Large Member
Appointed by: Current Airport Authority Board
Term expires: June 2012
Address: 111 Boyd Drive, Flat Rock, NC 28731
Phone: 828-817-3757
A native of Pennsylvania, Bill spent his career as a partner in the Philadelphia law firm of Dechert, Price & Rhoads, practicing corporate, securities and utility law, and as CEO of C-TEC, a public telecommunications company. Moving with his family to Henderson County in 1990, Bill became active in community affairs and served on numerous civic and charitable boards. Bill served on the Henderson County Board of Commissioners for twelve years, eight as chair. He currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Pardee Hospital.