AVL Deputy Director Named

Fletcher, NC – The Asheville Regional Airport Authority (ARAA) soon will welcome Mike Reisman as the new Deputy Director of Development and Operations. Reisman, who is leaving his position as the Greeley-Weld County (Colo.) Airport Manager, will begin at AVL on January 4.

“After an extensive nation-wide search for a new deputy director, I am very pleased that Mr. Reisman has accepted the position,” said Lew Bleiweis, AVL Airport Director. “His more than 23 years of experience in the aviation industry, evidenced by his professional successes in growing the Greeley-Weld County Airport during the past 14 years, will bring positive leadership to development and operations at Asheville Regional Airport. I am looking forward to working with Mike to continue to position AVL well for continued growth.”

Reisman is a former military air traffic controller, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in professional aeronautics with concentrations in aviation management and air traffic control technology. He has held management positions at the Richmond International Airport, the Fort Worth, Texas Department of Aviation, and most recently at the Greeley-Weld County Airport. He is a licensed pilot, a certified Aircraft Rescue Firefighter, and is professionally accredited by the American Association of Airport Executives.

Reisman’s most recent accomplishments as the manager of the Greeley, Colorado-based general aviation airport helped to position the organization for continued growth. Specifically, Reisman’s development expertise lead to growth in real estate acquisitions, which doubled the campus size and resulted in a 53% growth in private development projects. In addition, the airport realized a 72% increase in airport-based aircraft, and finally, Reisman lead the efforts to construct a 10,000 foot runway – a strategic move to position the airport well into the future. Over Reisman’s 14 year tenure at the Greeley-Weld County Airport, the facility’s annual economic impact on the local community increased by over 300 percent.

“I am looking forward to joining the team at the Asheville Regional Airport, and getting started in my new position. The facility has experienced impressive growth thus far, and has aggressive plans for continued growth and development. I am excited and prepared to become part of the team that will help lead the airport down a road of continued success.”

In addition to airport management, Reisman is avidly involved in community work, including five years of service on the Greeley, Colo. Chamber of Commerce board of Directors, and three years as chairman of the Chamber’s “Better Schools, Better Communities” committee. He previously served seven years on the Greeley Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors, including as its Chairman, and is currently the immediate past-president of the Colorado Airport Operators Association.

Reisman has been married to his wife Cheryl for 19 years, and they have two children: Jacob (14) and Amy (12).