Dane County Executive Agard Congratulates DCRA Director on Retirement
December 23, 2024
execmedia@danecounty.gov, 608-266-4114
County Executive, Airport
Dane County Executive Melissa Agard Congratulates
Airport Director Kim Jones on Her Retirement
Dane County Begins Recruitment for New Director
MADISON – Dane County Executive Melissa Agard today congratulated Dane County Regional Airport (DCRA) Director Kim Jones on her retirement. Jones announced last month that she would be retiring in April of 2025.
“Director Jones skillfully guided expanded services during her tenure leading the airport, bringing in new airlines and routes to the Dane County area,” said County Executive Agard. “We often hear from travelers how impressive our airport experience is compared to others and that is thanks to her leadership.”
Jones has been with the DCRA for twenty years and served as the director since 2018. She started with the airport in 2004 and was named the Deputy Director of Finance and Administration in 2011 before being elevated to the director role. Her extensive background and experience in finance served the airport well by building a strong financial base that enabled the airport to stay off the county tax levy even during the financial challenges brought to the entire travel industry during the pandemic.
She also developed strategic partnerships with area businesses and community leaders to help support bringing new service to our area and expanded economic development opportunities. The airport terminal was expanded twice during her years with the airport, which also required two parking ramp expansions. Plans are currently underway for a third ramp expansion.
“Dane County will reap the benefits of Director Jones’ service for years. She helped grow our airport into a world-class facility to serve the greatest number of community members possible while maintaining a high level of service,” said Agard. “She also understood that the airport is a major part of the community and not just a place to travel out of by bringing art and music events for the community to enjoy even if they weren’t going on a trip.”
Jones started the “Tunes in the Terminal” program to provide music for travelers during the busy holiday season and her team developed the “Flight of Lights” display so area residents could enjoy a fun experience during the pandemic. She also serves on the Airport Council International as the Chair of the Small Airports Committee and coordinated with numerous non-profit groups to make sure the airport was accessible to everyone. She worked with The Arc-Dane County to start a “Wings for All” event at DCRA, which they now host twice a year. The event provides an opportunity to do a rehearsal trip to the airport for those with autism that includes checking in and going through security to help alleviate some of the stress of traveling. It also gives airport staff the opportunity to learn more about how to best accommodate the needs of all passengers.
Dane County will now begin a nationwide recruitment process for a new airport director. The next airport director will be tasked with continuing the strong growth at DCRA and taking the airport to the next level by working with our federal partners to achieve international designation.