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As a St. Johns County native, it shocked me to see how, with tens of thousands of new residents and 2.79 million annual visitors to our county, our airport was still struggling to reach its potential. As a dedicated member of the community, I have served as a leader, and I'm committed to representing St. Johns County on the Airport Authority. I firmly believe that our airport should benefit a greater part of the community. I saw the Airport Authority as a unique opportunity to take my aviation and political knowledge and use it to make a positive impact where I live.
My bloodline is full of aviators. My great-grandpa was an early pilot for Northwest Airlines, my grandpa flew in the Alaskan bush, and my dad received his A&P.
I have seen aviation from all sides; from behind the yoke, inside the ATC tower, and in the business meetings. I'm completing degrees in Aviation Management and Business Administration, and was a student pilot until a past medical tragedy prevented me from completing my license. I've been very engaged in politics, including aviation legislation. I am the only aviation-experienced candidate in this race.
I served on the SJC School District's Aerospace Academy Advisory Board, led the Aerospace Club, received career training, and earned grants and donations for the programs.
The board should focus on bringing jobs to our community and expanding business at the airport. We must take advantage of new technologies, such as eVTOL aircraft, to collect existing grant opportunities, rather than depending on our residents. The new tech comes with high investment and new jobs for our community.
We face competition from neighboring airports, such as JIA, CRG, and DAB, which are taking our business. Pilots fly elsewhere to fill up on gas and park due to our lacking infrastructure and high costs. Businesses bring jobs elsewhere as we have fallen behind on property maintenance, branding, and creating stable management. I will expand usage of the airport by creating a business, pilot, and resident-friendly environment.
The growth proves to be challenging in that we have over 100,000 new residents in the past decade who may be in need of employment. We do not have a sufficient number of jobs in the county to supply the newcomers. Additionally, that means that the tax base is too heavily reliant on residential properties, which can be detrimental in a market crash.
That being said, our county is now receiving attention from Tallahassee and DC, meaning that a stable Airport Authority board is crucial to maximize the amount of grants and business coming to St. Johns. We must lead in job growth and update infrastructure for new technology. For example, eVTOL aircraft will reduce road traffic statewide and is being funded by existing grants.
I’m running for the St. Johns County Airport Authority because our kids grow up here, get a great education, and then have to leave to find real career opportunities. We’ve got a strong foundation at the airport, with advanced aerospace and manufacturing activity, which shows what’s possible here. I believe the airport can play a bigger role in attracting high-quality jobs and creating a future where young people can afford to come back and stay.
I bring more than 20 years of experience as a business owner and communications professional, with a background in managing operations, working with clients, leading teams, and making decisions that balance competing priorities. Running a business requires financial responsibility, long-term planning, accountability, and a commitment to serving customers—skills directly relevant to overseeing the airport.
I moved to St. Johns County in 1994 and have been active through volunteer work and youth sports. My business experience and commitment to the community have prepared me to provide thoughtful oversight and strategic direction for the Airport Authority. This is a 4-year commitment, and I am prepared to devote the time and effort necessary.
I believe the two most pressing issues facing the Airport Authority are smart economic development and responsible stewardship.
First, the airport can play a larger role in supporting high-quality job growth. St. Johns County has excellent schools and a talented workforce, yet many of our kids leave the area to pursue career opportunities elsewhere. The airport already supports aerospace and aviation-related businesses, and I believe we should help existing businesses grow while attracting new investment and jobs.
Second, the Airport Authority must continue to provide a safe, efficient, and accessible airport through responsible planning, strong support for the general aviation community, and careful stewardship of public resources.
There are both opportunities and challenges for the airport. The opportunity is to build on the airport's existing strengths by supporting aerospace and aviation businesses, attracting investment, and creating high-quality jobs. As our county grows, the airport can play an increasingly important role in economic development.
The challenge is ensuring the infrastructure, operations, and planning keep pace while continuing to serve the existing businesses and pilots. Growth also brings new community expectations, including interest in expanded services such as commercial air travel. The Airport Authority must balance those needs while maintaining safe, efficient operations and protecting the airport's long-term value as a community asset.
