The Clinton County Port Authority Board of Directors introduced new Board Members Janet Dixon and Jack Powell at its most recent meeting.

Dixon is replacing Brian Smith, who served three full terms, as well as two years of the unexpired term of John Limbert. Powell was appointed to fill the remainder of the unexpired term of Walt Rowsey.  Rowsey has served as the Board Chair for the past 10 years. 

“We wish the best to both of our retiring members and look forward to the new members on the Board,” said Clinton County Port Authority Executive Director, T. Alex Beres. “I have said it before, and I truly mean it when I say this is absolutely the best board I’ve ever worked for or with.”

At the previous meeting new officers were presented for review. Beth Ellis was elected as the Chair, Jack Powell as Vice Chair, and Bill Ferguson as Treasurer/Secretary.  Chair Ellis presented proposed committee assignments for review by the Board members for the 2025-2026 Board year.   

Also introduced at the meeting was Brad Buckner, joining the Port Authority staff in the last month as Program Manager, supporting economic development projects as well as projects at the Wilmington Air Park. With Corey Francis, who was introduced earlier this year as the Chief Engineer, the Port Authority now has a staff of eight. 

“We are building capacity and engaging professionals who continue to add to our ability to provide a breadth of services to the Port Authority and the Community,” said Beres. “As they continue to work through projects, you will be hearing more from them.”

Also at the meeting, the Board approved an amendment to the Lease for Building 2050 and 2055. The full lease was renewed previously, and this amendment allows the tenant use of more areas on the Air Park to accommodate growth and seasonal fluctuations.

“Last month we shared that the lease with Amazon was executed that extends through June of 2029, with two extensions of five years each part of that agreement,” said Beres. “Amazon Air is a committed partner to the Air Park and to Clinton County. They have or will have operations on the airport for 14 of the last 15 years. If they exercise the additional next two five-year renewals, they will be the longest cargo operator in the history of the Air Park.”

The staff continues to explore options for Building 2052 as a potential tenant space and engaged a consultant to work with Francis to accommodate renovations to the building. It was purpose-built as a sort building in 1991, and this will explore the possibility of creating a manufacturing space in the building.

The board approved another contract for work to continue on a project it is working on with the Board of County Commissioners, approved an economic development incentive agreement, and approved updates to the Personnel Manual. 

The next meeting is scheduled for November 13, 2025, at 9 a.m. at the Wilmington Air Park Board Room. 

Pictured, left to right: Jim West, Board Member; John Settlemyre, Board Member; Jack Powell, Vice Chair; Beth Ellis, Chair; Bill Ferguson, Treasurer/Secretary; Janet Dixon, Board Member; and Kyle Rudduck, Board Member.