Attention Travelers: Increased Passenger Levels for Spring Break Travel

Due to the high volume of passengers, we advise all travelers to arrive at the airport more than 2 hours prior to their scheduled departure time. For more tips and information, please visit our Traveler Tips page HERE >

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Airport Authority Administration & Board Members

Learn more about how we operate and the current Administration and Board members.

GFIAA Board

GFIAA Leadership

Meeting Schedules

Meeting Minutes

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Our Mission

Gerald R. Ford International Airport is managed and operated by the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority.

Our mission is to create an exceptional travel experience for our passengers, and growth and prosperity for all of West Michigan.

Policy and general oversight of GFIA are the responsibility of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority Board, a seven-member body appointed by the Kent County Board of Commissioners.

Authority-Board-1
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Board Members

Policy and general oversight of GFIAA are the responsibility of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority Board, a seven-member body, each serving staggered three-year terms.

Dan Koorndyk

Chairman

Doug Small

Vice Chairman
Operations & Marketing
Committee Chair

Birgit Klohs

Secretary
Finance & Legislative
Committee Chair

Michael Verhulst

 

Dan Burrill*

 

Peter Beukema

Human Resources
Committee Chair
 

Emily Brieve*

 

 *Denotes Kent County Commissioner 

Jump point: #leadership
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GFIA Authority Leadership

GFIA is managed and operated by an Executive Staff including the President & CEO, Vice President & COO, Vice President & CFO, a management team representative of the airport's primary functional areas, and a 100+ member GFIA Authority staff.

Torrance Richardson, A.A.E.

President & CEO
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Torrance "Tory" Richardson, A.A.E.

President & CEO

 

A 36,000-foot View 

  • Most Cherished Travel Memory: Family vacations to Cancun

  • Favorite Spot at the Ford Airport: Anywhere at the airport, but the airfield is exciting!

  • Best Travel Advice: Pack a carry-on

Torrance “Tory” Richardson, A.A.E. is the Gerald R. Ford International Airport’s president and CEO, overseeing all functions and activities of Michigan’s second-busiest airport. He is also responsible for developing and implementing the Ford Airport’s strategic vision, including long-term plans for future development, infrastructure improvement, guest growth and other initiatives.

Successful in guiding airports through significant change and boosting regions’ economic vitality, Tory is leading the Authority’s Project Elevate, a revolutionary expansion of the Airport to accommodate passenger growth that includes adding nonstop international commercial flights. He has managed numerous airport functions during his long aviation career, from HR and operations to government affairs and strategy. He started out as an airport maintenance worker doing lighting, airfield, asphalt and concrete repairs.

Prior to joining the Ford Airport in 2019, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, which oversees three airports in central Ohio: John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Rickenbacker International Airport and Bolton Field. During his tenure, passenger traffic grew 33% to more than 8.4 million travelers while freight increased 91% to more than 300 million pounds. He previously served as the Columbus Regional Airport Authority’s chief strategy officer and vice president of human resources, government affairs and strategy. Before that, he was executive director of airports for the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority, which includes Fort Wayne International Airport and Smith Field Airport. He also was executive director and operations director at Rapid City Regional Airport and an operations specialist and maintenance worker at Dubuque Regional Airport in Iowa.

Tory is past Chair of the American Association of Airport Executives and is past President of the Great Lakes Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives. He also has held leadership positions with the Airports Council International-North America and is past President of the Ohio Aviation Association. He has a bachelor of science degree in aviation management from the University of Dubuque.

Alex Peric A.A.E.

Vice President & COO
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Alex Peric A.A.E.

Vice President & COO

 

A 36,000-foot View

  • Most Cherished Travel Memory: Connecting my family to my Eastern European roots
  • Favorite Spot at the Ford Airport: Ink Bookstore
  • Best Travel Advice: Get to the Airport early!

Alexander Peric, A.A.E., manages the daily operations of the Airport Authority by directing facilities, engineering and planning, public safety, business, information technology and operations functions. He is charged with being the catalyst for the Authority’s growth in business development, economic development, non-aeronautical revenue and innovation. He ensures that all Airport facilities and operations comply with federal, state and local rules and regulations. Additionally, Alex serves as President and CEO in Tory’s absence. As the integrator of the team, Alex works to hold the Authority accountable and helps each department work harmoniously while executing its high-level plans.

In 2019, Alex was named one of Michigan’s Most Valuable Professionals by Corp! Magazine, a reflection of his steadfast economic development ingenuity and innovative business modeling. In 2013, he was named to the Top 40 under 40 by Airport Business Magazine. Alex has also worked tirelessly to enhance the air service development program at the Ford Airport, which has been well received by airline partners, resulting in significant additions to the Airport’s route map.

Prior to joining the Ford Airport in 2017, Alex was Vice President of Business Development and Properties for the Allegheny County Airport Authority in Pittsburgh. While there, he was responsible for all business-related matters for the airport system, which includes Pittsburgh International Airport and Allegheny County Airport, as well as management and development of 9,000 acres of land, 3.5 million square feet of commercial facilities, concessions and innovative revenue strategies. Additionally, he also served in business development and management roles for the cities of Cleveland and Phoenix airport systems and Continental Airlines.

Alex’s diverse background within the aviation industry includes strategic roles in airline relations, business management, real estate, operations, project management, revenue development, negotiations, risk management and data analysis.

Alex earned his bachelor’s degree and pilot license in aviation management with minor in management information systems from Kent State University and master’s degree in labor relations and human resources from Cleveland State University. He is an accredited airport executive with the American Association of Airport Executives and a member of the Airports Council International North America, National Association of Industrial and Office Properties and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

Maria Kim

CFO
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Maria Kim

CFO

A 36,000-foot View

 

Maria Kim joins us from Fraport USA where she was a Director of Financial Analysis and Reporting. In this role she oversaw the concessions programs and revenue development at Nashville International Airport, JFK terminal 5, Newark International Airport, Baltimore International Airport, Pittsburgh International Airport and Cleveland International Airport.

Prior to Fraport, she worked for Allegheny County Airport Authority in Pittsburgh (ACAA), where she was responsible for revenue management of Pittsburgh International Airport and Allegheny County Airport. She developed strategies to optimize revenue & vendor management. She was recruited to ACAA from the Consumer Product Goods sector, where she held progressive marketing and finance roles across Heinz and Samsung.

Maria grew up in Seoul, South Korea, and holds B.S. in Finance and minor in Chinese from the University of Notre Dame. She recently finished her Master’s in Business Management from Harvard University Extension School. In her free time, Maria enjoys hiking, cooking, reading, painting, and traveling with her husband.

Maria is a data driven passionate leader with over 10 years of experience in strategic planning, analysis, forecasting and financial modeling across public and private growth companies, with a specialized background in aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenue development. Her goal is to create and deploy sustainable, balanced, and well-integrated roadmaps for GFIAA’s success.

 

Casey Ries, P.E.

Engineering & Planning Director
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Casey, W. Ries, P.E.

Engineering & Planning Director

 

A 36,000-foot View

  • Most Cherished Travel Memory: Hiking the trails of Glacier National Park as a family.
  • Favorite Spot at the Ford Airport: The Airport Viewing Park on Kraft just north of 52nd.
  • Best Travel Advice: Be open-minded and make flying part of the experience, not just a necessity of vacation or a business trip. Look up from your cell phone and enjoy the airport and airplanes.

Casey Ries, P. E., LEED AP ensures the Gerald R. Ford International Airport’s indoor and outdoor physical spaces are ready and able to support guest and aircraft activities. Casey is responsible for engineering, planning and environmental functions at the Ford Airport. His duties involve monitoring, maintaining, planning and updating buildings, runways, facilities and other infrastructure to keep pace with growth projections. Casey also plans and administers the capital improvement program, supports sustainability initiatives, ensures compliance with permits and provides engineering guidance for airport operations and maintenance.

During his time at the Ford Airport, Casey has been instrumental in leading three key projects: Gateway Transformation, a $50 million investment that reimagined the guest experience, Reconstruction and Expansion of the Terminal Apron and Project Elevate, including the upcoming $90 million expansion of Concourse A.

Prior to assuming his current role in 2017, Casey served as the Airport’s engineering manager, leading the engineering team of airport staff, consultants and contractors to execute airside and landside capital development projects. An expert in construction and airport project management, Casey has worked on projects with the Michigan Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Agency, the Department of Defense and airports across Michigan.

Casey earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Michigan Technological University. In 2013, he was named Engineer of the Year by the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers Capital Area Chapter. Casey is a licensed professional engineer, certified industrial stormwater operator and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional. Additionally, he is a member of the Airport Cooperative Research Program, where he serves as Chair and Panel member, Airports Council International North America Environmental Committee, National Society of Professional Engineers and American Society of Professional Engineers. He serves as vice president for the Grand Ledge Robotics Club and is a chapter coordinator for the MATHCOUNTS program.

Heather Day, SHRM-SCP, C.M.

Human Resources Director
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Heather Day, SHRM-SCP, C.M.

Human Resources Director

 

A 36,000-foot View

  • Most Cherished Travel Memory: My most cherished travel memory would have to be our family trip to Ireland.  We explored the entire island from top to bottom and side to side.  It was so inspiring to see where our family came from and create memories with my family.
  • Favorite Spot at the Ford Airport: My favorite spot at GRR is the baggage area.  I love seeing all the families hug when they meet again.
  • Best Travel Advice: Plan as much as you can ahead of time and if this does not work – then be flexible!

Heather Day, SHRM-SCP, C.M. serves as the Director of Human Resources for the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority.  In her current role, Heather is responsible for leading GFIAA’s overall human resources strategy, talent acquisition, development, diversity and inclusion, employee education and development, compensation and benefits, HR technology, and employee relations.  The human resources department works with all the leaders across GFIAA to meet the needs of each department. 

As the Director of Human Resources, Heather will oversee the efforts to find more effective and streamlined companywide talent acquisition practices that better utilize technology; a companywide diversity and inclusion strategy and more thoughtful, comprehensive talent management and talent development programs. One of the more important contributions that Heather has been focused on is the dialogue between leadership and the employees through focus groups and face to face meetings that engage all employees at all levels and serves as the foundation for future change and progress here at GFIAA.

Prior to coming to GFIAA, Heather worked as the Director of Benefits and Compensation at the Wayne County Airport Authority (DTW) for 19 years.  Heather holds an MS of Human Resources Development from Villanova University, is an SPHR, an SHRM-SCP and holds a Certified Member from AAAE. Heather currently sits on the Human Resources Steering Committee for ACI-NA and participates in both local and national SHRM groups.

Lisa Carr, C.M., P.E.M.

Public Safety & Operations Director
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Lisa M. Carr, C.M., P.E.M.

Public Safety & Operations Director

 

A 36,000-foot View

  • Favorite Spot at the Ford Airport: On the airfield; by far the coolest place to be.
  • Best Travel Advice: Fly smart, be patient and flexible. Always have a carry on with essential items for a minimum of one full day. The last thing you want to do is spend your first day being stressed about shopping for clothes.

Lisa M. Carr, C.M., P.E.M. is responsible for developing and implementing short- and long-range plans, policies, protocols and standard operating procedures to ensure the safe, secure and efficient operation of the Airport. Her critical role also ensures the Airport is in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration and all other federal, state and local regulations governing airport operations. In addition to serving as Ford Airport’s Emergency Manager, Lisa oversees police, fire, operations and communications personnel and is proud to work with a wonderful, engaged and knowledgeable staff.

Prior to assuming her current position in 2015, Lisa served as the Director of Operations for the Capital Region International Airport in Lansing. While there, she was responsible for security and operations, also overseeing FAA and TSA regulations. She additionally served as the Airport Security Coordinator and Trusted Agent in her relationship with TSA. She also served as Emergency Manager, working with Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. Lisa began her 20-year career at the Lansing Airport as an operations officer, assuming new leadership roles and responsibilities as a manager and supervisor before becoming a director.

Lisa has an immense knowledge of safety within the aviation industry as well as strong relationships with federal and state partners. Her career path from operations officer, with responsibilities in the communications center and later in airfield operations, to director has given her tremendous hands-on experience addressing safety issues in every facet of the airport operations.

Lisa earned her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and associate’s degree from Kirkland Community College. She is a member of the Airports Council International North America where she serves as the second chair of the public safety and security committee. Additionally, she is a certified member with the American Association of Airport Executives and the Michigan Association of Airport Executives.

Professional Development  

  • American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), Certified member
  • Michigan Association of Airport Executives (MAAE), Member
  • Airports Council International North America (ACI-NA), Member
  • ACI-NA Public Safety and Security Committee, U.S. Vice Chair 2022
  • Professional Emergency Manager (PEM) with the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division

 

Jump point: #meetings
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2023 Meeting Schedule

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority (GFIA) complies with the Open Meetings Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. If accommodations are needed, please contact us at least three (3) business days prior to the scheduled meeting. While every effort will be made to accommodate the request, the ability to do so depends on several variables outside the control of the Ford International Airport Administration Office.

Beginning August 2023, Authority Board Meetings and Committee Meetings will be held at Gerald R. Ford International Airport: 5500 44th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 in the International Room. 

 

 

Airport Authority Board Schedule 2024
03/27/2024 | 8:30 AM
04/24/2024 | 8:30 AM
05/29/2024 | 8:30 AM
06/26/2024 | 8:30 AM
07/31/2024 | 8:30 AM
08/28/2024 | 8:30 AM
09/25/2024 | 8:30 AM
10/30/2024 | 8:30 AM
11/20/2024 | 8:30 AM
12/18/2024 | 8:30 AM
Finance Committee Schedule 2024
03/27/2024 | 7:30 AM
04/24/2024 | 7:30 AM
05/29/2024 | 7:30 AM
06/26/2024 | 7:30 AM
07/31/2024 | 7:30 AM
08/28/2024 | 7:30 AM
09/25/2024 | 7:30 AM
10/30/2024 | 7:30 AM
11/20/2024 | 7:30 AM
12/18/2024 | 7:30 AM
Operations & Marketing Committee Schedule 2024
03/20/2024 | 8:00 AM
04/15/2024 | 8:00 AM
05/21/2024 | 8:00 AM
06/19/2024 | 8:00 AM
07/24/2024 | 8:00 AM
08/21/2024 | 8:00 AM
09/18/2024 | 8:00 AM
10/23/2024 | 8:00 AM
11/13/2024 | 8:00 AM
12/11/2024 | 8:00 AM
Human Resources Committee Schedule 2024
Jump point: #minutes
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GFIA Authority Board & Committee Meeting Minutes

The meeting minutes from each of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority Board and Committees can be found below. Proposed minutes will be posted within eight days of the meeting and then posted again once approved. If you would like meeting minutes prior to 2019, please contact gfiainfo@grr.org

 Please click HERE to view the 2023 GFIAA Operating Budget.

 

Board of Directors

January 2024

February 2024- Proposed

March 2024

April 2024

May 2024

June 2024

July 2024

August 2024

September 2024

October 2024

November 2024

December 2024

Board of Directors

March 2024

April 2024

May 2024

June 2024

July 2024

August 2024

September 2024

October 2024

November 2024

December 2024

Finance & Legislative

January 2024- Proposed

February 2024- Cancelled

March 2024

April 2024

May 2024

June 2024

July 2024

August 2024

September 2024

October 2024

November 2024

December 2024

Finance & Legislative

February 2024- Cancelled

March 2024

April 2024

May 2024

June 2024

July 2024

August 2024

September 2024

October 2024

November 2024

December 2024

Operations & Marketing
January 2024

February 2024- Proposed

March 2024

April 2024

May 2024

June 2024

July 2024

August 2024

September 2024

October 2024

November 2024

December 2024

Operations & Marketing

March 2024

April 2024

May 2024

June 2024

July 2024

August 2024

September 2024

October 2024

November 2024

December 2024

Human Resources
March 2024-Proposed
Human Resources
Zoning Board of Appeal

June 2024

Zoning Board of Appeal

June 2024

Finance & Legislative

January 2023

February 2023

March 2023 - Cancelled

April 2023

May 2023 

June 2023

July 2023 - Cancelled

August 2023

September 2023

October 2023

November 2023

December 2023 - Cancelled

Finance & Legislative

March 2023 - Cancelled

July 2023 - Cancelled

December 2023 - Cancelled

Operations & Marketing
January 2023

February 2023

March 2023

April 2023

May 2023

June 2023

July 2023 - Cancelled

August 2023 - Proposed

September 2023 - Cancelled

October 2023

November 2023

December 2023 - Cancelled

Operations & Marketing

July 2023 - Cancelled

September 2023 - Cancelled

December 2023 - Cancelled

Human Resources
March 2023
October 2023
Human Resources
Zoning Board of Appeal

June 2023 - Proposed

Zoning Board of Appeal
Finance & Legislative

January 2022

February 2022 - Cancelled

March 2022 - Cancelled 

April 2022

May 2022 - Cancelled

June 2022

July 2022 - Cancelled

August 2022 

September 2022

October 2022

November 2022

December 2022

Finance & Legislative

February 2022 - Cancelled

March 2022 - Cancelled 

May 2022 - Cancelled

July 2022 - Cancelled

Human Resources

March 2022

December 2022
Human Resources
Zoning Board of Appeal

June 2022

Zoning Board of Appeal
Human Resources

February 2021

October 2021

Human Resources
Finance & Legislative

January 2020 - Cancelled

February 2020

March 2020 - Cancelled

April 2020

May 2020

June 2020

July 2020

August 2020

September 2020

October 2020

November 2020

December 2020

Finance & Legislative

January 2020 - Cancelled

March 2020 - Cancelled

Human Resources
Human Resources
Board of Directors

January 2019

February 2019

March 2019 - Cancelled

April 2019

May 2019

June 2019

July 2019 - Cancelled

August 2019

September 2019 - Cancelled

October 2019

November 2019

December 2019

Board of Directors

March 2019 - Cancelled

July 2019 - Cancelled

September 2019 - Cancelled

Finance & Legislative

January 2019 - Cancelled

February 2019 - Cancelled

March 2019

April 2019

May 2019

June 2019

July 2019 - Cancelled

August 2019

September 2019

October 2019

November 2019

December 2019 - Cancelled

Finance & Legislative

January 2019 - Cancelled

February 2019 - Cancelled

July 2019 - Cancelled

December 2019 - Cancelled

Operations & Marketing

January 2019

February 2019

March 2019

April 2019

May 2019

June 2019

July 2019 - Cancelled

August 2019

September 2019 - Cancelled

October 2019

November 2019

December 2019

Operations & Marketing

July 2019 - Cancelled

September 2019 - Cancelled

Human Resources
Human Resources

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