TERRE HAUTE —
Parties at the Terre Haute International Airport might be an unfamiliar sight, but community leaders plan to change all that with the speed of a propeller’s spin.
The facility’s renovated first floor was greeted by a crowd as community stakeholders visited a reception for new Executive Director Bill McKown, and Director of Operations and Development Darrel Zeck. Both pilots with military backgrounds, McKown and Zeck were the top two finalists in the airport board’s executive search, and both said they’re excited about the solution which allows them to work together.
Amid a crowd of well-wishers enjoying the party hosted by the airport, Hoosier Aviation and DG Design, McKown referred to Zeck as a “walking encyclopedia of the facility.”
Retired a captain from the U.S. Navy, McKown served 35 years in the military, nine of which he spent in the U.S. Air Force.
“All in aircraft aviation,” he said, recalling service which included missions as a pilot in Desert Storm.
McKown retired in 2007 and most recently served as the airport manager at Stevens Field in Pagosa Springs, in Archuleta County, Colorado. Career opportunities were plentiful, but the potential for development in Terre Haute really caught his eye, he remarked.
Zeck said new energy at the airport is palpable top down, from executives to staff. After completing his work as communications director for mayor’s office, he’s been in his new role less than three weeks. McKown himself has been on the job about three days. Still, the group works together as if long-time associates, he said.
“We see the same opportunities for the airport, and we share the same vision for the airport,” Zeck said, describing a number of moves they’re already making. “I think everybody’s excited about all the opportunities and what’s yet to come.”
Chris Doll, president of the airport’s board of directors, said the evening went well and advancements are under way. Positive comments are encouraging, he said.
“I think both of them enjoyed meeting the community and the folks who use the facility,” he said.
Meanwhile, some of the changes being cooked up could be ready to serve yet this month.
Rob Lundstrom, owner of Louise’s Fine Dining, said the restaurant inside the airport should finish a makeover by the end of May. In addition to shifting to an aviation theme, the restaurant will be open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, and brunch 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. An upscale Italian dinner menu is still being offered Thursday through Saturday nights, but the lunch fare will more resemble that at the Copper Bar and Louise’s inside the Terre Haute Children’s Museum, also owned by his company, he said.
“Part of the reason we’re excited about expanding is the new direction the airport is taking, the new director, and the board as well,” he said, adding with a laugh, “The sky is the limit.”
Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.
Local & Bistate
Related Photos
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Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis New look: Darrel Zeck, new Director of Operations and Development at Terre Haute International Airport, talks with new Executive Director Bill McKown about recent renovations to the interior of the terminal.
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Bill McKown
Discussion
New airport director gets warm welcome at reception
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