BLUE GRASS AIRPORT BOARD CHAIRMAN
ISSUES PROGRESS REPORT
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Actions taken by the Airport Board immediately following the resignations of the executive director and three other director-level employees include:

1. Engagement of an Acting Executive Director. Promptly following the abrupt resignation of the top four executive employees of the Airport during early-January, the Airport engaged an experienced airport manager, Fred Testa, to serve as the Airport’s acting Executive Director and ensure the continued safe and secure operation of Blue Grass Airport. Mr. Testa walked into an extremely challenging situation. To his credit, the operation and efficiency of the Airport has improved during the past month. We appreciate Fred’s willingness to interrupt his retirement on extremely short notice to help us and thank him for his service to the Airport and wish him well.

2. Engagement of an Interim Executive Director. As we wish Fred well, we are also pleased to welcome Eric Frankl to Lexington as the Airport’s interim Executive Director. Mr. Frankl began work this week after leading the Toledo airport for the past several years. He brings to us extensive airport experience, having served not only the Toledo airport but also those in Springfield, Illinois, and Fort Wayne, Indiana. Mr. Frankl has agreed to serve the Airport Board in an interim capacity for up to a year. We are also pleased to report that Mr. Frankl has expressed his intention to compete to serve as the Airport Board’s longer-term Executive Director.

3. Search for a Long-Term Executive Director. The Airport Board intends to conduct an extensive search before it selects a longer-term executive director. Although the time to begin our search has not yet arrived, the naming of the Executive Director who is best suited to lead Blue Grass Airport forward will be one of our top priorities for 2009.

4. Review of Airport Policies. The board has an opportunity to improve the Airport’s policies. The Airport Board has worked with recognized experts in airport management and policies and undertaken a careful, critical review of the following policies:
a. Policy Concerning Business Conduct, Integrity and Ethics
b. Policy Concerning Travel, Business Expenses, Entertainment and Reimbursement
c. Whistleblower Policy
d. Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Policy

Recommendations for improved policies in each of these areas will be presented for action by the Airport Board at its February 25, 2009, meeting, and I anticipate the adoption of policies that will improve employee accountability to the Airport.

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