Biography
Jennifer Eckman currently leads the Minot International Airport's team of dedicated employees as the airport director. Through her leadership the team has leveraged over $10 million federal and state grants to construct much needed infrastructure and purchase critical equipment. She has also realigned the organization to better suit the workloads on staff, while meeting FAA and TSA regulations.
As a former project manager for the Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS), Ms. Eckman supported national research initiatives for a variety of privately held companies, public entities and the FAA. The NPUASTS's mission is to collaborate with FAA and industry partners to develop equipment, systems, rules, and procedures to safely integrate unmanned aircraft into the NAS without negatively impacting existing general or commercial aviation.
At the Paine Field/Snohomish County Airport, Ms. Eckman provided real estate management and support services to over 100 assigned Airport aviation, commercial and industrial leases and tenants. Some of the world's most innovative aerospace manufacturers made Paine Field their home and the economic impact of Snohomish County Aerospace exceeded $39 billion. She supported the airport in its $20 million operating budget.
Ms. Eckman was in charge of the financial well being of the Rapid City Regional Airport. She assisted in managing the airport through a complex re-organization of its staffing and a number of construction projects. Her diverse background in airports enabled her to assist the operations, maintenance, and administrative staff on a daily basis. She worked with a regional marketing group which was focused on increasing the number of travelers visiting the unique sites the Black Hills offers.
Ms. Eckman was responsible for all the safety and operations at the Jamestown Regional Airport. With limited staffing, budget, and other resources, she managed to expand the airport along with the region by leveraging key cargo operators, passenger markets and grant opportunities. She did this by advocating for the region's transportation needs on Capitol Hill and with the region's federal and state government officials. Her efforts brought in over $9.3 million dollars in infrastructure, equipment and marketing development for the Jamestown Regional Airport.
Ms. Eckman is an Accredited Airport Executive with the American Association of Airport Executives and a certificated FAA private pilot.
AVIT 402- Airport Planning and Administration
Master of Business Administration, University of North Dakota, 2023.
Master of Fine Arts, California State University, Long Beach, 2004.
Major: Theatre Arts - Theatre Management
Thesis: Word-of-Mouth Marketing in the Arts
Bachelor of Business Administration, University of North Dakota, 1999.
Major: Airport Management