The primary goal and accomplishment for Mary Ellen Jones in 2012 was finding someone else to do her job.
In October 2011, Jones was appointed chairwoman of the newly created Connecticut Airport Authority, tasked with reviving Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks and the state’s general aviation airports. As the head of the new agency, Jones’s role was to spearhead the shift of control from the state Department of Transportation to the authority with a goal of making the airports more nimble and market-responsive.
The year started off with a variety of challenges: expanding the airport’s route structure, particularly seeking an international flight; establishing new relationships with the business community; increasing passenger counts and freight traffic; broadening the economic impact of the area immediately surrounding the airports; and bringing a positive public image back to the Windsor Locks facility.
But first things first: Jones and the rest of the CAA had to find a permanent executive director for the organization.
In June, Jones lured Kevin Dillon from the Rhode Island Airport Corp. He took over full time as executive director in July and began executing on many of the goals lined out for CAA at its formation.
“He has been just as strong as we thought we would be,” Jones said.
Jones remains the CAA chairwoman, working hand-in-hand with Dillon and the rest of the board of director to turn Bradley into the crown jewel of Connecticut economic development.
“We will see expanded service in the months ahead,” Jones said.