The Benedum Airport Authority made official today a leadership change at the North Central West Virginia Airport. And the change was one that was met with unanimous approval.

 

The Authority, the airport’s governing body, announced today that they have named an official deputy director. The person recommended to the board and promoted to the position was long-time employee Shawn Long.

 

“When you become part of this team you automatically get thrown into the fire and we can see real fast if you’re going to sink or swim. Shawn came in here several years ago … that we imported in here that took everything on and took on everything well and was a tireless worker,” said NCWV Airport Director Rick Rock. “Shawn is all in to doing whatever needs done whenever it needs done and he respects the board, the staff, the businesses here and the director and we respect him.”

 

The promotion of Long shouldn’t be too difficult on the learning curve front. He’s been handling many of the duties he’ll assume since previous staff left.

 

“I’ve been here for five years and this opportunity allows me to help continue to assist in helping the airport grow,” said Long, who until today was the airport’s administrative manager. “Over the years, with a previous retirement, I began to assume more responsibilities and you have to do that when you’re in a small business setting.”

 

Long actually filled a position that’s been vacant for nearly a decade. He said the airport’s last deputy director left in 2009.

 

Long has shown his ability to address the airport’s business in the past in a very public setting. In the past when Rock has been out of town, Long has stepped in and handled issues needing addressed during monthly meetings of the Airport Authority.

 

Rock is glad to have Long involved in the position.

 

“My philosophy is to go out and find people smarter than you and surround yourself with them,” said Rock. “You let them succeed. He has all the tools and will continue to make our airport better.”

 

Authority President Ron Watson welcomed Long to his new position. He then announced that the promotion just happened to fall today on Long’s birthday.

 

More from this meeting later on Connect-Bridgeport.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows David Hinkle, left, talking with Authority President Ron Watson as motions were made today, including on the promotion of Shawn Long to NCWV Airport Deputy Director. Bottom photo shows Long, left, with Director Rick Rock just after his promotion was approved and the board sang "Happy Birthday" to him.