Regina Airport Authority introduces new President and CEO

REGINA – The Regina Airport Authority announced on Monday that it has chosen a local man to fill its President and CEO roles.

“I’m not walking into something that’s broken, it really is a well-oiled machine,” said Richmond (Dick) Graham, who has lived in the Queen City for 22 years.

He was one of hundreds the organization said it considered; there were 50 local applicants.

Graham has over two decades of management experience, along with a mechanical engineering degree and an MBA, according to the authority.

“I think it’s fair to say the whole province isn’t going to look the same in 10 to 15 years, and the airport has to be out in front of that,” said Graham, adding that keeping up with the municipal and provincial growth is going be one of the main challenges he will undertake.

At the announcement, he said it’s too early to comment on any possible expansion plans for the airport or its runways.

As for establishing public transportation to and from the airport, Graham said he’ll look into the status of that idea.

“I think that when you look at the many, many workers just in the area of the airport, significant impact to the gross domestic product right here in Regina, I believe that we should be offering some ability for them to get to and from work,” he said, adding that there could be interest from travellers as well.

“I like giving passengers options.”

Graham officially starts working for the authority later this month.

As for his soon-to-be predecessor, Jim Hunter said he plans to stay with the authority for a period of time to help with the transition before moving to Edmonton.