What does OAA mean to you?

January 2, 2018

 

Periodically, we highlight a Board Member so you can get to know them better and hear, first hand, what OAA means to them.  Today, learn about Matt McVicker, Secretary of OAA. He also serves as the Chair of the Education Committee.

So, Matt, tell us what OAA means to you?...

"OAA has been a part of my professional life since I started in aviation in 2009. One of my mentors, a gentleman who proceeded me in managing 1G0 (Wood County Regional Airport), was involved in the organization and saw the value in being connected to the other folks advocating for growth and sustainability of the Ohio airport system. As someone rather green to the industry post-college, OAA provided me opportunities to learn and interact with other airport managers, aviation engineers, and regulatory representatives. I have come to learn that vigorous advocacy for airports is crucial, as their value is often overlooked or under-appreciated. As an OAA member and board of director, I feel the organization gives a collective voice to aviation professionals working hard to better their piece of the Ohio airport system."

Many other members have expressed similar sentiment that OAA is valuable to them both personally and professional (and we agree too!!).  But how about Findlay Airport? Can you tell us what OAA means to your airport?

"As an airport manager of a municipal airport, OAA has delivered tangible results through its legislative advocacy. The recent boost in funding at the state level, especially funds dedicated to alleviating half of the local match in Federal grants, has been a direct result of OAA’s efforts. This past Summer we completed a mill and overlay of one of our runways, a rather large capital project in way of local match commitment. With state funds now covering half of this commitment, our level of savings was significant and noticeable to our local stakeholders."

When not running his airport, or helping with OAA, you will find Matt spending time with his wife Haley and two children, Isla (3) and Killian (1), or renting an airplane for a $100 hamburger on the weekends (he is a private pilot!). Additionally, he supports other non-profit work as a board member of the Spring Green Educational Foundation and he supports curriculum objectives through industry input for BGSU Aviation Studies as President of the BGSU Aviation Studies Advisory Board.

Want to reach out to Matt to find out more or just say hello? Email him at [email protected].
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