Baton Rouge Approves Airport Authority Transition

The Baton Rouge Metropolitan Council has taken a significant step toward reshaping the governance of Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR). The Council approved the next phase in creating a special-purpose airport authority, a move designed to give the airport greater flexibility and independence in decision-making.

BTR is more than just a travel hub—it is an essential driver of Baton Rouge’s economy, contributing more than $1.1 billion annually and supporting over 4,500 jobs. Currently, the airport is owned and operated by the City-Parish through the Metropolitan Council, a model that limits its ability to adapt quickly to changing market and operational demands. By transitioning to an airport authority, BTR is positioning itself to be more competitive and better aligned with long-term economic growth.

Steven Baldwin Associates (SBA) played a critical role in this process. After conducting a detailed governance review and engaging stakeholders, SBA recommended the transition to an authority model. This governance shift is expected to enhance operational efficiency, improve competitiveness, and allow BTR to pursue business development opportunities more aggressively.

The Council formally adopted SBA’s recommendations on October 9. The process will now move into Phase II, which will focus on establishing the authority’s legal structure and bylaws, coordinating with elected officials and the FAA, and ensuring a smooth transition away from municipal oversight. SBA has successfully guided similar transitions at airports including Asheville (AVL), Grand Rapids (GRR), St. Cloud (STC), Syracuse (SYR), and Traverse City (TVC), providing Baton Rouge with a proven roadmap for success.

👉 Learn more about SBA’s governance services.

CVG Names New Engineering and Construction Director

In another milestone for airport leadership, Steven Baldwin Associates has completed a national recruitment process for Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), resulting in the appointment of Eric Rysdon, PE as Director of Engineering & Construction Management.

Rysdon brings nearly three decades of aviation management and engineering experience to the role. His career has included leadership positions at HDR, Inc., where he served as Aviation Project Manager, as well as design and engineering roles with Kimley-Horn and Avcon, Inc. He has also managed projects at RS&H and W.K. Dickinson Co., giving him a strong background that spans planning, design, construction, and commissioning. He holds a civil engineering degree from Purdue University and is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE).

At CVG, Rysdon will play a central role in managing design, engineering, and construction within the Planning & Development Department. He will oversee Elevate CVG, the airport’s multi-year terminal improvement program, as well as other major projects including Global Logistics Park and Hangar Row. These projects are part of CVG’s long-term strategy to strengthen connectivity, enhance passenger experience, and support continued growth.

Rysdon himself is enthusiastic about the opportunity, noting, “I am excited about joining CVG’s team and contributing to transformative projects like Elevate CVG. These challenges are what I’ve always enjoyed about aviation.”

👉 Explore CVG Airport

About Steven Baldwin Associates

Steven Baldwin Associates is a national consulting firm dedicated exclusively to airport management consulting. With decades of experience in governance, finance, operations, and executive recruitment, SBA has built a reputation for helping airports across the United States strengthen leadership, enhance efficiency, and prepare for the future.

👉 Discover SBA’s full range of services.

FAQs

1. What governance change is happening at BTR?
Baton Rouge is transitioning from municipal oversight to a special-purpose airport authority model.

2. Why is this important?
It will allow BTR to operate with greater flexibility and independence, making it more competitive and better aligned with regional growth.

3. What role did SBA play in Baton Rouge?
Steven Baldwin Associates conducted the governance assessment and provided the authority recommendation.

4. Who is CVG’s new Director of Engineering & Construction?
Eric Rysdon, PE, an aviation professional with nearly 30 years of experience in design, engineering, and project management.

5. What projects will Eric oversee at CVG?
He will lead Elevate CVG as well as the Global Logistics Park and Hangar Row developments.

6. How does SBA support airports nationwide?
By offering governance consulting, financial strategy, operational guidance, and executive recruitment tailored to the needs of airports.

Conclusion

These updates highlight Steven Baldwin Associates’ leadership in both governance and recruitment within the aviation sector. In Baton Rouge, SBA is guiding the transition toward an independent airport authority that will give BTR the flexibility to grow and compete in the future. At the same time, SBA successfully completed a national search that resulted in the appointment of Eric Rysdon at CVG, where he will oversee transformative projects that will shape the airport for decades to come.

Through governance consulting and executive recruitment, SBA continues to help airports strengthen leadership, optimize performance, and prepare for long-term success.