RALEIGH COUNTY W.Va. (WVDN) – Last week’s Raleigh County Memorial Airport board meeting had a wealth of topics on the agenda, but none more important than the naming of a new Airport Manager. Robert “Bob” Runion was approved for the position, effective as of Sept. 23.
“The Board is proud to announce this leadership transition,” said Greg Duckworth, president of the Raleigh County Commission and Airport Board member. “Bob has been preparing for this role for quite some time and knows the airport well. We have great confidence in his ability to lead, and we’re excited to see him take the reins.”
Runion has served as Assistant Airport Manager for the last three and a half years. In this role, he has managed the day-to-day operations of Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW), working with stakeholders to ensure compliant and safe operations.
“I am so excited about this new endeavor,” said Runion. “I truly believe the airport plays a vital role in supporting Raleigh County and the surrounding communities, and I am proud to have the opportunity to be a part of that.”
Runion will now have overall responsibility for the airport, overseeing everything from equipment acquisition to commercial flight operations and everything in between.
“Bob’s expertise and enthusiasm for aviation will be instrumental in guiding the airport into its next chapter,” said Brad Wartella, Chairman of the Raleigh County Memorial Airport Board. “Under his leadership, Raleigh County Memorial Airport is poised to increase its production, improve passenger and business services, and provide a welcoming environment for travelers, businesses, and aviation partners.”
Runion has a long history in the industry. In fact, his career started at BKW, where he spent 24 years based at the airport working in the airline industry. He was a highly accomplished Part 121 Air Carrier security executive, providing asset protection, investigations, auditing, and regulatory compliance. He also served as the Station Manager and Director of Security for Colgan Air, Inc. for the Beckley and Bluefield areas for over a decade.
After leaving the airline industry in 2012, Runion became the Director of Facilities and Campus Safety for New River Community and Technical College, where he was responsible for multiple campuses across nine counties in southern West Virginia.
His long history of working in this part of the state – and his ongoing efforts as a member of the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the New River Community and Technical College Board of Governors – means he is truly connected to the community.
“I’m proud to call West Virginia my home state and am blessed to have been able to stay in Beckley with my family and friends throughout my career,” Runion said. “Having an airport in our community is such an asset for businesses, travelers, and future opportunities. It truly opens up our community and our state to the entire world.”
Runion’s predecessor, Tom Cochran, was an illustrious proponent of that concept. Cochran served the airport for 26 years, working tirelessly to share the assets of BKW with the region and beyond. Cochran and Runion have worked closely since Runion stepped into the Assistant Airport Manager position.
“I have big shoes to fill in this role, but am eager to take on the position,” remarked Runion. “I’ve learned an incredible amount over the last few years and am ready to help continue the legacy of our great airport.”
