February 23, 2021
CODY, WY – The Yellowstone Regional Airport Joint Powers Board has named Aaron Buck, C.M., as Airport Director for Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD). Mr. Buck is a skilled aviation executive with more than ten years of experience in airport operations, security, ARFF and airport administration. In his new position, Mr. Buck will direct the operations, maintenance, and development of COD. He will manage community relations, air service development, marketing, fiscal oversight, and strategic planning that will position the airport to meet the community’s current and future air travel and general aviation needs. Mr. Buck will begin his new position on March 8, 2021.
“I am honored and excited to fill the role of Airport Director at Yellowstone Regional Airport,” said Mr. Buck. “I have the opportunity to join a great team of airport staff, board members, and community leaders. I am eager to use our collaborative skills and experience to further the airport’s mission.”
Most recently, Mr. Buck worked for Casper/Natrona County International Airport as Deputy Director of Operations and Public Safety. In that role, he managed operations, maintenance, security, and overall facilities of the airport. He also maintained the Airport Security Plan, served as the Regional ARFF Training Facility Manager and the Acting Fire Marshall. Previously, he was the Airport Operations Supervisor/Assistant Airport Security Coordinator/Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter for Jackson Hole Airport. He also worked for Provo City in Utah as an Airport Operations Inspector.
Mr. Buck earned his bachelor’s degree in Aviation Administration from Utah Valley University and is a Certified Member (C.M.) of the American Association of Airport Executives. He is also a private pilot and is certified as an Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter (ARFF).
ACC: Rethinking Airport Resiliency in the Aftermath of COVID-19
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, airports and their stakeholders are managing disruption unlike any previously experienced in the modern world. With an unprecedented decrease in aircraft and passenger traffic, growing economic stress, and further uncertainty ahead, airports require resilient financial and operational planning to ride out COVID-19 and to plan for the post-pandemic future.
Survival for airports requires re-prioritizing previously identified plans, exploring new ways to operate and fund airport operations, and learning from past experiences to improve an airport’s ability to succeed in the future. This guidance provides direction for airport operators and consultants, including planners and emergency management staff, on how airports can enhance resilience to weather the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare for future disruptions ahead.