Client Spotlight: Boise Airport

Boise Airport (BOI) has been reclassified by the FAA as a medium-hub airport after experiencing a 58% passenger growth over the past decade. BOI now offers 27 nonstop destinations served by nine airlines, with passenger traffic consistently outpacing the national average.

The airport is currently advancing BOI Upgrade, a multiyear expansion program including new public and employee parking garages, a consolidated rental car facility, and the construction of Concourse A, initially featuring six gates with room to expand to 12 as demand increases.

Other projects include taxiway and cargo expansions to support Amazon and additional tenants. To prepare for these changes, BOI engaged Steven Baldwin Associates (SBA) in 2021 to conduct an organizational assessment, following up on a 2019 study. SBA’s recommendations focused on staffing, structure, and alignment with industry best practices.

Airport Director Rebecca Hupp praised the collaboration, stating: “It’s been beneficial to work with SBA over the past several years. We initially engaged SBA to assist with strategic planning and when we recognized the tremendous challenges and opportunities due to BOI’s growth, we continued the partnership.”

👉 Learn more about Boise Airport

New Initiatives: Syracuse and Rapid City

At Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR), SBA is conducting an organizational assessment to evaluate strengths, needs, and gaps that will shape future operations and support ongoing strategic initiatives. SBA also assists SYR with grant administration support.

At Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), SBA is conducting a governance review and assessment. This project includes evaluating RAP’s current model, operations, structure, and financial condition, with Phase I now underway.

👉 Learn more about Syracuse Hancock International Airport
👉 Learn more about Rapid City Regional Airport

Executive Recruitment: Sara Freese Appointed at MSP

SBA is pleased to announce the appointment of Sara Freese as Director of Maintenance Services and Asset Management at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP).

Freese previously served as Assistant Director of Field Maintenance/Airside Operations. In her new role, she will lead the development and execution of MSP’s formal asset management program, prioritizing safety, regulatory compliance, and customer service excellence.

👉 Learn more about Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

About Steven Baldwin Associates

Steven Baldwin Associates provides consulting services focused exclusively on airport management, including governance, organizational assessments, executive recruitment, and strategic planning. With decades of hands-on experience, SBA helps airports nationwide strengthen leadership and prepare for sustainable growth.

👉 Explore SBA’s services

FAQs

1. What milestone did Boise Airport recently achieve?
It was reclassified as a medium-hub airport by the FAA after a decade of rapid growth.

2. What is the BOI Upgrade project?
A multiyear expansion including parking garages, rental car facilities, and a new concourse.

3. How is SBA supporting Boise Airport?
By conducting organizational assessments and making recommendations for staffing and structure.

4. What is SBA doing at Syracuse Hancock International Airport?
Conducting an organizational assessment and providing grant administration support.

5. What project is SBA managing at Rapid City Regional Airport?
A governance model review and assessment of operations and structure.

6. Who was recently appointed at MSP with SBA’s support?
Sara Freese, as Director of Maintenance Services and Asset Management.

Conclusion

From celebrating Boise Airport’s reclassification as a medium hub to supporting Syracuse and Rapid City with organizational and governance projects, and announcing Sara Freese’s appointment at MSP, Steven Baldwin Associates continues to help airports achieve operational excellence and prepare for the future.

Through executive recruitment, governance consulting, and organizational strategy, SBA remains a trusted partner for airports across the United States.