Governance Transfer Approved

Steven Baldwin Associates (SBA) is proud to announce the successful governance transfer of Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City, Michigan. Effective October 1, 2021, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved the transition from a two-county commission structure to an independent Regional Airport Authority.

This milestone marks SBA’s fourth FAA-approved governance transfer and its second in Michigan, following the 2016 transition at Gerald R. Ford International Airport. Other recent governance projects include Syracuse Hancock International (NY), Asheville Regional (NC), and St. Cloud Regional (MN).

👉 Learn more about Cherry Capital Airport

Benefits of the Transition

The governance change is the result of a strategic planning process SBA initiated in 2017. The review identified operational challenges with the bi-county ownership model and recommended transitioning to a regional authority.

Key benefits include:

• Greater efficiency in operations and decision-making

• Enhanced ability to grow aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenues

• Increased focus on long-term strategic initiatives

• Expanded opportunities for stakeholder involvement

Kevin Klein, CEO of the Northwest Regional Airport Authority & TVC, said: “The transition to a regional authority will allow Cherry Capital Airport to have a greater focus on key strategic initiatives and operate at the highest levels of effectiveness, especially regarding aviation growth as well as non-aeronautical revenue development.”

SBA’s Governance Expertise

Governance consulting is a core strength of SBA. The firm has managed more FAA-approved governance transfers than any other consultant in the past decade. Current and past projects include:

• Gerald R. Ford International Airport (MI)

• Syracuse Hancock International Airport (NY)

• Asheville Regional Airport (NC)

• Cherry Capital Airport (MI)

• Battle Creek Executive Airport (MI)

• Lynchburg Regional Airport (VA)

• Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (NH)

👉 Explore SBA’s governance services

About Steven Baldwin Associates

Steven Baldwin Associates is a national consulting firm dedicated exclusively to airport management consulting. With decades of hands-on experience, SBA specializes in governance reviews, organizational assessments, strategic planning, and executive recruitment. The firm partners with airports nationwide to strengthen leadership and operations for long-term success.

📧 Contact SBA at info@baldwinllc.com or visit baldwinllc.com.

FAQs

1. What governance change occurred at TVC?
The airport transitioned from a two-county commission to a Regional Airport Authority.

2. Why was the change necessary?
To improve operational efficiency, support revenue growth, and expand stakeholder participation.

3. Who approved the transition?
The FAA approved the governance transfer effective October 1, 2021.

4. What role did SBA play?
SBA led the strategic planning process, governance review, stakeholder coordination, and FAA application.

5. What other governance projects has SBA managed?
Projects at Ford International (MI), Syracuse Hancock (NY), Asheville Regional (NC), and more.

6. How does this benefit Traverse City and the region?
The authority model enhances flexibility, efficiency, and economic development potential.

Conclusion

The successful governance transfer at Cherry Capital Airport highlights SBA’s expertise in helping airports strengthen their organizational structures and prepare for the future. By guiding airports through FAA approvals and strategic transitions, Steven Baldwin Associates ensures that communities benefit from efficient, sustainable, and forward-looking airport governance.