Governance Study at Rapid City Regional Airport

Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), the primary gateway to South Dakota’s Black Hills and the closest commercial airport to Mount Rushmore, has engaged Steven Baldwin Associates (SBA) to conduct a governance assessment.

Located just eight miles southeast of downtown Rapid City, the airport covers 1,655 acres and supports significant regional growth. In 2021, RAP reported 49,055 aircraft operations and 348,269 passenger enplanements, offering nonstop service to 24 destinations.

The governance study, now nearing completion, is evaluating the feasibility of transitioning RAP from a city-operated model to an independent regional airport authority. This potential shift could allow for greater regional participation and the flexibility to operate as part of a multi-airport system.

Airport Executive Director Patrick Dame praised the partnership, noting: “It has been a tremendous benefit working with SBA during our governance assessment. The team is professional, thorough, and a pleasure to work with. We look forward to a strong relationship as RAP continues to implement its strategic goals.”

👉 Learn more about Rapid City Regional Airport

RAP Expands Service and Facilities

In addition to the governance review, RAP is expanding its air service and facilities. In 2023, Sun Country Airlines will introduce new nonstop service to Minneapolis, while a $1 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Small Community Air Service Development Program will help the airport pursue new service to the San Francisco Bay area.

RAP is also advancing a multi-year terminal expansion and rehabilitation project, investing $150 million over the next decade. Planned upgrades include modernized ticketing and baggage areas, expanded rental car and baggage claim facilities, and a larger TSA screening area. With passenger growth projected to exceed 365,000 enplanements in 2023, these projects will ensure RAP remains equipped to serve its growing market.

SBA Welcomes New Associate Matthew Boemi

SBA is also proud to announce that Matthew Boemi has joined the firm as an Associate. Based in Syracuse, Boemi will serve as program director for Syracuse Hancock International Airport’s (SYR) Capital Improvement Program, overseeing the execution of strategic projects.

Boemi brings extensive experience from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, where he most recently served as Senior Program Manager for the LaGuardia AirTrain program, leading delivery of a $2 billion initiative.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from Miami University (double major in environmental policy and planning and Italian studies), a Master of City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Project Leadership Certificate from Cornell University. His expertise in managing complex programs and technical work makes him a strong addition to the SBA team.

👉 Boemi can be reached at mboemi@baldwinllc.com.

About Steven Baldwin Associates

Steven Baldwin Associates focuses exclusively on airport management consulting for airport owners, operators, and policymakers. With decades of hands-on experience, SBA provides governance consulting, executive recruitment, organizational assessments, and strategic planning services tailored to airports nationwide.

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FAQs

1. What is SBA doing for Rapid City Regional Airport?
SBA is conducting a governance assessment to evaluate a potential transition to a regional airport authority model.

2. What new services is RAP adding?
New nonstop flights to Minneapolis via Sun Country Airlines and potential service to San Francisco supported by a federal grant.

3. What terminal improvements are underway at RAP?
A $150 million multi-year project to expand and modernize ticketing, baggage, TSA, and passenger facilities.

4. Who is SBA’s newest team member?
Associate Matthew Boemi, who will manage SYR’s capital improvement program.

5. What experience does Boemi bring to SBA?
He previously worked at the Port Authority of NY & NJ, managing the $2B LaGuardia AirTrain program.

6. How does SBA support airports nationwide?
Through governance studies, executive recruitment, organizational reviews, and operational consulting.

Conclusion

February highlights two major updates for Steven Baldwin Associates. At Rapid City Regional Airport, SBA’s governance assessment is helping leaders evaluate the benefits of transitioning to an airport authority model. At the same time, SBA strengthens its own team by welcoming Matthew Boemi, an experienced program manager who will oversee critical airport projects.

Through governance expertise, recruitment, and organizational consulting, SBA continues to deliver solutions that support long-term growth for airports across the United States.