Airport board recommends AJ to county commission for open seat

The Grand County Airport Board voted unanimously to forward a recommendation for AJ to fill one open seat on the airport advisory board, following interviews with five applicants.

AJ told board members he moved to Moab four years ago, started a local outfitting business and works in health-care IT at a nonprofit. He said he has been active on local committees, has volunteered at the airport and is pursuing a private pilot’s license. "I got a wild hair to start my own outfitting company," AJ said during his interview, describing how the move led to deeper local involvement.

Board members weighed community ties, aviation familiarity and board experience during a discussion that narrowed the field to three finalists: AJ, local business owner Britney Melton and construction-business owner Ty Shumway. Several members said they valued aviation experience and willingness to meet outside regular meetings to learn airport operations.

After a brief straw poll, a board member moved to recommend AJ to the county commission; Jason seconded. The chair called the vote and announced the recommendation passed unanimously. The board will forward the recommendation to the Grand County Commission for final appointment at its next meeting, and staff said the item was already scheduled for the commission agenda the following day.

The board thanked all applicants for applying and noted additional openings are expected at the end of the year.

Provenance: The recommendation and interviews were discussed and recorded in board meeting segments beginning with applicants’ introductions and Q&A and concluding with the motion and vote to forward a recommendation.