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Concord officials have found their new airport director in New England.
City Manager Brian Hiatt announced Thursday morning that Richard “Rick” Cloutier will become the new aviation director, overseeing operations at Concord Regional Airport. He replaces Richard Lewis, who retired last month.
Cloutier, who is scheduled to begin work in Concord in early August, is currently director of Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport in Auburn, Maine. He also served as president of the Maine Airport Managers Association.
While at the Auburn-Lewiston airport, a position he took in 2006, Cloutier oversaw a multi-million dollar expansion that included a new runway and a new terminal building.
“We believe Rick’s demonstrated leadership abilities, from his service as an airport manager in Maine and his military career, will serve our community well,” Hiatt said. “Concord Regional Airport is a key economic cog for this region, and Rick’s skills will be vital to its continued success.”
Concord Regional is among the Carolinas’ busiest general aviation facilities, with about 65,000 annual takeoffs and landings. It is the home airport for most of the large NASCAR teams that are based near Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Cloutier is no stranger to the Carolinas.
Before taking the job in Maine, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was maintenance chief at the Marine Corps Air Station in Jacksonville.
“Concord Regional Airport is a great facility with a fantastic reputation throughout the aviation industry,” Cloutier said. “My wife, two children, and I are looking forward to being part of the Concord community.”
