The executive director of the Punta Gorda Airport has been named the Florida Department of Transportation’s 2017 Aviation Professional of the Year. James Parish is cited as a key figure in the airport’s growth since he began in his position 12 years ago. Parish is also credited with developing and implementing a wildlife mitigation plan, overseeing the creation of an aircraft rescue firefighting unit, the construction of an air traffic control tower and maintaining a business model that minimizes expenses and keeps the airport debt-free. Under Parish’s watch, Punta Gorda has gone from having no commercial flights at all…to serving as a mini-hub for Allegiant Air.
