Executive Bio - Jesse Fosnaugh, A.A.E., ACE

Jesse is an accomplished airport executive with over 18 years of experience in airport management. His journey in aviation began in grade school when he started taking flying lessons in pursuit of his pilot license. Being only 16 at the time, Jesse flew solo in an aircraft  before he received his license to drive. Seeking a higher calling and determined to pursue his passion for aviation, Jesse enlisted in the Michigan Air National Guard during his senior year of high school, where he worked on A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft in Battle Creek, Michigan. He continued his military service while attending Western Michigan University.

His professional career launched with a collegiate internship at Gerald R. Ford Airport where he was involved in all facets of airport management. In 2007, Jesse moved to Maine and worked at the Portland International Jetport as a manager of the airport communications center. He handled all matters related to security, airfield safety, and noise abatement, and managed the airport “Fly Quiet” program. At that time, he concurrently fulfilled his military service working on KC-135’s at Pease ANGB, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

In 2008, Jesse moved to Missouri where he took on a defining role as the Airport Operations Manager and ASC. Jesse was at the ground level of building, developing, and eventually operating a commercial service airport from the ground-up. Jesse was responsible for all FAA, TSA, and regulatory compliance. Through a series of roles, Jesse eventually rose to the position of Airport Deputy Director where he was chiefly responsible for critical functions including strategic planning, business development, airport & FBO management, and airline relations. Jesse grew the business by obtaining the government contract fuel award in 2022 and the Small Community Air Service Development Grant (SCASD).

Jesse’s commitment to the aviation industry extends well beyond his executive responsibilities. Since 2017, he has shared his expertise as an adjunct professor of aviation at Ozarks Technical Community College, preparing the next generation of aviation professionals. Recognizing the growing demand for pilots and aviation specialists, Jesse has also led numerous airport education tours, providing a behind-the-scenes look into the complexities of airport management. Reflecting on his own early passion for aviation, he strives to inspire others, reminding them that with determination, anything is possible.

Jesse holds a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Science and Administration from Western Michigan University and is graduating with an MBA in Airport Management in December 2024 from the University of Central Missouri. He is an Accredited Member of the American Association of Airport Executives and is an FAA licensed private pilot.

Outside of his professional life, Jesse enjoys the great outdoors, serving in his church, and spending quality time with his wife Sunny and their two children, Kasten and Kinley.