HomeMy WebLinkAboutReappointment Memo - Spitzer, Robert - 04/19/2021DATE:
TO:
FROM:
STAFF CONTACT:
SUBJECT:
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
David Decoteau, Airport Director, ext. 7477
Recommendations for Reappointments and Appointments
to the Renton Airport Advisory Committee
The Renton Airport Advisory Committee (RAAC) has six terms expiring May 7, 2021 and six
vacant positions. With the exception of one member not wishing to continue his service to the
Committee, all existing members have expressed interest in reappointment to the RAAC. Each
is a member of good standing and has been engaged and active in RAAC decision making. The
Public Works Department is recommending reappointment of these members with a term
expiring May 7, 2024.
In addition to the recommended reappointments several applications were received for the
current vacant positions. The Public Works Department is recommending appointments for
some of these vacancies. Each applicant's qualifications for serving as a RAAC member are
noted in the recommendation. All applicants were selected based on their submitted
application and no in person or virtual interviews were conducted. If appointed, the individuals
would serve terms with various expiration dates. The proposed term expiration date is also
included.
The Public Works Department continues to work with neighborhood groups, airport tenants
and customers to promote Committee vacancies. Staff will continue to review applications as
they are received as they work toward filling the remaining vacancies.
RECOMMENDED REAPPOINTMENTS
Alfred Banholzer
Primary Position
Washington Pilots Association
Term Expires May 7, 2024
Mr. Banholzer has been a member of the RAAC since May 7, 2007. He is a member of good
standing of the Washington Pilots Association and has been fully engaged in the RAAC's work
plan during his tenure as a member. Mr. Banholzer has extensive aviation knowledge and his
contributions to the RAAC are well-regarded by his peers.
Armondo Pavone,Mayor
Page 2 of 3
April 19,2021
Robert Spitzer
Primary Position
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
Term Expires May 7,2024
Mr.Spitzer has been a member of the RAAC since March 4,2019.His contributions to the
RMC include knowledge of airport operations and the needs and expectations of service levels
aircraft owners and pilots desire from an airport facility.Mr.Spitzer also served as Committee
chairperson during a period of transition between the retirement of the previous chair and
election of the current chair.
Karen Stemwell
Alternate Position
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
Term Expires May 7,2024
Ms.Stemwell has been an alternate RAAC member since May 7,2001.She is a member of
good standing of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and has shown her dedication to
the RAAC by filling in for the AOPA primary member when needed.
Dr.Melody Kroeger
Primary Position
Renton Hill/Monterey Terrace
Term Expires May 7,2024
Dr.Kroeger was appointed to the RAAC January 7,2019.She is a long-time resident of the
Renton Hill neighborhood and was elected 2021 RMC Chair at the Committee’s February 9
meeting.Dr.Kroeger has done an excellent job communicating with RAAC members outside of
meetings and is currently working with another member to develop better
neighborhood/airport liaison relationships and promoting aviation careers to high school
students.
RECOMMENDED NEW APPOINTMENTS
Robert Rovai
Primary Position
Benson Hill
Term Expires May 7,2022
Mr.Rovai was selected based on his experience working as an engineer in the aerospace
industry.He received his Master’s degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and
studied aerospace engineering at the University of Southern California.He currently works as a
consultant and has been a resident of the Benson Hill neighborhood since 2014.Mr.Rovai also
volunteers with Catholic Community Services,and has a desire to become involved in his local
community.V
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Armondo Pavone,Mayor
Page 3 of 3
April 19,2021
Abhijit Path
Alternate Position
Benson Hill
Term Expires May 7,2024
Mr.Patil has been a member of the Benson Hill neighborhood since 2020.He currently works
as a project engineer in the construction industry and has a Bachelor’s degree in architecture
and a Master’s degree in construction management from the University of Washington.Mr.
Patil considers himself an active citizen and is interested in helping his community using his
educational background and experience.
Vincent Nguyen
Alternate Position
Highlands
Term Expires May 7,2023
Mr.Nguyen has experience working as a civil engineering consultant in airfield design and has
worked on terminal redevelopment projects at Los Angeles and Portland international airports
and some improvement projects at SeaTac International Airport.He has Bachelor’s degree in
civil engineering and a Master’s degree in transportation engineering from the University of
Southern California.Mr.Nguyen currently volunteers with Tet in Seattle (TIS)and is semi-active
in the local American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)chapter and the Airport Consultants
Council (ACC).He has been a resident of the Highlands neighborhood since July 2018 and is
interested in becoming more involved in the Renton community and learning more about the
processes at the Renton Municipal Airport.
Emily Grupp
Alternate Position
South Renton
Term Expires May 7,2024
Ms.Grupp has an extensive background working as a senior paralegal with a civil law firm in
SeaTac managing personal injury and immigration cases.She has also volunteered for many
political candidates,including those on a local level and federal level.As a youth Ms.Grupp
resided in Renton for three years before relocating to Kent.She has now moved back to
Renton and has a strong desire to get involved in her local community.It is her goal to help
create a welcoming and safe community.Ms.Grupp holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from
Washington State University with a major in political science and a minor in history.
The Public Works Department continues to accept applications.Currently the Commission has
vacancies for the Airport-at-Large and West Hill primary positions and the Airport Leaseholders
and West Hill alternate positions.We anticipate filling this over the next few months.
cc:Ed VanValey,Chief Administrative Officer
David Decoteau,Airport Director
Jason Seth,City Clerk
April Alexander,Executive Assistant
Linda Moschetti-Newing,Administrative Assistant
h:\file sys\air -airport,transportation services division\01 administration\02 committees\airport advisory\10 -appointments
and reappointments\2021\aalexander raac appointments &reappointments 032221.docx