HomeMy WebLinkAboutAppointment Memo - Callahan, Elizabeth - 04/15/2024
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: April 15, 2024
TO: Armondo Pavone, Mayor
FROM: Martin Pastucha, Public Works Administrator
STAFF CONTACT: Manuel Cruz, Airport Director, ext. 7476
SUBJECT: Renton Airport Advisory Committee Membership
Appointments
The Public Works Department and its Airport Division recommend the following
appointments to the Renton Airport Advisory Committee (RAAC). If the appointments
are approved, we request they take effect immediately due to vacancies. The next
RAAC meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
Kennydale Neighborhood Alternate Position
The Airport Division recommends Colleen Deal in the alternate member role for the
Kennydale neighborhood. Ms. Deal is a lifelong resident of Renton (since 1964). She
currently works as a recruiter for Lifecare Center. She received a bachelor’s degree in
communications/journalism from the Pacific Lutheran University and an associate degree in
administration of criminal justice from Bellevue College.
West Hill Neighborhood Primary Position
The Airport Division is recommending appointment of Elizabeth Callahan. Ms. Callahan
has been a resident of the West Hill neighborhood of Renton since August 2017. She
holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Business Studies from the University of
Washington Foster School of Business and has graduate-level training in technology,
artificial intelligence, and corporate finance and business operations. She is self-
employed and is currently a business startup consultant trained in HIPAA & OSHA-10.
She previously served in the Mercer Island Community Association. As a PTA president,
she led a $180k fundraising effort in education and literacy. She currently serves in the
UW Business School advisory board. She is eager to see her community interests
represented in airport operations.
Washington Pilots Association Primary Position
The Airport Division recommends John Smutny to represent the WA Pilots Association
as a primary member. Mr. Smutny is a current tenant in the Cedar River Hangar at the
Renton Airport and has been a WPA member since 2005 when the Green River Chapter
of the WPA held meetings in the Quonset hut next to the Rainier Flight Service. Mr.
Mayor Pavone
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April 15, 2024
Smutny serves as a Government Relations representative for the International Aerobatic
Club. A Washington native, he began flying lessons at Renton when he was 15. At 16, he
soloed a Cessna Aerobat. A stint at the Museum of Flight helped him gain knowledge in
restoring an existing Monte-Copter airframe. He received certification in Airplane and
Weight Shift and Rotax factory training at Rainbow Aviation. These certifications along
with 18 years of owning Christen Eagle, Pitts, Cessna 172 and a Piper Cub airplane
earned him a well-rounded maintenance background. He also worked closely on
Renton’s master planning activities with Al Banholzer, a past WPA President and a past
RAAC member.
Washington Pilots Association Alternate Position
For the alternate member position, the Airport Division recommends Stephen Ratzlaff.
Mr. Ratzlaff has been a member of the WPA for nearly 15 years and has been the
president of the WA State Seaplane Pilots Association since 2010. Mr. Ratzlaff has a
Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering and holds a Private Pilot Single
Engine Seaplane rating from the FAA as well as an Instrument Rating. Mr. Ratzlaff began
his career as a software developer and worked in artificial intelligence in the aerospace
industry on composites manufacturing. He has been involved in proceedings at the
Renton Airport because of members concern on the significant reductions (75%) in the
capacity of the Renton Seaplane Base.
The Committee continues to accept applications for a primary position for Airport-at-
Large and nine alternate vacancies: Benson Hill, Highlands, North Renton, South Renton,
West Hill, Renton Hill/Montery Terrace, Airport Leaseholders, Airport-at-Large (2). The
Airport management team will be reviewing all applications and will submit
recommendations to fill these vacancies in the near future.
cc: April Alexander, Executive Assistant
Junsen Ohno, Administrative Secretary I
Melody Kroeger, RAAC Chair