Jamie Schwartz retiring as head of Deer Lake Regional Airport

DEER LAKE, N.L. — After nearly 20 years of leading the Deer Lake Regional Airport, Jamie Schwartz is getting ready to retire.
Schwartz started as the airport’s president and chief executive officer in March 2000 following the transfer of the facility from the federal government to the independent Deer Lake Regional Airport Authority.
His focus over the years has been ensuring the long-term viability of the operation. This has resulted in new and enhanced infrastructure, operational and service improvements, labour stability and growth, said a press release from the authority.
Traffic at the airport has increased by approximately 175 per cent during his term, which saw several consecutive years of record levels with a peak of 366,050 passengers in 2016.
Over the same period some $44 million has been invested in infrastructure at the facility.
Schwartz served two different terms as president of the Atlantic Canada Airports Association (ACAA) and a four-year term as a director of the Canadian Airports Council (CAC).
Schwartz, who will remain in the position until early 2020, said he’s leaving with mixed emotions.  
“I take comfort in knowing the airport has a solid foundation and the management and staff are more than capable to continue meeting the organization’s objectives to the benefit of the entire region,” he said.
Dean Porter, chair of the airport board, said Schwartz’s efforts to better the airport and the experience for the travelling public has led to immeasurable benefits for our staff, visitors to the airport and the west coast region as a whole.
“His dedication has allowed the airport to keep pace with the unprecedented growth it has experienced during his tenure and his mark will be left on the airport for many years to come.” 
The board has started the process to find a new president and CEO.