Congratulations, Cincinnati. You're getting a great one in Larry Krauter. 

As reported last week, the longtime CEO of Spokane Airports has accepted a position with the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, replacing a retiring CEO there. 

Since 2011, Krauter has led through an era of strong growth at Spokane International Airport, Felts Field, and the Spokane International Airport Industrial Park. 

Spokane International Airport, the most visible of the three properties under his purview, has boasted record-setting highs in passenger counts in the past five years and record volumes of cargo during that time. This growth has occurred as the Inland Northwest economy emerged from the long-lasting aftereffects of the Great Recession at the beginning of his tenure and while navigating the logistical nightmares that came with the pandemic-related government-mandated restrictions at the beginning of this decade. 

Airway Heights and the broader West Plains community has experienced strong growth during that same era. While Krauter couldn't—and wouldn't—take credit for all of that, he certainly played a role in it. He had a hand in the formation of the West Plains public development authority, known now as S3R3 Solutions, and under his guidance, Spokane Airports has helped to encourage industrial and commercial growth. 

Last but far from least, Krauter is leading a much-needed effort to rightsize Spokane International Airport with a $150 million terminal expansion plan known as TREX. In addition to modernizing the facility and enabling it to handle current and growing passenger volumes, the project is expected to generate nearly 1,200 jobs and over $300 million in economic activity in Washington state.

In a release announcing the upcoming leadership transition, Spokane Airports board chairman and STCU CEO Ezra Eckhardt characterizes Krauter as making a "tremendous impact on our region." We concur. 

As the board moves forward with the unenviable task of replacing the longtime chief executive, it surely will be looking for a leader with an ability to manage complex operations efficiently and provide a vision to scale for growth along with the expanding region. 

The position also requires someone with knowledge of the nuances involved in working with federal regulators and attracting a greater presence from major airlines. Those carriers don't magically decide to add direct flights to additional cities from Spokane. It takes heavy lifting from airport staff, and in recent years, they've been successful in adding flights, while maintaining what's already available. 

Arguably as important to the business community is the manner in which Krauter has leveraged the airport as an instrument for driving economic growth. That might not be a unique take, but it's one that has helped our region prosper in recent years. A new CEO who views the airport's role in a similar context would be valuable. 

Thank you, Larry, for the work you've done to make our airport an appealing gateway to the Inland Northwest, and in the process, making our community better. And best wishes for the future, a future in which, ideally, Spokane Airports has an equally competent leader.