MORGANTOWN – The city of Morgantown has confirmed that former Morgantown Municipal Airport Director Jon Vrabel is no longer employed by the city.
This after Morgantown City Council was informed late last week that Vrabel had been placed on administrative leave.
While there are currently no official details as to what brought about the separation, information obtained by The Dominion Post indicates the decision was based on evaluation over time and not a single event or action.
“Consistent with standard practices, any further details are considered personnel matters and are not subject to public disclosure. We thank Mr. Vrabel for his service and wish him the best in his future endeavors,” Communications Director Brad Riffee said.
Assistant City Manager Emily Muzzarelli will coordinate and oversee airport operations until the director position is filled.
“At this time, we have no additional updates to share. The airport remains fully open, and flights continue to arrive and depart as normal,” Riffee said, explaining the city plans to post the open position “soon.”
Vrabel had been with the city since September 2019, when he was selected from a pool of 42 candidates to helm the municipally owned airport.
His departure comes on the heels of what could be described as both a successful and transitional year.
In 2025 – the first year under new Essential Air Service Carrier SkyWest Airlines – MGW surpassed 15,300 enplanements, or paying customers. That number nearly doubled the 7,700 enplanements from 2024 and marked the first time since 2011 the airport surpassed the 10,000-enplanement threshold critical for federal funding.
Vrabel’s six year, five month tenure is actually somewhat lengthy by recent standards.
Since 2009, MGW has flown through a number of directors, including: Glen Kelly (2009-2011), Michael Clow (2011-2013), Jackie Marhefka (2013-2014), Glen Kelly (this time serving as both assistant city manager and airport director – 2014-2016), Mick Galusky (2016-2019) and Vrabel (2019-2026).
In addition to the day-to-day operations of the airport, the new director will enter in the middle of a critical runway extension project that’s been in the works for more than 15 years and actually under construction since March 2021.
That project, currently estimated in the $70 million range, has a completion timeline of 2029-2030.
“The city remains fully committed to delivering high-quality services to our residents, students and visitors, and we have full confidence in the strength and professionalism of our administration and staff during this transition,” Riffee said. “We believe there is a bright future ahead for the airport, and we look forward to the new opportunities this change in leadership will bring.”
