Morgantown hires Brian Belcher as new airport director
Trending
MORGANTOWN — According to a press release from the city of Morgantown, Brian Belcher has been hired to lead the Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW).
Belcher steps into the airport director role vacant since the city cut ties with Jon Vrabel in February after six and a half years in the position.
According to the city, Belcher brings more than 40 years of aviation experience, including leadership roles in airport operations, air service development, marketing, communications, economic development, and stakeholder relations. The city notes Belcher has worked at airports ranging from general aviation facilities to commercial service airports.
"We are thrilled to welcome Brian as our new airport director," Morgantown City Manager Jamie Miller said. "Brian’s extensive experience in airport operations, air service development, strategic communications, and community engagement makes him exceptionally well-suited to lead Morgantown Municipal Airport. His deep roots in West Virginia and decades of aviation leadership will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the airport’s role in serving our residents, businesses and visitors."
Most recently, Belcher served as director of destination development for the Greenbrier Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau. Prior to that, he served as airport director for Greenbrier Valley Airport in Lewisburg, West Virginia, where he oversaw all aspects of airport operations, managed airport personnel, coordinated commercial air service activities, negotiated agreements with tenants and airlines, and worked closely with the Airport Authority Board.
Earlier in his career, Belcher served as director of air service development at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and as director of marketing, air service development and communications for the Mobile Airport Authority. He also spent more than 20 years at West Virginia International Yeager Airport in Charleston, where he led marketing and air service development initiatives, managed airline and community relations, and played a key role in promoting air travel and economic development throughout the region.
The city states Belcher is a Certified Member (C.M.) of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and is widely recognized throughout the aviation industry for his expertise in air service development, airport communications, and stakeholder engagement. The press release further notes he has served in numerous leadership positions within aviation, tourism and economic development organizations at the state and national levels.
"I would like to thank City Manager Jamie Miller, and the Morgantown leadership team for this opportunity. I am honored to join Morgantown Municipal Airport and become part of the Morgantown community," Belcher said. "West Virginia’s airports play a critical role in connecting communities and supporting economic growth. I look forward to working alongside airport staff, city leadership, business partners and community stakeholders to build upon the airport’s success and position it for continued growth and opportunity."
As Airport Director, Belcher will oversee all aspects of airport operations, strategic planning, capital improvements, regulatory compliance, and community engagement while leading efforts to enhance air service.
Belcher is expected to begin his new role on Aug. 24.