Elaine Roberts
About this Executive:
Name:
Elaine Roberts
Company:
Columbus Regional Airport Authority
Interview Topics:
Aerospace and Aviation
Region:
Region 1 - Central Ohio
Elaine Roberts is president and CEO of Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA), an independent, governmental entity responsible for operating three Central Ohio airports: Port Columbus International Airport (CMH, focus on commercial air service), Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK, emphasis on cargo and passenger charter flights) and Bolton Field (TZR, a corporate and general aviation airport).
Previously, Elaine was executive director of the Columbus Municipal Airport Authority, CRAA's predecessor, and prior to that was executive director for six years of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation, which operates T. F. Green (Providence) Airport and five other state-owned airports. She began her airport management career with the Indianapolis Airport Authority in 1983 where she served for 12 years.
Some of Elaine's notable accomplishments since her arrival in Columbus include leading the successful merger of the Columbus Municipal Airport Authority and Rickenbacker Port Authority and successfully guiding the airports through dramatic changes after the 2001 terrorist attacks.
In addition to her CRAA duties, Elaine sits on the boards of Experience Columbus, Columbus Chamber of Commerce, and State Auto Financial Corporation. Additionally, she serves as a member of the Executive Committee of the Columbus Region Logistics Council, Executive Committee of the Columbus Chamber, Transportation Policy Committee of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, and the Infrastructure Steering Committee and Air Service Committee of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce.
Elaine is an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) and has served in a number of official and organizational capacities within the American Association of Airport Executives. She is Second Past Chair and serves on the Executive Committee of AAAE-National Board as well as serving on the Board of the International Association of Airport Executives. She holds a bachelor's degree in English and sociology from Western Kentucky University, a master's degree in urban planning from the University of Louisville, and a law degree from Indiana University School of Law in Indianapolis.
Q: What does Ohio uniquely offer that you feel have helped make Columbus Regional Airport Authority successful?
A: The airports we operate benefit from the advanced network of highways and interstates, which allows people from across the state and beyond to easily access Port Columbus and Rickenbacker. Ohio's diverse economy has also benefited our business as the demand for quality air service, whether for moving people or goods, is a reflection of the economy in general. Some industry sectors have helped support the economy while other sectors have struggled during this trying time in the financial history of our country. Strong community support for the Airport Authority's services and capital expansion plans has been very important to our success. I think that the community support, encouragement and enthusiasm we experience are unique to Ohio.
Q: The Ohio Promise is that you can achieve professional success within the context of a fulfilling life. Based on your experience, how authentic is the promise?
A: Absolutely authentic! I've had the honor of interacting with the business community on the state and local levels through various task forces and boards. With every new person I meet I become more and more impressed with the commitment to excellence and diversity of businesses throughout the state. Besides being home to several Fortune 500 companies and many other highly successful businesses, Ohio boasts a robust mix of entertainment and leisure options. Whether your preference is travel, arts and culture, history and heritage or outdoor adventure, Ohio offers something for everyone. I personally lean toward the outdoor activities, such as camping and golf, during the summer and favor the theater during the winter.
Q: What business benefits do you feel CRAA realizes from having employees who achieve a positive work:life balance?
A: I'm a very strong believer in a positive work:life balance and am very supportive, even insistent, that my staff take quality time away from work. While one's work is important, spending time with family and friends is more important. Not only are employees more focused and effective with this balance, they should also be better parents, siblings, children and friends, making them an integral component of society.
Q: Given your experience in the logistics industry, what are your thoughts on Ohio's location and logistics capabilities?
A: Located in the middle of the North American population, Ohio offers superior distribution opportunities throughout the United States and Canada. This strategic location is supplemented by an established logistics infrastructure including international airports, an extensive highway network and expansive railroad service. At CRAA, we work to further Ohio's role in logistics through our work in the Rickenbacker area. Located south of Columbus, the Rickenbacker area offers a Foreign-Trade Zone, a cargo-dedicated international airport, an intermodal rail-truck terminal and a new industrial park called the Rickenbacker Global Logistics Park. Hundreds of logistics companies, from freight forwarders to shippers, are already in the area benefiting from the assets that Ohio and the Rickenbacker area have to offer.
Q: What is the most unique thing you have discovered about Ohio that you share with others?
A: I have discovered that Ohio is a surprisingly diverse state - not only geographically, but also the population is diverse. I find people in Ohio to be very friendly, knowledgeable and sophisticated and as a result, I have made many new lifelong friends since moving here eight years ago.
Q: Does Ohio have an international appeal?
A: Ohio is a sleeping giant internationally, something that Ohioans may not be fully aware of. The state economic output is as strong as many countries and Ohio's export activity has grown consistently to become one of the top exporting states in the nation. The state has a lot to offer socially as well, with outstanding entertainment, recreation, culture and approachability. Ohioans rightfully take pride in their state in welcoming visitors, both domestically and internationally, and I think this will make for a bright future. CRAA is working diligently with community and business leaders to attract nonstop international flights to Port Columbus which will allow us to capitalize upon this great asset.