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University Airport Administrator Elected President of Oklahoma Airport Operations Association

University Airport Administrator Elected President of Oklahoma Airport Operations Association

Lance Lamkin poses for photo in hanger with Jim Bridenstine, airplane parked behind them

Airport Administrator Lance Lamkin with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine during the 2019 Annual Aviation Breakfast.

Lance Lamkin, airport administrator for the University of Oklahoma Max Westheimer Airport, was recently elected president of the Oklahoma Airport Operations Association – the only association of airport management professionals organized for the enhancement and improvement of airports in Oklahoma.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for myself and the Max Westheimer Airport to be recognized as leaders for airports within our great state,” Lamkin said. “I’m looking forward to making a positive difference for airports in Oklahoma.”

Lamkin has served with the association for six years. As president, he said his ambitions will be higher than ever and that he has set some lofty goals. His goals include ensuring the association has a substantial legislative voice in state and federal aviation by leading a committee to unite the voices of airports around Oklahoma, adding year-round virtual and in-person professional development opportunities, establishing a training certification for Oklahoma airport managers, and updating the website to be more user friendly.

“These are just a small sample of my ideas to help push the organization to its next chapter while also leading it through the rough skies of COVID-19,” he said.

Lamkin joined Max Westheimer Airport in 2015 as an airport operations officer.

For the past two years, he has served as airport administrator and is responsible for corresponding with federal, state and local authorities and consultants; soliciting and obtaining state and federal grants to support multi-million-dollar improvement efforts; developing policies and procedures for airport functions; and providing guidance and general administrative support to control tower functions.

Max Westheimer Airport is owned and operated by the University of Oklahoma and is an integral component of the transportation infrastructure serving the university, the City of Norman and the surrounding region. It is a full-service airport with 120 based aircrafts and more than 50,000 operations per year.

“The airport represents a significant regional economic asset,” Lamkin said. “Each year an estimated 20,000 visitors arrive in Oklahoma by utilizing the airport, and it contributes an estimated $34.7 million of economic activity to the surrounding community through jobs, annual payroll, annual spending and sales tax paid by visitors on hotels, meals, rental cars and retail spending.”

Lamkin also serves as an adjunct professor for the School of Aviation, where he teaches airport management and operations.

Through the airport, School of Aviation students are able to receive flight training and earn degrees in air traffic control, aviation management and pilot training. There are currently more than 200 students enrolled in the aviation programs.

“By supporting the university and its flight-training activities, the airport plays an important role in training future aviation professionals,” he said.

Several local businesses, including Bob Moore Auto Group, R.T. Oliver Investments, Walmart, USPS and AT&T, also rely on aircrafts based at the airport to support their operations.

Lamkin shared that he has loved aviation his entire life.

“I grew up attending airshows at Will Rogers World Airport and learning about aerodynamics,” he said.  “These things are what led me to pursue a career in aviation.”


By Mackenzie Scheer

Article Published:  Wednesday, July 29, 2020