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Click here to return to Tucson Airport homepage DATE OF DISTRIBUTION: January 25, 2010 FOR RELEASE UPON RECEIPT Christopher Sheafe To Chair 
Christopher Sheafe assumed the chairmanship of the Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) at its annual meeting today. The membership elected 11 new members. A member of the Authority since 2000, Mr. Sheafe was named to the Board of Directors in 2006. Mr. Sheafe is the owner of C. Sheafe Company, which concentrates on real estate investments. Mr. Sheafe has been active in the homebuilding business since 1976 when he joined Estes Homes, becoming one of its partners in 1981. His company is currently developing five residential communities in Tucson. An active member of the community Mr. Sheafe currently serves on the Board of Directors of TREO (Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities), Southern Arizona Homebuilders Association, Pima County Bond Advisory Committee, and Tucson Rio Nuevo Hotel Selection Board. Eleven new members were elected to the Authority: Christal Albrecht, President, Pima Community College, Desert Vista Campus; Paul Bonavia, President & CEO, Unisource Energy Corp.; K. La Monte Hunley, Owner, Arizona Health, L.L.C.; Gary Kippur, President, Tucson Iron & Metal; Michael McGrath, Director and Vice President, Mesch, Clark & Rothschild, P.C.; Lea Márquez Peterson, Executive Director, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; S. L. Schorr, Senior Partner, Lewis & Roca; Keri Silvyn, Attorney/Partner, Lewis & Roca; Scott Sirois, CEO/Tohono O'Odham Gaming Enterprise, Desert Diamond Casino; Izaro Urreiztieta, Senior Vice President and Manager, Commercial Banking, BBVA Compass; Taunya Villicana, Co-Founder/Managing Partner, Affinity Financial Group. Continuing on the board this year are: Rubin Salter, Chairman-Elect; Thomas A. Zlaket, Secretary; Lisa Israel, Treasurer; Chanda S. Budhabhatti, Assistant Secretary; Gregory A. Pivirotto, Assistant Treasurer; Raymond Bernal, and Timothy J. Prouty, Immediate Past Chairman. Steve Fell was named to the board. Outgoing TAA Chairman, Timothy J. Prouty recognized the passing of Authority member Bill Estes, Jr. Mr. Prouty reviewed some of the highlights of 2009. "While it appears the global economic crisis is settling down, our state and local economies are not, and we are still monitoring costs closely. It is too early to know how soon and how quickly we will witness a return to passenger levels like the 26% increase experienced between 2003 and 2007. "TAA staff has done a phenomenal job," he continued, "and validating their efforts was affirmation of TAA's bond ratings by Moody's and Fitch. "Keeping the airport brand in front of the community is critical," he said. "Consumers are carefully evaluating expenses and Tucson Airport offers good value. We still have the major carriers providing service here, that's nine airlines with over 125 daily nonstop flights to 15 destinations. Mr. Prouty also noted that 2009 had been a record year for federal and state grant funding for the Capital Improvement Program. "We received over $17 million that we have been able to maximize because of the favorable bidding climate while creating much needed jobs in the community." Commenting on the events of the past year, TAA President/CEO Bonnie Allin noted, "TAA weathered 2009 quite well without having to layoff or furlough employees or reduce wages or critical benefits. This is a credit to our employees who have significantly reduced operating expenses without impacting safety, security or customers' services. It also affirms the Authority's long history of successful management of airport finances." Ms. Allin continued, "It has been a sobering year and while 2010 will likely present interesting challenges, it is an opportunity to review long term goals and focus on our core mission. We have a responsibility to maintain cost efficient operations and make wise investments that will reap benefits for airport users in the future." Reviewing the economy's impact on airline service, that many airlines have reduced their system capacity to 1990 levels, Ms. Allin heralded the return of seasonal air service that disappeared last winter as well as the introduction of a new destination, Denver, by Southwest Airlines, underscoring its confidence in the Tucson market. "The service adjustments will carry us through the Spring and hopefully are an indicator that passenger projections will be greater than what has been forecasted by the airlines. "As we have witnessed in the recent past," she continued, "the air service business is extremely resilient and can shift quickly. Our air strategy continues to focus on the need to demonstrate to the airlines that there is demand for service here." Ms. Allin ended praising the community for its support. "We believe Tucson's business community understands our message and the importance of flying from TIA. We trust their committed support. TIA's amenities, short lines, ease of access and low cost parking, plus dependable nonstop service and competitive airfares are highly valued." The Tucson Airport Authority is a nonprofit organization composed of 115 residents of Pima County. Created by Arizona state charter in 1948, TAA manages the operation of Tucson International Airport and general aviation airport Ryan Airfield. T-A-A
Attachment: Click here for Christopher Sheafe photograph.
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