Allison Zahner promoted to Joplin Regional Airport manager

(From the City of Joplin)

The City of Joplin is pleased to announce that Allison Zahner, C.M., ACE, is the new Airport Manager for Joplin Regional Airport. The position became open upon previous manager Bart Starkey’s retirement in late 2024.

Zahner holds a Master of Business Administration in Airport Management from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, where she also received her Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management and Airport Management/Flight Operations Concentration. She served as the airport's Administrative Assistant for the past year and a half.

 

She has her pilot’s license and is a certified member of the American Association of Airport Executives (C.M., ACE). Previous airline positions included working with aircraft maintenance, fuel systems operations and maintenance, along with record keeping for fleets and vehicles at the Skyhaven Airport in Warrensburg. She also provided team communications and worked with the public to ensure an efficient flight experience.

“Allison is a great asset to the Joplin Airport and brings many resources to this position and to the City,” said Dan Johnson, Director of Public Works. “She has a strong understanding of aviation management and the importance of air service to our community not only for its economic impact but also for our citizens who travel for business and pleasure.”

Zahner looks forward to serving in this position and has always wanted to work in aviation management.

“I’ve always wanted to be a part of the aviation industry. It can be fast-paced and dynamic while still focusing on the customer’s experience to ensure they can travel safely and efficiently,” she said. “This doesn’t happen easily. It takes teamwork, coordination, and collaboration among co-workers and numerous companies who have a large stake in the success of the program.”

Zahner received her pilot’s license about the same time some teenagers got their driver’s license. She won the 2019 Flight Academy Private Pilot Scholarship from Maxwell Air Force Base in Montogomery, Ala. As a Republic High School Air Force JROTC cadet, she and a fellow student were chosen from 1,560 cadets to receive the $20,000 scholarship offered to 150 top students.

Through this opportunity, Zahner gained a lot of experience and knowledge about both the general and commercial aspects of aviation and is pleased to work with both in her position.

“Commercial aviation is known by many, but general aviation includes other areas such as corporate aviation, personal and private travel, and recreational flying. General aviation gives us the opportunity to work with the community in different ways than the commercial side of the airport, and I’m excited to meet and work with everyone involved with Joplin’s airports.”

Zahner assumed the Airport Manager position on December 28, 2024.