The Port of Huntsville is losing its Chief Executive Officer and decades-long employee Rick Tucker to retirement on the last day of 2022, but his replacement is likewise a familiar face at the company.

The Port, which is managed by the Huntsville Madison County Airport Authority, announced that current Chief Operating Officer/Deputy Director Luther “Butch” Roberts, another longtime employee, will assume the duties of CEO.

The Port of Huntsville’s newest CEO Luther “Butch” Roberts

“I look forward to continuing the work of implementing our Master Plan to grow the airport, intermodal center and industrial park to meet the needs of industry and commerce in our service area,” said Roberts, a UAH graduate who began his career in aviation 36 years ago at the Airport Authority.

“We have already begun a new air cargo expansion and have applied for a license to land the DreamChaser commercial space vehicle here at HSV. With our upcoming terminal and concourse upgrades in the final planning stages, there is a lot to be excited about as we see air travel returning post-pandemic and our region’s economy prospering.”

Mark McDaniel, chairman of the Port of Huntsville board of directors, said promoting Roberts was an easy decision.

“Through Rick’s successes at the airport, Butch has been his right hand,” McDaniel said. “The board has the utmost confidence in his ability to carry forward the mission of the Port of Huntsville. Butch’s steady and wise leadership has made him an ideal choice for the position of CEO.”

Accomplishments at the Port of Huntsville at the airport under Tucker include:

Extension of the west runway to 12,600 feet, making it the second-longest in the southeast U.S.
Construction of a new 219-foot air traffic control tower expanding aviation development opportunities, two parking decks with over 2,600 spaces and a 10,000-foot parallel taxiway and ramp expansion for B747 freighter operations.
Overseeing a five-year terminal area capital improvement project completed in 2012 which included a new security screening checkpoint and public waiting area on the second floor and a new first floor baggage claim and the growth of air traffic to one million passengers annually and non-stop air service to 14 destinations.

Under Tucker, the International Intermodal Center expanded over 200,000 square feet of air cargo facilities serving weekly international air cargo flights to Europe, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Cambodia and Brazil.

The Jetplex Industrial Park, a 4,000-acre business complex anchoring more than 75 international and domestic companies representing six million square feet of business facilities, expanding to include 4,000 employees.

“I want to express sincere appreciation on behalf of the HMCAA Board to Rick for his decades of constant, professional, focused leadership and visionary contributions to the Port of Huntsville and to our community,” McDaniel said.

Tucker credited those around him with the growth of the airport and port.

“When I started at the airport 44 years ago, I could not have imagined spending my entire career with just one employer. However, because we had a very small staff I was given some unique opportunities early in my career to expand and grow as an individual as the organization and community grew,” he said.

“I give credit to the success of the Port of Huntsville to the talented staff and visionary board members surrounding me during my career, and especially the blessings of God! My understanding is that in 1967 when the new airport facility was built, it was dedicated to the glory of God. I trust this approach will continue throughout our history.”

Added Tucker, “I have tremendous confidence in our team to achieve even greater success under the leadership of Butch Roberts. He is the right person at the right time.”

Images provided by the Port of Huntsville.