Senate Resolution 17

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING NICK ARDILLO, JR., UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE REGIONAL AIRPORT.

WHEREAS, Nick Ardillo, Jr., has announced his retirement from his position as Executive Director of the Golden Triangle Regional Airport effective March 1, 2006; and

WHEREAS, he has served as Golden Triangle Regional Airport's Executive Director since April 1, 1999; and

WHEREAS, his retirement culminates a career of more than 40 years of service in the public sector, including 26 years in the U.S. Air Force, 7 years as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Kirk Fordice and almost 7 years at the Golden Triangle Regional Airport Authority; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure at the airport, Nick Ardillo, Jr., developed several key programs that helped contribute to the growth of the airport and nearby businesses; and

WHEREAS, he was the Project Director that brought American Eurocopter, LLC, to the Golden Triangle, leading a regional effort to recruit that prestigious company; and

WHEREAS, his efforts formed a partnership between the Golden Triangle Regional Airport and the Columbus Air Force Base that directly enhanced the Air Force mission and contributed to the growth of that mission from the recent base closure process; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure at the airport, over $20 Million of improvements were made at the airport, including the construction of an air traffic control tower to support operations from Columbus Air Force Base; and

WHEREAS, he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in History and Political Science from Auburn University in 1966, and his Master of Science Degree in Systems Management from Troy State University in 1977; and

WHEREAS, he has been very involved in various community activities, serving on the Board of Directors of the United Way, Chairman of the Columbus Air Force Base 2020 Committee, and a member of the Columbus Air Force Base Community Council; and

WHEREAS, he served as President of the Mississippi Airports Association and is currently serving as the Vice Chairman of the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority; and

WHEREAS, following his retirement, he plans to remain in the Golden Triangle area and continue his involvement in community activities; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the dedicated service and constructive leadership of Nick Ardillo, Jr., who contributed so much to the Golden Triangle Regional Airport and the surrounding community:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Nick Ardillo, Jr., upon the occasion of his retirement as Executive Director of the Golden Triangle Regional Airport, and extend to him our best wishes of success in his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Nick Ardillo, Jr., and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.