Ryan Collins Named as Successor, Effective January 1, 2027

MIDDLETOWN, PA – January 28, 2026 – Timothy J. Edwards, A.A.E., Executive Director of the Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority (SARAA) since 2006, announced today that he will retire effective December 31, 2026. The SARAA Board has named Ryan Collins, A.A.E., ACE, currently serving as Deputy Executive Director, as Edwards’ successor effective January 1, 2027.

Two Decades of Leadership

Edwards joined SARAA as Deputy Executive Director in November 2003 and was promoted to Executive Director in November 2006 following the retirement of Alfred Testa Jr. Under his leadership, SARAA navigated significant industry challenges—including multiple airline bankruptcies and mergers, the Great Recession, and the COVID-19 pandemic—while achieving record growth and infrastructure investment.

Key Achievements Under Edwards’ Leadership:

• Increased Authority revenue from $21.9 million in 2006 to a record $40.1million in 2025
• Increased Harrisburg International Airport traffic from 1,181,700 passengers in 2006 to a record 1,623,324 in 2025
• Welcomed new airlines including AirTran Airways, Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, and Southern Airways Express
• Expanded service from 13 to 18 nonstop destinations with more connections to cities around the world
• Increased air cargo tonnage from 50,311 in 2006 to a pandemic related record of 63,549 in 2021
• Led more than $114 million in capital improvements at HIA, including:
  • Rehabilitation of Runway 13/31
  • Reconstruction of Airport Drive
  • New sewer and water treatment facilities
  • Expanded air cargo apron and stormwater management system
  • Built a Snow Equipment Storage Facility
  • Constructed a 2-mile levee along the Susquehanna River

General Aviation Enhancements

• Coordinated SARAA’s acquisition of Franklin County Regional Airport in 2004 and Gettysburg Regional Airport in 2006
• Completed hangar rehabilitations and runway refurbishments at Gettysburg, Franklin County, and Capital City Executive airports
• Oversaw construction of expanded ramps at Gettysburg and Franklin County Regional airports

Economic Development

• Oversaw significant private development projects, including AvFlight’s new general aviation terminal and hangar, new corporate hangars for Select Medical Corporation and Mi Doors & Windows, construction of a Fairfield Inn Hotel and Suites, and Sheetz on HIA property
• Supported the successful return of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels for the 2025 Central PA Air Show produced by Air.Show Tour.  The U.S Navy Blue Angels will return on May 23 and 24, 2026 and for the first time on more than 30 years, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will perform at HIA on July 10 and 11, 2027.

“Over the past 20 years, Tim’s steady leadership, transparency, and attention to detail have guided the Authority through the multiple ups and downs the air travel industry has experienced,” said Bill Leonard, SARAA Chairman. “As a result of his years of effort and dedication, the Authority had a record year in 2025 and is much stronger today than it was when he took over in 2006.”

About Timothy Edwards

Edwards graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a degree in Aeronautical Science in 1981.  He began his aviation career as a flight instructor and charter pilot before transitioning to airport operations at Tweed New Haven Airport in 1988.  He served as Airport Manager at Lebanon Municipal Airport in New Hampshire from 1993 to 2003 before joining SARAA.

Edwards is an Accredited Airport Executive with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and has been actively involved in industry leadership, serving as past Chairman of AAAE’s Northeast Chapter, on the AAAE Executive Board, and as an AAAE Board of Examiners Mentor and certification evaluator. He has also served on the boards of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber, Capital Regional Economic Development Corporation, the Pennsylvania Aviation Advisory Committee, and the Aviation Council of PA. 

About Ryan Collins

Collins joined SARAA in March 2024 following a nationwide search for a Deputy Executive Director. In his current role, he oversees airport operations, security and public safety, maintenance, all general aviation airports, and human resources. He is an Accredited Airport Executive with the American Association of Airport Executives and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation/Air Traffic Management from Daniel Webster College.

Before joining SARAA, Collins served as Director of Operations and Maintenance at Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport, Airport Operations Manager for the Massachusetts Port Authority at Worcester Regional Airport, and as Airport Operations Specialist and Firefighter at Martha’s Vineyard Airport.

“Ryan has been a tremendous addition to SARAA and has done a great job serving as Deputy Executive Director since the day he arrived,” said Edwards. “I look forward to working closely with Ryan to ensure a smooth and successful transition.”

“Being chosen to serve as SARAA’s next Executive Director is a tremendous honor,” Collins said. “I appreciate the Board’s confidence in my leadership, and I’m eager to work alongside our dedicated staff and partners. Together, we will build on the strong foundation established under Tim’s guidance and continue strengthening our stewardship of the four airports we own and operate, advancing our commitment to delivering More Flights, More Places, More Often.”