Thane Seeley hired as Deputy Executive Director
MIDDLETOWN, PA – October 1, 2026 – The Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority (SARAA) on Wednesday named Ryan Collins, A.A.E., ACE, as Executive Director effective October 1, 2026.
Collins joined SARAA in March 2024 following a nationwide search for a Deputy Executive Director. In his previous role, he oversaw 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. He also serves on the Northeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives Board of Directors.
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.
“Being chosen to serve as SARAA’s 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 to continue to grow airport services while expanding the Authority’s economic impact on the central PA region.”
“My vision is to build on the momentum we’ve created: improving the passenger experience, strengthening our connection with the community, and highlighting the value each of our airports brings to the region,” said Collins. “I want our communities to truly see and feel the impact these airports have on central Pennsylvania.”
“Most importantly, I’m committed to supporting our teams across SARAA. Their dedication drives everything we do, and investing in their success is how we continue moving forward.”
“Ryan has been a tremendous addition to SARAA since the day he arrived and has done a great job as Deputy Executive Director,” said William Leonard, SARAA Chairman. “We are excited and confident in his ability to lead SARAA into the future.”
Leonard also thanked Edwards for his service. “On behalf of the SARAA Board, I want to express our sincere gratitude to Timothy Edwards for his leadership and dedication to SARAA over the past twenty plus years. We wish him and his family health and happiness in his retirement.”
In August, SARAA hired Thane Seeley, formerly of Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport, to fill Collins’ previous role as Deputy Executive Director.
