County picks MacDonnell as airport manager

Interim Airport Manager Heather MacDonnell has been tapped to run Minden-Tahoe Airport following what county officials said was a rigorous recruitment process.

MacDonnell has spent the last nine months in the manager’s role after the departure of the company that had managed the airport withdrew from its contract.

“I have dedicated my career to working in local government for the last eighteen years,” MacDonnell said of her 18 years as a public servant. “I take pride in being a public servant and do all I can to serve the people and my community. I look forward to the transition to the Minden-Tahoe Airport and working with not only the airport community, but also county residents as a whole.”

MacDonnell began her public service career in 2006 as deputy treasurer in Alturas, Calif. In 2011, she was sworn in as city treasurer, where she oversaw the city budgets, investments, risk management, utility management, and all facets of the treasurer’s office. She was re-elected and maintained the position until moving to Douglas County in 2016.

“I’m incredibly excited for Heather to step into this role,” said County Manager Jenifer Davidson. “The Minden-Tahoe Airport is undergoing some exciting changes, and I know great things are to come with Heather leading the charge. Her skills in finance and public works make her an excellent choice for this position.”

MacDonnell joined Douglas County in 2016 as an accountant for the finance department. She was promoted to an administrative services manager position with Public Works. In 2020, she moved back to the finance department as the accounting operations supervisor, where she has served since.

“Heather MacDonnell clearly epitomizes the virtues of what the person running our airport should exude,” said Minden-Tahoe Airport Advisory Committee Chairman Al Browne. “She demonstrates the character traits consistent with real talent and cognition. Skills can be taught and honed; MacDonnell’s natural disposition and talents cannot. I am very pleased with the County’s decision and have very high hopes for the future of our airport under her leadership.”

An update on personnel at the airport, likely including the announcement, is scheduled discussion at the advisory committee meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Douglas County Courthouse in Minden.

The committee will also be electing officers and discussing short and long-term goals. Visit www.douglascountynv.gov for more information.