Bill Text: VA HJR416 | 2022 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Robert S. Bowen.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2022-03-10 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ416ER) [HJR416 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2022-HJR416-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Robert S. Bowen, who has greatly served the Commonwealth as executive director of the Norfolk Airport Authority since 2016, will retire on March 1, 2022; and
WHEREAS, Robert Bowen's illustrious 45-year career at Norfolk International Airport began with a summer job at the fixed base operation of Piedmont Aviation in 1974; and
WHEREAS, after graduating from Old Dominion University in 1975, Robert Bowen joined Piedmont Aviation as an aircraft line serviceman, earning a series of promotions with the company over several years due to his hard work and professionalism; and
WHEREAS, Robert Bowen joined the Norfolk Airport Authority in January 1988, serving first as director of operations, then as deputy executive director, and ultimately as executive director beginning March 1, 2016; and
WHEREAS, certified by the American Association of Airport Executives since 1995, Robert Bowen is the third executive director in the Norfolk Airport Authority's history and is an executive member and former president of the Virginia Airport Operators Council, which represents the Commonwealth's 66 public-use commercial and general aviation airports; and
WHEREAS, during Robert Bowen's tenure as executive director, the Norfolk Airport Authority has advanced 120 capital improvement projects at a combined cost of $170 million to modernize and improve Norfolk International Airport's infrastructure, facilities, and operations for the benefit of its clientele; and
WHEREAS, Robert Bowen guided the expansion of air service at Norfolk International Airport by ushering in affordable flights with the carriers Allegiant, Frontier, and Breeze and by introducing the airport's first nonstop service to the West Coast with a flight to San Diego that was initiated in 2018; and
WHEREAS, Robert Bowen has remained a poised and effective leader while steering the Norfolk Airport Authority through the challenges it has faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, preparing the organization and Norfolk International Airport to resume their successful trajectories at the outset of this historic public health crisis; and
WHEREAS, Robert Bowen's tireless efforts and steadfast dedication over the past four decades have made a profound and lasting impact on the Norfolk Airport Authority and the Norfolk International Airport, as well as the community it serves; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Robert S. Bowen, executive director of the Norfolk Airport Authority, on the occasion of his retirement; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Robert S. Bowen as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his contributions to the Commonwealth and its best wishes for a happy and fulfilling retirement.
