Friday, August 23, 2024 Panama City-Bay County Airport and Industrial District has elected Mark Sheldon as its new Board Chair, taking over the leadership of Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP). Sheldon succeeds Holly K. Melzer, who made history as the first woman to serve in this role.

Melzer’s two-year tenure was marked by significant achievements, including overseeing major expansions and construction projects at the airport. She also played a key role in bringing Project Maple to fruition, a development that utilized a Triumph Grant to welcome Premier Aviation, a leading aviation maintenance and repair company, to the region. Melzer will continue her involvement with the airport as she remains on the Board.

Sheldon, formerly the Board’s Vice Chair, brings extensive knowledge of the region’s economic landscape and community needs to his new role. His leadership will focus on fostering economic growth and diversification through strategic airport development. Additionally, Sheldon aims to enhance the travel experience for passengers, ensuring that Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport maintains its reputation for delivering exceptional service.

“I am hon­ored to step into this role and have the oppor­tu­ni­ty to guide the Air­port through this ongo­ing era of out­stand­ing growth and suc­cess,” Shel­don said. ​“ECP plays a fun­da­men­tal role in our econ­o­my and I’m excit­ed to approach serv­ing the Region from t.