Ronald J. Stella, C.M.
Age: 39
Airport Deputy Director – Operations & Maintenance
Lambert-St. Louis International Airport
- Alma Mater: Daniel Webster College
- Fun fact about yourself: Aviation Photographer
- Favorite book: Interstellar
- Favorite TV show: Fringe
- Favorite movie: Star Wars
- Favorite hobby(s): Photography
A year after being hired as assistant director of operations and maintenance at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL), Ronald Stella was named airport deputy director. His rapid ascent was fueled by what his colleagues called his industry knowledge and attention to detail. His team won the 2015 and 2016 FAA Central Region’s Medal of Excellence for discrepancy-free certification inspections.
“I enjoy the constantly changing, ever evolving airport environment. It gives me the opportunity to work on a broad range of issues with the chance to make a difference and lasting impression to our customers,” said Stella.
His love of aviation goes back to his teenage years, when he earned his private pilot’s license before graduating from high school. “My first internship experience in airport operations at [New Hampshire’s] Pease International Tradeport solidified my decision to make airport management my career of choice in the industry,” he said.
The industry touches on all aspects of life, including customer service, business, safety and security, said Stella. “It’s also the personal part including reuniting loved ones, returning fallen soldier’s remains to families and delivering families and passengers safely to their destination,” he said.
Looking at the future of airports, Stella wants to see an increase in the Passenger Facility Charge cap. “I also want to see infrastructure investment on par with competing countries and other critical industries. We need to make the investment now to be prepared for the future,” he said. “There also need to be more public awareness and understanding of the economic impact and airport has on a region. Without a great airport, and other critical infrastructure, a great city cannot prosper.”
