After a long career as head of the Oklahoma Department of Aeronautics, Director Victor Bird has retired.
He spent 18 years with the Aeronautics Commission as part of his 36 years of public service to the state of Oklahoma.
Bird’s emphasized promotion of the aerospace industry, one of the state’s largest industries and top employers; critical planning and development for the state’s air transportation system; upgrading as many of the state’s 49 regional business airports as possible to be jet-capable; and encouraging public-private partnerships to promote the aerospace industry.
Under his leadership, the Commission has invested $71 million in state funds and directed $189 million in federal funds into airport infrastructure statewide.
“As Governor Stitt’s transportation secretary, I want to congratulate Vic on a lifetime of service to the State of Oklahoma and thank him for bringing a vision and energy to the Aeronautics Commission at a critical time in its history,” Secretary of Transportation Tim Gatz said.
Bird’s career in state government started in the Oklahoma Attorney General’s office under Mike Turpen in 1983. He subsequently served at Oklahoma State University, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and again in the Attorney General’s office under two different attorneys general.
“Congratulations to my longtime friend, Vic Bird, on retirement after 18 years of service as director of the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission,” said U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.). “As the longest serving director in Oklahoma history, he has been a tireless advocate for aviation and aerospace. His efforts have resulted in pro-aviation legislation here in Oklahoma, growing its annual economic impact to $44 billion that has resulted in tens of thousands of jobs.”
“Vic has been a personal friend of mine for years. He has done more for aviation and aerospace in Oklahoma than anyone I know. ” Oklahoma native and retired astronaut Gen. Thomas Stafford said. “This isn’t the end of Vic’s service to aviation. I can’t wait to see what he does next.”
In 2010, Bird was elected chair of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) as the first Oklahoman to ever hold the post, and he has been the long serving co-chair of NASAO’s Legislative Committee.
Source: OK Department of Commerce
