City council approves new airport manager

The Pocatello Regional Airport has a new face sitting in the manager’s chair.

Thursday night, the Pocatello city council approved the appointment of Benjamin West as the new manager.

West is originally from Mississippi but comes to Pocatello from North Dakota, where he was an operations specialist at a regional airport. Before that, he was an airport planner for the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission.

West has also served in the U.S. Air Force and the Air Force Reserve. He has a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics and a Masters in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

“It has always been my passion to work in aviation and it is a great honor to be chosen as the next Airport Manager of Pocatello Regional Airport,” West said. “I love the Rocky Mountains and have always wanted to live near them. The small town atmosphere, the Rocky Mountains, and the wonderful support from the city for the airport were three of the reasons my family and I decided to make the move to Pocatello.”

“Through his knowledge of airport operations and real estate, Benjamin has the expertise we need to take Pocatello Regional Airport into the future,” said Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad. “We are looking forward to having him join our team.”

West is married and has 11 kids.

“Pocatello Regional Airport is a great asset for the area and provides a gateway from Pocatello to anywhere in the world,” West said. “I look forward to finding new opportunities to bring people and businesses to the airport.”

West’s first official day on the job will be July 30th. He takes over for former manager David Allen, who retired in April.