Jackson Hole Airport CEO Announces Plans to Retire

Jackson, Wyoming (March 24, 2026) – After four decades of service in public aviation, Jackson Hole Airport Chief Executive Officer Jim Elwood is planning to retire on July 3, 2026. During Elwood’s more than 11 years in Jackson Hole he led the airport through the unprecedented COVID 19 pandemic, a full airport closure for runway reconstruction, and the replacement of outdated and failing facilities, all while promoting industry-leading environmental stewardship initiatives.

“The Jackson Hole Airport is much better equipped to meet the needs of our community and the traveling public today,” said Jackson Hole Airport Board President Melissa Turley. “During his tenure, Jim has significantly improved virtually every part of the airport and its operation. My colleagues on the Jackson Hole Airport Board and I are grateful for his service.”

“Serving as the Chief Executive Officer at Jackson Hole Airport has been a remarkable experience,” said Elwood. “I have been honored to get to work every day with our exceptional airport team. Together, we approach our service to the public with a ‘People Helping People’ mentality. I believe that is why we consistently hear that we provide one of the friendliest and welcoming experiences in aviation.”

The Washington Post recently recognized Jackson Hole Airport as one of the top 50 airports in the nation. Elwood credits that recognition to the Airport Board’s commitment to a unique and positive guest experience, safety, and environmental stewardship.

Perhaps the most significant project undertaken during Elwood’s tenure was the total reconstruction of the airport’s only runway, which had not been overhauled since the 1970’s. The multi-phased project required a complete closure of the runway and airport. To minimize impacts to the community and the local economy, airport leadership laid out an ambitious timeline of completing the project in less than three months. Elwood and his team not only met their timeline, completing the runway reconstruction in 78 days, they did so under budget and while making significant improvements to the commercial terminal during the closure.

With the full support of the Jackson Hole Airport Board and in recognition of the airport’s unique location in a national park, Elwood has made environmental stewardship a key focus for his team. Jackson Hole Airport is the first airport in the world to be certified an International Dark Sky Place as a result of a sophisticated lighting management plan that required the replacement of hundreds of lighting fixtures. Additionally, JAC is one of the first airports in the nation to discontinue the use of PFAS in its firefighting foam and has developed an innovative Fly Quiet Program to mitigate noise.

During his tenure, Elwood has assembled a skilled and dedicated workforce at the airport that shares his commitment to these initiatives moving forward. The Airport Board is preparing to launch a national recruitment effort for the next Airport CEO. The Board is confident that Jackson Hole’s excellent reputation in the aviation industry, extraordinary scenery, experiences and community will attract talented and passionate airport leaders interested in joining the airport as the next CEO. During the transition, the Board and the airport team will remain focused on the safe and efficient operation of the Airport and engaging the community as a strong and sincere partner.

An Accredited Airport Executive, Elwood came to the Jackson Hole Airport in 2014. He previously served as the director or airport manager at three airports in Colorado including Aspen/Pitkin County, Eagle County Airport and Pueblo Airport. He has been recognized for his leadership, service and environmental innovation over his career. He was selected to serve as Chair for the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) in 2008. He has also received the AAAE President’s Award, Distinguished Service Award, Jay Hollingsworth Speas Airport Award among other national, regional and state accolades.

After his retirement on July 3, Elwood and his wife Hille look forward to spending more time with their young grandchildren.