The top leadership role for Central Oregon’s largest airport has quietly changed hands amidst a $180 million construction project set to double the size of its terminal.
A City of Redmond spokesperson confirmed via email Friday afternoon that a longtime City official has been appointed director of the Redmond Municipal Airport after the resignation of Zachary Bass, who served as director for 11 years.
“Airport Director Zachary Bass is taking off for his next career endeavor,” City Spokesperson Heather Cassaro wrote in an email to the Source. “During his time, RDM experienced impressive growth in passengers and air service as well as securing the financing needed to double the size of the airport terminal, which will be completed in 2027.
“We wish Zach the very best in his next adventure.”
According to Cassaro, Bass’ resignation was effective Sept. 4. It had not been announced publicly. By the Source’s deadline on Friday, the City did not answer an inquiry as to when Bass submitted his resignation, or whether there were plans to announce it publicly.
Bass was set to present as Airport Director to the Greater Bend Rotary Club on Aug. 18, according to its website.
When the Source inquired about the airport director on Thursday, the City declined to comment, citing a longstanding policy for personnel or internal HR matters, “in order to protect employee privacy and ensure matters are handled appropriately.”
Bass didn’t immediately return a phone call requesting comment.
Jason Neff, deputy city manager and chief financial officer, will step into the airport director role. Neff has 20 years of experience with the City and has overseen the airport director role since 2022, according to a statement.
“We have complete confidence in Jason and the Airport team to carry the work forward,” Cassaro said.
The change comes in the middle of the biggest construction project in the airport’s history. The project, which began last summer with an expected completion date of November 2027, will add 80,000 square feet of new space, seven new jet bridges, expanded waiting areas and more than 6,000 square feet of new concessions while doubling passenger seating in the terminal. In June, the Redmond City Council approved a new concessions company to provide coffee, food and drinks in the new terminal.
Bass spent 10 years in the U.S. Air Force in Wyoming and Iraq, serving as a business operations manager, overseeing employees and training officers. He joined the City in 2015 and became airport director the following year. In 2017 he was named Oregon Airport Manager of the Year by the Oregon Airport Managers Association, and in 2021 made Airport Business magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 list.
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