MERCER COUNTY, NJ — Mercer County Executive Dan Benson announced a new leadership team for Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN) on Friday, naming Michael Caires as airport director and Matt Parker as deputy airport director, effective Sept. 1.
Caires was selected following a national search and will lead the airport's operations. Parker will support operational execution, internal coordination, continuity and implementation of the director's priorities.
"Trenton-Mercer Airport is at an important point in its evolution and requires focused, accountable leadership," Benson said. "Michael brings deep airport-management experience. He has extensive relationships across the industry and will build and maintain important relationships with our federal partners, airlines, tenants, and surrounding communities. Matt's designation as Deputy Airport Director gives the airport added management capacity and continuity as this leadership team begins its work."
Caires most recently served as general manager for TBI Airport Management, Inc. / Vinci Airports at Atlantic City International Airport, following 18 years at Orlando Sanford International Airport in marketing, commercial aviation, air-service development and stakeholder roles. He brings more than 25 years of airport-management experience and holds the International Airport Professional designation through the ACI-ICAO Airport Management Professional Accreditation Program.
Parker currently serves as acting assistant airport manager at TTN and holds C.M. and A.C.E. aviation credentials. He began his aviation career at TTN as an intern in 2012, later worked as an operations officer at Richmond International Airport and as operations and facilities manager at Morristown Airport, before returning to TTN in progressively senior roles.
"I am honored to join Mercer County and the team at Trenton-Mercer Airport," Caires said. "I look forward to working with Matt, listening to employees and stakeholders, protecting the airport's strong safety foundation, and working with County leadership to deliver reliable operations, responsible investment, and measurable progress."
Benson also thanked Kurt Neinstedt for his service as acting airport manager during the search and transition, as Neinstedt prepares to retire. "Kurt's service has provided stability at an important time, and we appreciate his commitment to TTN and Mercer County," Benson said.
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