Airport Administration
Mission Statement: To provide transportation and related services and facilities that meet the current and future needs of the community.
Executive Director
Ryan Riesinger, C.M., Executive Director
2301 Airport Drive
Grand Forks, ND 58203
Phone: (701) 795-6981 Fax: (701) 795-6979
Ryan joined the Grand Forks Airport Authority in January 2016 as the Executive Director. He is responsible for developing and implementing the overall strategic plan for the airport. He has over 23 years of experience in the airport industry and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Airport Management from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. He is a Certified Member (C.M.) of the American Association of Airport Executives and a licensed private pilot.
Management Team
Tanna Aasand, Director of Finance & Administration
2301 Airport Drive
Grand Forks, ND 58203
Phone: (701) 738-4647 Fax: (701) 795-6979
Tanna joined the Authority in August 2016. She directs and performs the airport's Finance operations along with Human Resource Management, ACDBE program liason, PFC's and Marketing/website. Tanna holds a Bachelor's Degree in Finance and a minor in Marketing, and brings over 20 years of financial experience from banking, job costing, financial management/ reporting and marketing.
Rick Audette, Operations & Maintenance Manager
2301 Airport Drive
Grand Forks, ND 58203
Phone: (701) 795-6981 Fax: (701) 795-6979
Rick has been with the Authority for 37 years during which this time he has held numerous positions. He oversees the ARFF/Ops and Maintenance Staff and also is the Security Coordinator for the Airport.
Joseph Castiglione, C.M., ARFF/Operations Supervisor
2301 Airport Drive
Grand Forks, ND 58203
Phone: (701) 738-4632 Fax: (701) 795-6979
Joseph is the ARFF/Operations Supervisor for the Grand Forks Airport. He is responsible for security and operations, overseeing FAA and TSA regulations, and managing Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting and Emergency Medical Services at the airport,. He holds a bachelors of Airport Management from the University of North Dakota and an Associates of Fire Science from the Community College of the Air Force. Joseph also serves in the 119th North Dakota Air National Guard Fire and Emergency Services flight.
Scott Nelson, Maintenance Supervisor
2301 Airport Drive
Grand Forks, ND 58203
Phone: (701) 738-4636 Fax: (701) 795-6979
Scott Nelson has been with the Grand Forks Airport Authority for 30 years. He started in AARF/Operations in 1990 and moved into Maintenance in 2012. In addition, Scott has a 21 year career with the 119th North Dakota Air National Guard in Fargo. He retired in 2009 as a Master Sergeant. He is an EMT and has been a volunteer with the River Cities Speedway fire crew for 30 years, managing the fire and safety crew. He is currently serving the Airport Authority as the Maintenance Supervisor.
Melissa Rader, Administrative Assistant
2301 Airport Drive
Grand Forks, ND 58203
Phone: (701)795-6981 Fax: (701) 795-6979
Employee Team
ARFF & Operations
Andrew Gregory
Brandon Benjamin
Dylan Todd
Jeffrey Wengler
Kyle Bradburn
Matthew Davis
Matthew Snell
Wayne Wetzel
Jay Jayavardhanan
Maintenance
Lee DeLisle
Richard Denault
John Hesse
Dean Knutson
Nate Stevenson
Travis Stancyk
Custodians
Bertha Paupst
Ed Scherpinsky
Kent Aamot
Kim DesJarlais
Minutes
Environmental Assessment