By 
Ian Meriwether, Airport Manager, Watertown Regional Airport
During the Sept. 3 City of Watertown Airport Board meeting, the board introduced Ian Meriwether as the city’s newest Airport Manager.
Meriwether is replacing former manager Rob Cyrus, who departed from the airport in April 2024.
A pilot himself, Meriwether is a University of North Dakota graduate who majored in commercial aviation; but transitioned to airport management a number of years ago after accepting a previous position as supervisor for the Portland International Airport following an operations manager position in Rapid City.
Interview
In his first interview with the press, Meriwether touched on his background, what he plans for the airport, and future projects he has on his mind.
Watertown Current: What are some things you want to do for the airport in the future?
Meriwether: So, looking ahead, the renewal of the Essential Air Service (EAS) contract is going to be big for us, obviously, and we want to go with what best is going to suit the community at large. Ultimately, that’s kind of why we’re doing this, right? This is for the community. We want to improve operations, make sure that everyone has access to how where they want to go with as best price we can get; but also operationally, that we’re efficient on time, safe and everything like that. So yes, EAS is huge. But also, there are other avenues at the airport that we can utilize, that I’ve got ideas for. And you know, I’m going to run those ideas by the board, heath, and everyone in public works firstly, and just kind of start to grow more of that side, while also growing the of the general aviation (GA) side of the airport. So those are just little ideas that I’ve got. Ideally, I will try to build up these ideas over time.
What I think we need to do is figure out and nail down what our base is. And then we can start kind of looking in the future. So that right now what I’m kind of hyper-focused on, you know, what we need to get out in the next couple of months. And then, you know, start the planning phase of everything in terms of getting ideas in front of the city for approval.
Watertown Current: Have you been tasked with any projects right off the bat, or is there anything you’re tackling first?
Meriwether: Well, we’re doing, is Title 6 stuff right now and then we’ll start the EAS bidding process. We’re going to get that going first, then we’ve got our bid here for concessions. So there are projects I’m already working on right off the bat. I’ve been blessed with many projects, but that’s why I love this industry; I absolutely hit the ground running since I started two weeks ago.
Watertown Current: Have you met all the key players that are involved with the airport yet?
Meriwether: So I’m in the process of scheduling formal meetings with everyone that I’ll need to know, but I’ve already met many of them in an unofficial capacity. So, some meetings I’ll be conducting are with Watertown Fire Rescue, the Watertown Police Department, the Watertown City Council, the mayor and city manager, general aviation companies, the FBO operator, and local travel agents along among others.
