CHARLESTON, WV – West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) is proud to announce that its Runway 5-23 Rehabilitation Project has been honored with the prestigious Mid-Atlantic Masterpiece Award. The award was presented at the Mid-Atlantic Asphalt Expo and Conference on December 7th in Richmond, VA.

The judging committee, having assessed three nominated projects spanning the Mid-Atlantic region, commended the results achieved in the runway project at CRW. This award acknowledges the exceptional workmanship, meticulous planning, and exemplary teamwork that collectively contributed to the successful completion of the comprehensive rehabilitation project.

The project, which spanned over three years, included a 2-inch asphalt overlay of the entire runway, rehabilitation of the runway lighting system, installation of energy-efficient LED runway edge lights, electrical conductors, and runway exit sign modifications. The paving portion, conducted in just 72 hours, used 20,000 tons of asphalt. All upgrades were completed by West Virginia Paving and were overseen by Airport Design Consultants Inc (ADCI).

“We are honored to receive the Mid-Atlantic Masterpiece Award for our runway rehabilitation project. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and excellence of our team, as well as the outstanding collaboration with our partners,” said Airport Director and CEO Dominique Ranieri. “The award not only celebrates the successful completion of the project but highlights our commitment to providing top-notch infrastructure for our community and beyond. We are proud of this achievement and look forward to continuing to elevate the standards of aviation excellence at CRW.”

John Crane, Executive Director of the Asphalt Pavement Association of WV, who presented the award, praised the exceptional work of the teams involved. “With West Virginia Paving’s exceptional workmanship, CRW can now serve passengers on the new runway for years to come. Kudos to the WV Paving team for achieving excellence under challenging conditions,” said Crane. “Congratulations to CRW, WV Paving, ADCI, and the FAA for a job well done!”

ADCI also expressed their pride in being part of the project, stating, “Congratulations to CRW and the entire team on receiving this prestigious award. ADCI is honored to be a partner for this monumental project alongside West Virginia Paving, CRW, and the FAA.”

This award is a testament to West Virginia International Yeager Airport’s commitment to providing the best possible infrastructure for their passengers. The project, with a total cost of $25,835,890, also highlights CRW’s dedication to maintaining high standards of operational excellence and safety.

###

CHARLESTON, WV – In a heartwarming display of community partnership, West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW), Swilled Dog, and the Kanawha Charleston Humane Association (KCHA) have joined forces to conduct a Pilots to the Rescue transport mission. The mission will take place on Sunday, September 24th at Noon at Capital Jet Center, the airport’s Fixed Based operator (FBO), showcasing the power of collaboration for a meaningful cause.

Swilled Dog, a WV-based distillery and cidery, is the driving force behind this mission. Inspired by their beloved rescue border collie, Lucy Pickles, Swilled Dog has made it their mission to support animal-related organizations. In an effort to assist the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association, Swilled Dog has enlisted the help of Pilots to the Rescue, a non-profit organization comprised of volunteer pilots that transports animals from overcrowded shelters to regions with more room for adoption.

Pilots to the Rescue’s dedicated volunteers will fly into West Virginia International Yeager Airport on Sunday to retrieve dogs from the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association. These animals will then be safely transported to a shelter in Jackson, MI where they will be given a greater opportunity for adoption.

“This flight transport is happening at such an important time for our shelter,” said Sarah Tolley, Director of Community Engagement, Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association. “KCHA, like many shelters across the nation, have seen a decrease in dog adoptions over the past year.”

“We are excited for this partnership and the ability to give these animals another chance at adoption,” said Kim Kirk, Chief Experience Manager at Swilled Dog. “By sponsoring this mission, Swilled Dog hopes to raise awareness about the challenges of overcrowding shelters and the importance of adoption while helping these animals find the loving homes they deserve.”

The collaboration brings together the resources and dedication of these organizations to transport animals in need to a new home. Together, these organizations will ensure that animals facing uncertain futures are given a second chance. The Airport’s wildlife canine, CRW Hercules, and Swilled Dog’s border collie, Lucy Pickles, will both be at Capital Jet Center to help the mission come to life.

“We are honored to be part of this collaborative mission that exemplifies the best of our community,” said Airport Director & CEO Dominique Ranieri. “This mission shows the profound impact that organizations can have when they come together for a great cause.”

West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) and the Marshall University Chapter of Women in Aviation are teaming up to empower local girls ages 8 to 18 years with an opportunity to explore careers in aviation. The day’s activities will take place at the Marshall University Bill Noe Flight School from 10 AM – 2 PM on Saturday, September 23, 2023. More than 100 girls along with their chaperones are expected to attend.

“Our goal is to show our local community that there are exciting careers available to girls as engineers, aircraft maintenance technicians, pilots, dispatchers, air traffic controllers, and many other jobs within the aviation community,” said Dominique Ranieri, Airport Director & CEO. “We are excited to bring this first-time event to CRW.”

West Virginia International Yeager Airport and the Marshall University Chapter of Women in Aviation will join Women in Aviation International chapters around the world on September 23, 2023, for an outreach event to inspire the next generation of women in aviation. Already, more than 150 events are planned at airports, FBOs, museums, and hangars across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Attendees will be able to participate in hands-on activities and meet women working throughout the aviation and aerospace industries.

“Events like this help introduce students to the wide variety of opportunities within the world of aviation, added Ranieri. “We hope that all of the attendees leave knowing that they can one day choose a career in this field.”

Registration to attend the Girls in Aviation Day event at West Virginia International Yeager Airport was required to participate and is now closed.

West Virginia International Yeager Airport is proud to announce that Chief Marketing Officer, Paige Withrow, has been named to The State Journal’s Generation Next: 40 Under 40 for 2023.

For 18 years, The State Journal’s Generation Next: 40 Under 40 has recognized young professionals’ understanding work and dedication to making West Virginia a better place to live, raise families, and do business.

Withrow graduated from West Virginia State University with a a Business Administration/Marketing degree. She has been a dedicated employee of CRW since 2016, when she started working at the Airport’s Fixed Based Operator (FBO) and worked her way up to Chief Marketing Officer in 2022. Having grown up in West Virginia, she has a deep-rooted connection to the community she serves. This connection is reflected in her passion for promoting the state and its unique offerings through her work at CRW.

“I am incredibly honored to be recognized as part of The State Journal’s Generation Next: 40 Under 40 for 2023,” said Withrow. “West Virginia holds a special place in my heart, and it is a privilege to contribute to the state’s growth and success through my role at West Virginia International Yeager Airport.”

“We are incredibly proud of Paige’s accomplishments and the well-deserved recognition she has received from The State Journal,” said Airport Director & CEO, Dominique Ranieri. “Her innovative marketing approach has elevated our airport’s brand and helped us achieve our strategic goals. This award is a testament to her hard work and commitment to our state, the Airport team, and our passengers.”

This is the fourth year in a row that an employee from CRW has been recognized by the State Journal.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The Central West Virginia Regional Airport Authority (CWVRAA) today announced that Dominique Ranieri, currently West Virginia International Yeager Airport’s (CRW) Assistant Airport Director and Chief Operating Officer, has been selected as the Airport’s new Director and Chief Executive Officer. Ranieri will assume the new role immediately.

“The core team at CRW has created some significant momentum in recent months, Dominique will step in and continue that momentum. The Board has full confidence in her ability to facilitate a seamless transition. She has been involved in every major decision and project and will now lead those efforts,” said CWVRAA Board Chairman, Ed Hill.

Ranieri is the first female CEO in the Airport’s 75-year history. She has served as COO for several years, successfully leading nearly every function of the Airport. “The Airport is in a strong position and we will continue to work hard for the people of West Virginia, as we make improvements to our facility, develop air service, facilitate the education of America’s future aviators attending Marshall University’s Bill Noe Flight School, and support the West Virginia National Guard’s 130th Airlift Wing.” said Ranieri.

“I am humbled by the confidence placed in me by the Board of the Central West Virginia Regional Airport Authority. I would like to thank the Central West Virginia Regional Airport Authority Board of Members and Chairman, Ed Hill, for their support. I would like to specifically thank and recognize Kanawha County Commission President, Kent Carper, Commissioner Ben Salango, Commissioner, Lance Wheeler, and Charleston Mayor, Amy Goodwin” said Ranieri. “CRW is so fortunate to work closely with our local, State and Federal representatives. Thanks to the support of Senator Joe Manchin, Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Governor Justice, Tourism Secretary, Chelsea Ruby, and the many others who work tirelessly for the future of our City and State—CRW’s future is bright.”

Prior to joining the Airport in 2017, Ranieri practiced law in West Virginia, working at two national law firms. In 2022, Ranieri became a Certified Member (C.M.) of the American Association of Airport Executives, a designation signifying diverse knowledge of the primary functions of airport operations. Governor Justice recently appointed Dominique to the West Virginia Consolidated Public Retirement Board. She was honored as one of The State Journal’s Generation Next: 40 Under 40 in 2021. Ranieri’s diverse skill set and experience, coupled with growing up in an aviation family, enables her to bring strategic vision and focus to CRW.

About West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW): For 75 years, West Virginia International Yeager Airport has served as an economic engine in the Mountain State. CRW was named after Brigadier General Chuck Yeager, a West Virginia native known best for being an American patriot, a World War II fighter pilot, and becoming the first pilot in history to exceed the speed of sound. CRW offers competitive airfare to destinations worldwide with nonstop flights to leisure and business destinations aboard American, Delta, United, and Spirit Airlines. For more information visit yeagerairport.com, check us out on YouTube and Instagram, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.