Jeff Roach

Jeff Roach Selected to Lead Aviation & Transit Department as Current Director Prepares to Retire

The City of Billings is excited to welcome Jeff Roach, A.A.E., as its next director of Aviation and Transit.

Roach comes to Billings from Nashville, TN, and is scheduled to begin his new role on Jan. 16, 2023. He will fill the position following the retirement of Kevin Ploehn who will have just reached his 33rd year of employment with the City. Ploehn’s last day is Jan. 13. He began employment with the City of Billings in 1990 as an accountant in the finance department. He was hired as aviation business manager in 1994, became the assistant director of aviation and transit in 2006, and was promoted to director in 2015.

Kevin Ploehn, pictured above, sits by the fireplace in the newly renovated Concourse A at

Billings Logan International Airport.

In his new position, Roach will plan, direct, and manage the City of Billings MET Transit System, and the Billings Logan International Airport (BIL).

He brings more than 30 years of experience in transportation, aviation, and airport management to Billings.

"I am honored to become a part of the outstanding teams at Billings-Logan International Airport and Billings MET Transit,” said Roach. “Billings’ airport and transit system are poised to go to the next level, and I look forward to being part of that dynamic development. I am anxio
us to share my aviation and transit experience to serve Billings’ transportation needs.”
Most recently, Roach was Assistant Vice President, Executive Director for John C. Tune Airport, the general aviation reliever airport in Nashville, TN.

Roach is no stranger to the cold climate, as he was previously the Airport Manager for Fairbanks International Airport. He has also worked for the State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities as Transportation Planning Manager.

Finding someone with management experience in both aviation and transit was no easy task. The City called on ADK Consulting and Executive Search to find top-tier candidates for this unique job title. A Headline

“Jeff’s arrival comes at an exciting time for MET and the airport. As we await the arrival of four electric buses, and the airport terminal expansion project moves forward, Jeff will be at the forefront of some major projects,” said City Administrator Chris Kukulski.

Roach earned his bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management from the University of Alaska and went on to receive his master’s degree in Management from Webster University. He also received a master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the United States Air Force Air University. Mr. Roach is an Accredited Member (A.A.E.) of the American Association of Airport Executives and has a commercial, instrument helicopter pilot license. In addition, Mr. Roach served in the Alaska Army National Guard.