David Haring has been selected as the next CEO of Spokane Airports, which includes Spokane International Airport, Felts Field, and the Airport Business Park. Haring is expected to take the helm starting Oct. 6.

The Spokane Airport Board voted to Aug. 18 to select Haring as CEO. A day later, the appointment was approved by the airport's joint owners, the city of Spokane and Spokane County, according to a press release from Spokane Airports. 

Haring brings 20 years of aviation leadership experience to the role. He most recently served as the executive director of Lincoln Airport, in Nebraska, where he led the development and implementation of infrastructure, operations, and policy advancements. During his 11-year tenure there, he was involved in the coalition that amended the state constitution to give local governments control of how airport funding is used, leading to expanded commercial flight offerings.

Ezra Eckhardt, Spokane Airport Board chair, expressed in a statement how the board evaluated several candidates during its national search. Haring stood out as the "unanimous choice to guide the organization into the next chapter."

"David has a proven track record of building cohesive, dynamic teams and understands there is a direct connection between the strength of our airports and our regional economy," Eckhard states.

Haring will succeed former Spokane Airports CEO Larry Krauter, who left the organization earlier this year for a similar role leading the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

During Krauter’s 14-year tenure at Spokane Airports, he led efforts to expand its footprint, passenger count, and presence. Spokane International Airport is currently in the midst of its Terminal Remodeling & Expansion, or TREX, project, the first phase of which is valued at $150 million. The first phase is expected to generate nearly 1,200 jobs and over $300 million in economic activity in Washington state, according to the airport’s website.

According to the press release, once the first phase of the TREX project is complete, sometime in Q3 of next year, work on the Central Hall will commence shortly thereafter.

In a statement, Haring praised the airport's staff for its work to make the airport an economic engine for the region while maintaining an inviting appeal for visitors. 

"Leading Spokane Airports in an incredible opportunity and an immense privilege," Haring says. "I look forward to strengthening this momentum, working closely with the board, staff, and our airport partners to enhance connectivity and opportunities for the Inland Northwest."

Before his work at Lincoln Airport, Haring spent 13 years at Cheyenne Regional Airport, where he became the director of aviation. He has a bachelor's in business administration with a focus on airport management from the University of North Dakota.

Spokane International Airport is served by eight major airlines and three cargo carriers. In 2024, the airport had a record 4.2 million passengers pass through its facility and handled 67,298 tons of cargo. According to the press release, Spokane International Airport generates about $3 billion of annual economic impact across the Inland Northwest.