Director of Airports Marv Esterly has announced his retirement from the City of Midland, effective Nov. 30.
Esterly played a crucial role in securing a spaceport designation this year from the Federal Aviation Administration, creating a new future for Midland’s airport as what is now known as the Midland International Air and Space Port. His collaboration with local and federal officials led to Midland becoming the first spaceport ever to be connected to a commercial airport. Esterly, upon his retirement, will begin a new role as Aviation Director at Valley International Airport in Harlingen.
“I value the experience I have received in Midland and cherish the people and memories,” Esterly said in his retirement letter sent to City Manager Courtney Sharp late Friday afternoon. “I’m confident the Airport staff is up to the challenges that lie ahead for the Midland International Air & Space Port.”
Filling Esterly’s position as an interim director will be Deputy Director of Airports Justine Ruff, who has been employed by the City of Midland since her graduation from college in 1990. Ruff was born in England and grew up in Buffalo, New York before receiving her Bachelor of Science in Aviation Business Administration from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida. She began her career with the City as an operations agent and worked her way up the organization to become deputy director of airports. Ruff is married to Matt, a pilot with the Department of Public Safety for almost 20 years, with whom she has a 13-year-old son, Collin.
###Media Contact: Public Information Officer Sara Bustilloz