Mercer County Executive Dan Benson announced a new executive leadership team for Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN), naming aviation veteran Michael Caires as Airport Director and promoting Matt Parker to deputy Airport Director, effective Sept. 1.
Caires steps into the role following a national search, bringing over 25 years of airport management experience and more than 30 years in hospitality and tourism. He most recently served as general manager for TBI Airport Management / Vinci Airports at Atlantic City International Airport and spent 18 years holding senior commercial aviation, air-service development, and stakeholder roles at Orlando Sanford International Airport. He holds the International Airport Professional designation through the ACI-ICAO Airport Management Professional Accreditation Program.
Parker, who holds Certified Member (C.M.) and Airport Certified Employee (A.C.E.) credentials, transitions to deputy Airport Director after serving as Acting Assistant Airport Manager. His aviation career began as an intern at TTN in 2012, followed by operations roles at Richmond International Airport and Morristown Airport before returning to Trenton-Mercer in progressively responsible leadership positions.
“Trenton-Mercer Airport is at an important point in its evolution and requires focused, accountable leadership,” Benson said. “Michael brings deep airport-management experience. He has extensive relationships across the industry and will build and maintain important relationships with our federal partners, airlines, tenants, and surrounding communities. Matt’s designation as Deputy Airport Director gives the airport added management capacity and continuity as this leadership team begins its work.”
Caires succeeds outgoing Acting Airport Manager Kurt Neinstedt, who is retiring following a transitional period that ensured operational stability for the facility.
“I am honored to join Mercer County and the team at Trenton-Mercer Airport,” Caires said. “TTN serves an important transportation and economic role for the County and the region. I look forward to working with Matt, listening to employees and stakeholders, protecting the airport’s strong safety foundation, and working with County leadership to deliver reliable operations, responsible investment, and measurable progress.”
County Commissioner Board Chair Terrance Stokes and Vice-Chair Cathleen Lewis welcomed the appointments, noting that effective leadership will be vital as TTN navigates upcoming regional growth and development initiatives.
