(ANCHORAGE, Alaska) –The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is pleased to announce the following employees earned the designation Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) from the American Association of Airport Executives:  Jesse Vanderzanden, Fairbanks International Airport Manager, and Melissa Osborn, Chief of Operations for Fairbanks International Airport; and Jeremy Worrall, Maintenance & Operations Superintendant for DOT&PF Northern Region.

Candidates are required to meet a number of pre-requisites to earn this designation, and complete three phases.  Each phase is designed to test one’s knowledge, comprehension and understanding of aviation management and requires a commitment, time and knowledge to successfully complete the rigorous program.

"I congratulate and applaud our airport managers as they advance our department's competency as aviation professionals and their continued pursuit of excellence in airport management," said Deputy Commissioner of Aviation Steve Hatter.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) oversees 254 airports, 11 ferries serving 34 communities, 5,700 miles of highway and 660 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of DOT&PF is to “Get Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”

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