MEDIA RELEASE

For more information, contact: May 29, 2025
Shaquil Manigault
rfd@chartwell-agency.com
815.282.9976

ROCKFORD, Ill. (May 29, 2025) – The Greater Rockford Airport Authority (GRAA) Board of Commissioners proudly recognizes Paul R. Cicero for his 12 years of dedicated leadership as Chairman of the Board and welcomes Mike Schablaske as the newly appointed Chairman.  During Cicero’s tenure, the Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) experienced significant growth in both passenger service and cargo operations, strengthening its position as a global transportation leader. Key accomplishments to note:

RFD was named the fastest-growing cargo airport in the world by Airports Council International, growing its landed cargo weight from 792 million pounds in 2012 to a record 3.4 billion pounds in 2022—raising its national ranking from 26th to 13th and positioning it to break another record in 2025.

RFD successfully recruited and launched major operations including the Amazon Air Gateway and AAR MRO facility; supported the growth of the UPS hub with its 2nd Day Air operation and USPS contract; and developed a $50 million international cargo expansion that enabled the addition of Maersk Air Cargo and Menzies Aviation.

RFD oversaw more than $250 million in infrastructure investments, including a multi-year Terminal Modernization project, the complete reconstruction of Runway 1/19, and the construction of Taxiway Papa—

RFD’s first Group VI taxiway designed to accommodate the largest category of aircraft—positioning the airport for long-term growth and success.

RFD saw significant growth in passenger services, including the addition of routes to Punta Gorda and Sarasota, Florida, Nashville, Tennessee, and Cancun/Riviera Maya and Huatulco, Mexico, increasing annual passenger traffic from 212,000 in 2012 to a record-breaking 262,000 in 2024—with 2025 on pace to surpass that milestone.

RFD’s regional economic impact grew from $995 million in 2011 to $4.7 billion in 2021, while on-airport employment expanded from fewer than 2,000 jobs to over 8,000 today.

As RFD continues its focus on high performance and sustained growth, the Board of Commissioners and airport leadership look forward to Cicero’s continued contributions as Treasurer and a valued member of the Board.

“On behalf of the Greater Rockford Airport Authority, we sincerely thank Paul R. Cicero for his 12 years of service as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners,” said Schablaske. “His leadership helped drive key advancements in both passenger and cargo services at RFD and positioned the airport as a vital player in the global logistics landscape.”

The Board of Commissioners acknowledges the meaningful collaboration and leadership that have shaped RFD’s progress over the years. As Cicero’s legacy of service is celebrated, the Board looks ahead with confidence in the airport’s continued evolution and the team’s dedication to advancing RFD’s mission and regional impact.

The Board of Commissioners voted and appointed a new slate of officers effective June 1, 2025, naming Schablaske as Chairman. The full slate of newly elected officers include:

 Mike Schablaske – Chairman
 Jake Castanza – Vice Chairman
 Pat Agnew – Secretary
 Dianne Parvin – Assistant Secretary
 Paul R. Cicero – Treasurer
 Leslie West – Commissioner
 Al Caruana – Commissioner

With a renewed leadership team and a clear vision for the future, RFD remains committed to delivering exceptional service and driving regional growth. The Greater Rockford Airport Authority looks forward to building on its strong foundation to reach new heights in the years ahead.

About Chicago Rockford International Airport

The Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is ranked as the 15th largest airport in the United States for air cargo with more than 3.1 billion pounds of landed weight in 2024. The Airport is home to the second-largest UPS hub in North America and a major base of operations for Amazon Air. The Airport campus encompasses an aviation maintenance repair facility (AAR) as well as other aircraft maintenance operations capable of servicing next-generation aircraft. There is also an aviation education maintenance program (Rock Valley College) on airport grounds that is turning out a highly trained and skilled workforce.

RFD and its tenants are home to more than 8,000 jobs and contribute millions of dollars of economic impact to the region annually.

Additionally, RFD has several direct domestic and international passenger flights which further strengthens the airport as a key transportation hub to the region. RFD offers direct passenger flights through Allegiant Airlines to Nashville, TN; Ft. Myers/Punta Gorda, Sarasota, Orlando, and Tampa, FL; Phoenix, AZ; and Las Vegas, NV.

Visit FlyRFD.com for more information.