Vice President of Public Safety

Brief Description

Summary: This position provides leadership and oversight of safety, security operations, and emergency preparedness operations at all six airports. The oversight includes RIAC’s Police, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), workplace safety, and airport security functions. The role is responsible for ensuring airport readiness and preparedness for emergency events. The incumbent will plan, direct, and implement organization’s safety program to maintain a safe, healthy, and accident-free work environment either directly or through subordinate managers. This position ensures that all departments operate effectively to uphold safety, security, and customer service standards. Additionally, the role leads the Safety Management System (SMS) for the airport.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Emergency Preparedness
• Ensures RIAC Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) and Police departments train and comply with all applicable Federal and State laws, including but not limited to 49 CFR Parts 1542, 1544, and FAA Part
• Ensures that public safety departments meet and successfully pass all required testing and assessments conducted by external agencies.
• Develops, drafts, and implements comprehensive emergency response plans, ensuring compliance with all relevant local, state, and federal rules and
• Leads the planning, coordination, and execution of mandatory training programs, including FAA and TSA tabletops and triennial drill.
• Direct the planning and implementation of mutual aid agreements and associated training initiatives.
• Ensures ongoing updates and training for the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), Airport Emergency Plan (AEP), Airport Security Plan (ASP), Incident Command System (ICS 100-200), and the National Incident Management System (NIMS - FEMA training).
• Organizational Safety
• Leads the plannings and execution of RIAC’s FAA-required Safety Management System (SMS) across the organization.
• Regularly reviews and updates airport safety policies, manuals, and procedures to ensure ongoing compliance and effectiveness.
• Coordinates SMS-related projects and communicates findings through detailed oral and written reports.
• Conduct site visits across airport facilities to investigate safety incidents, address inquiries, and follow up on anonymous tips.
• Issue safety citations when violations occur to ensure proper enforcement and compliance with safety regulations.
• Maintain accurate records for safety incidents, compliance efforts, and SMS program performance.
• Analyzes safety data to identify trends and patterns, prepares management reports to track key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Actively participates in RIAC’s Safety Committee, conducts safety meetings on a periodic
• In collaboration with Human Resources and other departments, plans and implements training programs for managers and employees on workplace safety practices, fire prevention, and the proper handling techniques for chemicals, toxins, equipment, and other materials.
• Emergency Response
• Serves as the Airport Emergency Operations Center (AEOC) manager during incidents, ensuring effective coordination and response.
• Leads the investigation of accidents and injuries and collaborates in preparing material and evidence for the organization’s use in hearings, lawsuits, and insurance
• Provides guidance, coordination, and support to RIAC leadership during emergencies, focusing on maximizing response efficiency, minimizing operational impacts, and expediting recovery.
• Compiles and submits accident reports in compliance with regulatory agency requirements.
• Represents the organization in community or industry safety groups and programs, promoting safety initiatives and fostering relationships.
• Establishes and maintains effective communication and collaboration with airport stakeholders on security and operational matters, including TSA, FAA, airport tenants and federal, state, and local law enforcement and fire protection agencies.
• On-call to respond as needed to an emergency.
• Security
• Oversees the Airport Security Coordinator (ASC) in developing, implementing, and maintaining security programs in compliance with TSA regulations, federal, state, and local laws.
• Ensures ongoing coordination with TSA and other relevant agencies (such as local law enforcement and federal security agencies) to address security concerns, threats, or incidents.
• Maintains regular communication with TSA to keep updated on evolving regulations, guidance, and security threats.
• Ensures the development, implementation, and regularly updating of airport security policies, protocols, and procedures, ensuring alignment with TSA requirements and best practices.
• Ensures that the Airport Security Coordinator and relevant personnel receive proper training on TSA security requirements, emergency procedures, and general safety protocols.
• Promote a culture of security awareness within the airport community, providing ongoing training and education on emerging security threats and protocols.
• Oversees the ASC in the investigation and response to security incidents or breaches, ensuring that the necessary steps are taken in collaboration with TSA and other agencies.
• Ensures prompt and effective communication during security incidents or threats and ensure appropriate actions are taken in a timely manner.
• Manages and allocates the budget for public safety and security operations, ensuring that the necessary resources are available for maintaining a secure airport environment.
• Maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders, including airport management, local law enforcement, TSA, and other partners.
• Represents management’s interests in grievance hearings and collective bargaining negotiations as needed.
• Prepares departmental budget and procurement document as needed.
• Other related duties as assigned.