Redmond Airport boss tried to reverse resignation

Thirteen months ago, the city of Redmond said it wanted to hire an airport director who lived, breathed and ate airports. That guy was Jeff Tripp, a man who has spent more than 24 years working in aviation.

So after a busy and at times tumultuous first year, his resignation on July 20 came as a shock to the city and his staff.

“He was a good employee who worked really hard,” City Manager Keith Witcosky said Wednesday.

Witcosky told NewsChannel 21 Tripp’s resignation was connected to his leadership troubles but that he was still sad to see him go.

“We don’t like to lose good people,” Witcosky said.

E-mails obtained by NewsChannel 21 between the two men over the past year show a history of leadership inefficiencies.

Among them is Tripp’s official resignation letter. It says, “…given my apparent inability to effectively manage the administrative staff, this appears to be the correct choice.”

Tripp said during a phone conversation Wednesday with NewsChannel 21 that this year’s legal issues with KC Aero and Butler Aircraft, building an FBO (fixed-base operator) and the runway rehabilitation projects were a lot for one manager to handle.

“The totality of all those things took a tremendous effort,” Tripp said.

The e-mails also show that Tripp was on a performance improvement plan. Witcosky said he’s never had to take such measures with any other city employees. The plan had several drafts, but the final one covered these goals:

1. Improve active listening and clarity of communication to and across staff 2. Project Coordination 3. Decisive leadership that produces outcomes and inspires staff 4. Chart the course which achieves the vision for the Airport and keep team aware of the big picture direction. 5. Overall leadership.

Under the category “Overall Leadership.” Tripp was to make a significant improvement by July 31, 2015. The city manager was to check in with Tripp’s staff to measure his success.

Tripp also was to work on public speaking. In the e-mail correspondence, Tripp does check in with Witcosky a couple times to see how City Hall meetings went. He asked for feedback.

“It was a tremendous opportunity,” Tripp said. “I learned a lot. but it took a toll on me. I think I did more in one year than most managers do in an entire career.”

After Tripp officially resigned, he sent one last e-mail to Witcosky. In it, he wrote, “After having some time to digest the events of Monday afternoon, I want to inquire if there is any opportunity for my resignation to be discussed further.”

He said, “… I would like to ask if there is any way to resolve this situation that does not require my resignation or termination. The Airport Director position at the Redmond Airport is my dream job.”

Tripp told NewsChannel 21 that he has nothing but the fondest memories of his time in Redmond and Central Oregon in general, but that this was the best choice for him and his family. He said he burnt himself out a little.

Witcosky responded to Tripp’s final message with, “Thank you for your e-mail. The City has given consideration to your request, however, the City has decided to move forward with your resignation and continue with your transition from the City.”

Tripp said that he’s going to take some time to enjoy the trails and take a much-needed break before he searches for a new job in the field he loves, aviation.

“Jeff did eat, sleep and drink airports, or whatever I said a year ago,” Witcosky said. “We’re lucky he left some of that talent and knowledge behind to the others.”

Three current staff members will temporarily fill his shoes.