Former Airport Director Brings Decades of Leadership to BDI Team

Blast Deflectors, Inc. (BDI), a global specialist in jet blast protection and ground run-up enclosures for airports, has announced that Andrew (Andy) Solsvig has joined its team as a Business Development Representative in its Reno, NV headquarters.  Solsvig has attained a broad spectrum of aviation industry experience from serving in key leadership positions at numerous airports during the course of his career.

Andrew Solsvig

Solsvig will be supporting the implementation of the overall business development strategy, directly engaging with the airport community, and translating the company’s business objectives into marketing strategies that drive revenue.  In addition, Solsvig will administer the marketing budget, identify and track key metrics, and establish positioning for a wide range of BDI products.

“I am excited to join BDI and be part of a team of experts that specializes in a niche, but essential, aspect of the airport industry.  I’m looking forward to sharing my experience in airport operations with BDI’s current and future projects” says Solsvig.

“We are excited to welcome Andy to our team.  His skills and experience as a seasoned, successful airport executive is a great addition to BDI,” says President Don Bergin.  “Andy will drive market awareness of BDI’s products and services through a rare combination of technical savvy, customer focus and persuasive communication. His skillset spans all aspects of the airport industry, and our projects and customers will benefit from his knowledge.”

Solsvig is an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and holds a BA in Airport and Business Management from the University of North Dakota.  Previously, Solsvig served in key roles at large and small airports, including Airport Director at Canyonlands Regional Airport, Airport Director at Minot International Airport, Assistant Airport Director at Eagle County Regional Airport and Marketing Coordinator/Airport Planner at Reno-Tahoe International Airport.  In 2012, Andy was selected as a “Forty Under 40” award recipient by Airport Business.

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.