Oregon Department of Aviation Welcomes New Airport Programs Specialist

The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has welcomed Christian Berge as the agency’s new Airport Programs Specialist. Berge brings a wealth of experience in aviation, law enforcement, and public service, strengthening ODAV’s mission to ensure a safe and efficient aviation system for Oregon.

Christian Berge

Berge began his aviation career as an Aviation Operations Specialist in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Rucker, Alabama, during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Following his military service, he spent two decades in law enforcement as a police officer, building a reputation for professionalism and dedication to public safety.

With over ten years of experience in the aviation industry, Berge has worked as a flight attendant and operations agent with Southwest Airlines and as a ground service agent and team captain with Horizon Air. Most recently, he served as a Patient Advocate with the Portland VA Medical Center, where he worked to ensure veterans received compassionate and effective care.

Outside of work, Berge enjoys traveling and boating on the Willamette River with his wife, Deborah, and their four children.

“We’re excited to welcome Christian to the ODAV team,” said Kenji, Sugahara, Director of the Oregon Department of Aviation. “Christian’s extensive experience in customer service, aviation, and public safety makes him a welcome addition to our agency. We are looking forward to his contributions to our aviation community.”

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.