The Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM) Advisory Board has re-elected Candace Bennage as its chairperson and Dr. Joseph Torres as the vice chairman for the 2006-07 term. In addition, the board has reappointed retired pilot George DeVillers to serve as an advisory board member.
L to R: The Kissimmee Gateway Airport Advisory Board is George DeVillers, Samuel Flores, Dr. Joseph Torres (vice chairman), Candace Bennage (chairperson) and Dan Latta.
Bennage, a Kissimmee resident for more than 20 years, joined the board in July 2004. Her passion for aviation was fueled through various positions at airport facilities, including operations manager for Kissimmee Aviation in 1992. She’s also a student pilot and member of AOPA and Women in Aviation, International.
“The airport is experiencing enormous growth right now,” said Bennage. “The convenience of its location attracts leisure travelers and business attendees nationwide, giving a big boost to our local economy. It’s our responsibility to communicate with the airport tenants and city commissioners to continue with the progression, while looking out for the best interest of the local community.”
Dr. Joseph Torres, a local physician specializing in sports medicine, joined the advisory board in 2003. Torres served as the advisory board chairman during the 2004-05 term. He’s also the medical director of the Osceola County Jail and chief of staff at Osceola Regional Medical Center.
George DeVillers has been a member of the advisory board for more than six years. He’s extremely committed to the airport, attending tradeshows, helping at fly-ins and continually looking out for the airport’s best interest.
The Kissimmee City Commission appoints members to the KGA advisory board for three-year terms and elections for officers are held annually.
Located just eight miles from Walt Disney World and 10 miles from the Orange County Convention Center, Kissimmee Gateway Airport accommodates general aviation air service 24 hours a day with two paved runways, 5,000 and 6,000 feet each. The airport also offers full-service FBOs, flight training, aircraft storage, aircraft restoration, P-51 Mustang pilot training and T-6 Warbird adventure flights, and an industrial park. Its air traffic control tower operates from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Built in 1942, Kissimmee Gateway Airport is owned and operated by the City of Kissimmee.