Brown County Hires Vantage Group to Manage Green Bay Airport

The Brown County Board is seeking approval for a five-year Management Services Agreement with the Vancouver-based Vantage Group to oversee the day-to-day operations and long-term strategy of the Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport. The transition aims to increase profitability, passenger activity, and flight options to better compete with Appleton International Airport, which recorded approximately 1.27 million passengers last year compared to 723,245 at Austin Straubel.

Under the terms of the deal, the county retains ownership and budget authority, while Vantage Group will be responsible for hiring an executive director, commercial director, and operations director. The financial package includes a $350,000 mobilization fee and a $950,000 annual base payment, with additional incentives tied to profit and ridership growth of 3% or more.

As part of this restructuring, the county is eliminating the positions of the airport's top three managers. Severance was offered to the assistant airport director and marketing director, while the airport director's salary will be reduced to $1. County officials described the move as a necessary step to modernize the airport's business approach and enhance its economic impact on the region.