Kyle C. Wanner: Executive Director
701-328-9651 e-mail: kcwanner@nd.gov

Kyle was hired in 2014 to serve as the Executive Director for the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. He provides strategic planning and direction to the staff, ensures the regulatory framework of aviation is upheld throughout the state, and provides support to maintain and grow the aviation system throughout North Dakota. Kyle advocates for a common sense approach to solving complex issues and is committed to working with his team to provide efficient and reliable services to the state’s aviation community and the general public.

Kyle has a multi-faceted background in aviation that has its roots in his home state of North Dakota. Prior to being hired as the Executive Director for the Aeronautics Commission, he gained work experience in airport planning, airport management, and fixed-based operations. Throughout the last decade, he has advocated for additional airport infrastructure funding support at all levels of government and has worked with the Governor’s office and the state legislature to pass positive legislation to further enhance the aviation industry within North Dakota. At the national level, he advocates for North Dakota aviation and has served on the FAA Aviation Rulemaking Committee on UAS Detection and Mitigation as well as multiple committees for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). He also previously held the position of NASAO’s Great Lakes Regional Director and currently serves as the Chair of its Executive Board.

In addition to the responsibilities of the office as required by statute, Kyle also serves as a board member for the Northern Plains Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Site Authority, the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute Advisory Board, the North Dakota Atmospheric Resource Board, and the North Dakota Aviation Association. He also maintains the position of Board Chair for the North Dakota Aviation Hall of Fame.

Kyle is a graduate from the University of North Dakota’s aviation program where he received a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Airport Management, a Bachelor’s of Aeronautical Sciences in Air Traffic Control, and a private pilot’s license.