Jul. 28--Tom Hobson, senior manager for government and public affairs at Rockwell Collins, took his seat Monday.

Hobson was appointed by Mayor Kay Halloran to fill a vacancy created when former Commissioner Todd Bergen's term expired on June 30.

Hobson said Rockwell Collins sees the need for a vibrant airport to attract travelers and business to the community. He plans to recuse himself from discussing or voting on any airport business that would involve his employer.

Rockwell Collins, a major provider of avion ics and communications equipment for commercial and military aircraft, owns and operates a hangar and flight operations office at the airport.

The commission on Monday elected Dan Thies, principal with OPN Architects of Cedar Rapids, as chairman.

Helen Arnold, president of Arnold Olson Associates, will continue as vice chairwoman.

Carroll Reasoner, interim vice presi dent of legal affairs and general counsel for the Univer sity of Iowa, was elected secretary of the commission, a post previously held by Thies. Dee Baird, executive vice president of continuing education and training services at Kirkwood Community College, was elected acting secretary.

The terms of Arnold and Thies expire in 2011.

-- Contact the writer: (319) 3988366 or george.ford@gazcomm.com

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