The Airport Advisory Committee was dissolved as a standing committee in 1998, but was re-established on March 14, 2017 via Resolution 4378-1587, and on February 12, 2019, Resolution No. 2019-1677 was adopted, reestablishing the Committee as a seven (7) member committee. The purpose of this Committee is to make recommendations, suggestions, and provide general and technical aeronautical and aviation advice to the City Council, City Manager, Airport Director, and City Staff related to strategic planning, development, and operation to the Prescott Airport. The Airport Advisory Committee shall not directly or indirectly manage the airport, but shall leave the management of the airport to the Airport Director.
Michael Gjede – Chairman
Michael Gjede was born in Massachusetts and grew up in Connecticut. After attending college in Boston, he joined the U.S. Air Force and eventually, the Air Force Reserve. Gjede retired from the Air Force following a 36 year career with various progressions and promotions, flying B-52s, C-141s, and C-130s.
Upon moving to Prescott in 2006, Gjede and his wife quickly decided they would never go anywhere else and have embraced the community through volunteer work and giving back.
Gjede has attended all four Prescott Citizen Academies, voluntarily drives for Disabled American Veterans, is a member of Prescott Litter Lifters, Airport Passenger Terminal Art Commission, Friends of the Airport, and has proudly served on the Airport Advisory Committee and Airport Passenger Terminal Art Commissions since their inceptions. He is passionate about the future and success of Prescott Regional Airport and thinks that it is important that informed decisions are made to facilitate future airport growth.
Jim Huffman – Vice Chairman
I am pleased to serve on the Airport Advisory Committee (AAC) for the Prescott Regional Airport. The AAC contributes to Prescott’s interest in the airport by making recommendations and providing general and aeronautical/aviation advice to the Mayor and Airport Director, and their staff. This requires that the committee remain up to date with Federal Aviation Administration issues and changes, as well as those affecting general and commercial aviation. Prescott Regional Airport (PRC) offers business and travel opportunities for the entire northern Arizona region. Enhancing commercial and general aviation services (providing connections to major locations) and improving the city’s revenue stream from the airport are major priorities. It is also important for us to be vigilant in protecting the airport from inappropriate land use in its vicinity. Current AAC tasks include advising on the construction of a new airport Control Tower, extending the commercial service runway, and expanding business opportunities on airport property. Being a private pilot helps me remain aware of issues facing the airport. As a former President and Chief Executive Officer of a small business, I look for business opportunities for the airport. Having a Ph.D. in physics helps me in analyzing and understanding technical as well as business issues.
Matt Pruett – Member
Jamie Cooper – Member
Jamie Cooper has had a lifelong passion for aviation, sparked during his childhood in Prescott, where he frequently spent time at the airport watching planes.
After attending college in Tennessee, Jamie began his airline career in Phoenix working with America West Airlines as a front-line employee. Over the next 22 years—and through two major airline mergers—he gained extensive experience in both airline operations and various corporate roles, ultimately retiring from American Airlines in 2020.
In 2022, Jamie returned to his roots, moving back to Prescott with his family. He enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. He has traveled the world, having visited all 50 U.S. states and every continent except Antarctica.
Jamie has attended two Prescott Citizens Academies. He is honored to serve on the Airport Advisory Committee and is committed to applying his experience, knowledge, and passion to support the continued growth, connectivity, and community value of Prescott Regional Airport.
Hal Hayden – Member
Hal Hayden has over 40 years of experience as a lender, investor, and entrepreneur in the growth capital and financial services arenas. He has funded and managed venture debt, and equipment leasing arrangements in the technology sector as a founder of several technology investment funds.
Hal was a Founding Partner at Trinity Capital Investment, a leading venture debt and equipment lease provider to high-growth technology companies nationwide. Hal served as a member of the Investment Committee of Trinity’s funds and helped to take the company public on the NASDAQ (TRIN) in 2021.
Hal holds a BA in Business Administration from the University of Arizona. He has served on the Board of Directors for the United Association of Equipment Leasing, the Rocky Mountain Venture Capital Association and LightHawk, a national aviation conservation organization. He is a commercial, instrument-rated pilot with over 3,700 hours of flight experience in a variety of aircraft and gliders, and he currently owns two airplanes based at the Prescott airport.
James "Griz" Adams – Member
Griz is a native of north Louisiana graduating from La Tech Univ in 1976 with a degree in Professional Aviation. After flying for a hometown law firm he joined the US Marine Corps in 1978. Serving twenty years active duty he accumulated 4700 hours instructing in the TA-4J, F/A-18A and F-5E aircraft. Upon retirement from the Marines he flew 22 years for Southwest Airlines before mandatory retirement at age 65. He capped off his professional flying career flying the B737 fighting fires in Australia for two seasons.
Griz currently enjoys flying locally in the same Aeronca Champ that he learned to fly in as a kid. He is also a part time flight instructor and part time A&P/IA.
Parker Northrup – Member
Parker Northrup is a career aviation professional with 40 years of international/national experience across civilian and military flight operation environments. He serves on the AAC desiring to make an immediate impact on the successful operations of Prescott Regional Airport.
In 2012, Colonel Northrup retired after 24 years in USAF. During his career, he flew over 3,500 hours, primarily in the B-52 Stratofortress, and was decorated for his combat time in the Persian Gulf.
From 2015 – 2017, he worked in the Office of Democracy and Governance within the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Ukrainian Mission Association.
After he and his wife, Carol, retired to Prescott, he has served as the Chair, Flight Department, for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott Campus from 2018 to 2026.
He holds FAA certificates as Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor.
He is married to Carol S. Northrup, Col., USAF (ret) and they have three grown children and enjoy spending time on local trails.