Rogers’s love of aviation started at the Hutchinson Airport where he worked part time, refueling aircraft to pay for flight lessons. He then served as assistant airport manager at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, and as airport manager in Greeley, CO, before moving to Salina, KS to become the executive director of the Salina Airport Authority. In his 40 years as executive director, Rogers led the growth and development of the nationally recognized Salina Regional Airport and Industrial Center. Rogers is an Accredited Airport Executive, was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Service Award by the American Association of Airport Executives, received the Kansas National Guard’s Patriot Medal, and is a member of the Salina Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame. Rogers represents the professionalism of all Kansas airport managers that provide safe and capable airports that are essential for civilian and military aviation flights.