New airport assistant director of aviation named at VIA

HARLINGEN - Bryan Wren is the newest member of the Valley International Airport administration.

Wren, originally from Quincy, Ill., became the airport's assistant director of aviation in July, just days before Hurricane Dolly made landfall in the Rio Grande Valley, Director of Aviation Michael Browning said.

Wren was chosen from about 25 applicants because of his extensive background in airport operations and project construction, Browning said. Wren's service in the Air Force was also a consideration, Browning added.

Wren replaces Patrick Rhodes, who had been with VIA for about two years and took a position with the Amarillo Airport system, Browning said.

Wren will be paid $70,000 per year and will receive health insurance and retirement benefits like other city employees, Browning said.
Wren said he wanted to work at VIA because the airport plays a big role in servicing the entire Valley.

"It's good to be here," Wren said. "I love it. It's a great airport. There's a lot of challenge and it's a busy airport."

Before coming to VIA, Wren worked for the Houston Airport System at Ellington Field and William P. Hobby Airport for two years, he said.

VIA equals the Houston airports in structure quality and is even better in customer service, Wren said.

Browning said there are yearly construction projects taking place at the airport, which he hopes Wren will be able to oversee, as well as helping with the airport's daily operations.

Wren said he also hopes to help improve the airport by keeping a close watch on new technology.

"Technology changes every day and with airports, we have to stay on top of it with all the lighting systems and paving," Wren said.

Wren has a master of science in aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and served four years in the Air Force.