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Mayor Cara Spencer Announces Retirement of St. Louis Lambert International Airport Director in 2026
Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge’s 15 Years of Leadership at STL Airport
St. Louis, MO – In a surprising announcement today, Mayor Cara Spencer revealed that Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge, Director of St. Louis Lambert International Airport, will be retiring in the fall of 2026. Hamm-Niebruegge has been at the helm of the airport since January 2010, during which time she has successfully navigated through natural disasters, secured new international flight services, and initiated a plan to modernize the airport in the coming years.
A Legacy of Excellence, Grace, and Distinction
In a statement, Mayor Spencer expressed her gratitude for Hamm-Niebruegge’s service to the city of St. Louis, saying, “On its best day, running something as complex as a major airport is challenging work. For fifteen years, Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge has led our airport with excellence, grace, and distinction. I want to thank her for her service to St. Louis.” She also acknowledged the positive impact of Hamm-Niebruegge’s leadership, stating that the airport and the region have greatly benefited from her tenure.
Highlights of Hamm-Niebruegge’s Leadership
Under Hamm-Niebruegge’s direction, the airport has achieved significant milestones, including:
– Guiding the plan to transform the airport into a modern new, single-terminal facility.
– Returning passenger levels to pre-Covid levels by Summer 2023.
– Strengthening relationships with the business community to ensure the airport’s continued economic growth.
– Expanding the Lambert Art and Culture Program to showcase local artists and enhance the visitor experience.
– Securing new nonstop service to international destinations, such as Frankfurt, Germany, and London, England on Lufthansa and British Airways, respectively.
– Restoring operations after the April EF4 2011 tornado, which caused approximately $25 million in damage to the airport.
A Remarkable Opportunity to Transform
Reflecting on her time at the airport, Hamm-Niebruegge stated, “This has been a remarkable opportunity to transform the airport into not only the transportation center the region needs, but also the modern front door St. Louis deserves.” She expressed her honor in leading the airport for the past fifteen years and her confidence that it will continue to thrive in the future.
Praise from Civic Leaders
Civic leaders who have worked closely with Hamm-Niebruegge to grow the airport and secure new flight services also praised her leadership. Ambassador Kevin O’Malley, Chair of the County Port Authority, said, “I have had the pleasure of working with Rhonda on matters affecting the growth of our region’s economic base and know that her years of experience, attention to detail, and love for St. Louis will be seen for years to come.”
A National Search for Successor
Hamm-Niebruegge will officially retire in the fall of 2026, giving ample time for a national search to find her successor. With her extensive experience in aviation management, including over 25 years with American Airlines, Trans World Airlines, and Ozark Air Lines, Hamm-Niebruegge has left a lasting legacy at St. Louis Lambert International Airport.
