Robert Brock Will Assume The Role Succeeding Merrill Atwater

The Kansas Department of Transportation has selected Robert Brock to take on the role of interim director of aviation.

Brock served over 22 years in the Air Force and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, according to KDOT.

“We are so fortunate at KDOT to have such a talented and passionate person like Bob Brock to take over aviation,” said Secretary of Transportation Richard Carlson. “After already serving the state and the agency in opening new doors for UAS, Brock is in the best possible position to make great strides for aviation in Kansas.”

KDOT says Brock will continue to work closely with the FAA and aviation stakeholders across the nation to support Kansas aviation. He will also oversee the Kansas Airport Improvement Program, Unmanned Systems Program, and Science, Technology, and Aviation Resource (STAR) program.

“I look forward to my continued service to KDOT and the State of Kansas,” said Brock. “We will continue to work with legislators, stakeholders, and communities to increase aviation safety and promote the growth of the aviation industry in Kansas.”

The current Director of Aviation, Merrill Eisenhower Atwater, will depart the Kansas Department of Transportation at the end of the year, the agency announced last week. Atwater has served as KDOT’s Director of Aviation since February 2016.

“Under Merrill’s management, the Division of Aviation at KDOT has created a significant imprint on the heart of the Kansas aviation industry,” said Secretary of Transportation Richard Carlson. “From economic development, to workforce innovation programs and educational opportunities, Merrill has led KDOT Aviation on a path of innovation. We appreciate his service to this agency and the State of Kansas and wish him the very best.”

Atwater will take on the role of Chief Operating Officer at People to People International, an organization created by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, which is dedicated to peace through understanding and friendship on the international stage.

(Image provided with Kansas DOT news release)

FMI: www.ksdot.org