Beth Sumner Named New Boise Airport Director

Boise Mayor Lauren McLean announced Beth Sumner as the incoming director of Boise Airport on Monday, placing a 26-year military veteran in charge of the facility’s $1.4 billion capital program. The appointment requires final approval from the Boise City Council, which is scheduled to vote on the matter during its November 10 meeting.

Sumner has served as the airport’s deputy director of engineering and planning since 2023. In that role, she managed the technical aspects of the major expansion and directed the airport’s federal funding strategy. That effort secured more than $100 million in competitive and discretionary awards. She also represents the capital program on the Airport Airline Affairs Committee.

Before joining the airport administration, Sumner held senior executive roles at Gowen Field. She served as the deputy director of the Idaho Air National Guard’s 124th Fighter Wing and managed installation operations. Her career in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard spanned 26 years, during which time she completed three overseas deployments.

Sumner holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering sciences from the U.S. Air Force Academy. She later earned a master of science in materials science and engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

“I’m honored and excited to serve as the next Boise Airport director and grateful to Mayor McLean for her confidence in me,” Sumner said in a news release. “As Boise and the surrounding region continue to grow, I look forward to building on the airport’s strong foundation and working alongside our talented team, fellow city leaders, and community partners to support the economic vitality of Boise and the Treasure Valley.”

McLean praised the candidate’s track record during the expansion. “Beth has demonstrated an unmatched commitment to the growth of Boise’s Airport, leading important projects as we undergo an incredible expansion,” McLean said. “I look forward to her insights and leadership for years to come.” Sumner will replace Rebecca Hupp, who retired from the director position in June after 14 years of service.