The Republic Airport Commission has reelected its current chairman, Frank Nocerino of North Massapequa and commission member Gerard Toner of West Babylon has been named as vice chairman of the group for a term that lasts throughout 2001.

The Board’s unanimous vote underscores the leadership role both men have played to ensure that Republic Airport emerges as Long Island’s crucial air bridge to a global economy. As a general aviation airport supporting corporate jets and hundreds of privately-owned aircraft, the airport has become the fifth busiest airport in the state. The 526-acre, state-owned airport is a key component of the region’s vibrant economy. It has generated 883 full-time jobs on and off airport grounds and generates over $72 million in economic activity including wages and goods and services purchased including fuel, ground handling, landing fees and catering.

Republic Airport Director Hugh Jones stated, "General aviation does not have two more ardent supporters than Frank Nocerino and Gerry Toner. The professionals at Republic who work daily to ensure that this airport is able to meet the demands of the aviation community and the needs of Long Island are delighted that the Commission saw fit to return them to their positions."

Toner replaces Charlotte Geyer in the position of commission vice-chairman, a position she has filled for the last five years. "During her nearly 20 years on the commission, Charlotte has been one of the most passionate advocates of this airport and its lasting legacy of aviation excellence. These are tough shoes to fill but we are grateful that she will continue to be a commission member," observed Toner.

A 36-year resident of North Massapequa and a graduate of Farmingdale High School, Chairman Nocerino also serves as commissioner of the community’s fire district and is a former chief of the community’s fire department. He is currently a fire inspector for the Town of Oyster Bay and was recently appointed as chairman of the Town’s Fire Advisory Board. Active in Little League and a high school football official, he has served as a director of the National Football Foundation that provides scholarships to deserving high school athletes. He is married and has four children.

Toner is an attorney with the Garden City law firm of Stafford, Toner & Schwarz having graduated from St. John’s Law School and the University’s School of Business Administration. A graduate of West Babylon High School, he has served as director of the New Long Island Partnership, co-chairman of the Long Island Sports commission and as director of the NYS Association of Electrical Contractors.