Ontario International Airport Authority Announces New Leadership with Loveridge and Porada
The Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) recently welcomed new leadership, electing Dr. Ronald O. Loveridge as President and Debra Porada as Vice President during a Board of Commissioners meeting held on September 1, 2026. This shift in leadership signals a new chapter for Ontario International Airport (ONT), which has seen remarkable growth under local governance.
Dr. Loveridge, the former mayor of Riverside, has been a dedicated member of the OIAA Board since its establishment in 2012. His extensive public service career began in 1979 as a Riverside City Councilmember, and he has been actively involved in several influential organizations. These include the California Air Resources Board, the Southern California Association of Governments, and the National League of Cities, where he served as past president. Currently, he imparts his knowledge in political science as a faculty member at the University of California, Riverside.
Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, Dr. Loveridge stated, "Ontario International Airport is one of the Inland Empire's most important economic and transportation assets, and I am honored to serve as president of the Airport Authority Board. ONT has experienced extraordinary growth and progress under local control, and our responsibility now is to build on that momentum in a thoughtful, strategic way that serves our passengers, our communities, and the entire Southern California region."
Debra Porada, who has served on the City Council of Ontario since 2008, will join Dr. Loveridge as Vice President. She is recognized for her role as mayor pro tem and actively participates in various regional committees, including her involvement with the Water Facilities Authority Board. Furthermore, she has previously chaired the California League of Cities, Inland Empire Division. With her passion for improving local governance, she commented, "I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as vice president and to work alongside Dr. Loveridge and my fellow commissioners at such an important time for Ontario International Airport. ONT has established itself as a premier gateway for Southern California, with a strong foundation for continued growth. I look forward to helping ensure that the airport continues to deliver the exceptional service, accessibility, and economic opportunity our region deserves."
In addition to the leadership election, the Board appointed Julia Gouw as the treasurer and Jim Bowman as the secretary, establishing a diverse team at the helm of ONT's future initiatives. This new leadership comes at a crucial time as ONT seeks to maintain its status as a valuable asset for the Southern California region.
Ontario International Airport ranks as the second most popular mid-sized airport according to J.D. Power, accommodating over 7 million passengers yearly. It offers nonstop service to key airports in the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and Taiwan, signifying its vital role in regional transportation. The airport operates under a Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Ontario and San Bernardino County, ensuring community-focused development and strategic planning moving forward.
As ONT moves ahead under the guidance of its new leaders, there is anticipation for further advancement in service quality, accessibility, and contributions to the local economy, keeping in line with the mission to foster growth and an exceptional travel experience.