25 March 2025

The Southwest Oregon Regional Airport community remembers  Theresa Cook, a dedicated leader whose vision and commitment transformed the airport during her tenure as Executive Director from 2009 to 2022. Cook recently passed away in Phoenix, AZ. Her impact on the airport will be felt for years to come.

Cook’s career was defined by service, beginning with four years in the U.S. Army Transportation Corps, where she trained as a Watercraft Operator, Marine Instructor, and Russian Linguist/Interrogator. She played a crucial role in managing worldwide and special forces sea pay and, during Desert Storm, instructed on marine navigation, vessel firefighting, and emergency shipboard response.

Theresa Cook with former Congressman Peter Defazio

Theresa Cook in Military Uniform

Theresa Cook in Air Traffic Control Tower (The World Newspaper 2009)

ARFF Station Ribbon Cutting

Expanded Apron for General Aviation Aircraft Parking

Theresa with her family

Theresa with her beloved dogs.

Following her military service, she pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Business Administration and a master’s degree in Aviation/Aerospace Operations. Inspired by her parents, who were both pilots, she chose airport management as her career path. Her expertise extended to McDonnell Douglas, where she trained foreign countries on the mechanical systems of the Apache Helicopter.

Her airport management career began at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, and she later served in Texas, New Mexico, Florida, and Oregon. Under her leadership at Southwest Oregon Regional Airport, Cook spearheaded numerous projects that modernized the airport and enhanced its operations, including:

• DHS Multi-Service Building – Facilitating the construction of a new multi-service building to support Department of Human Services operations. 
• DHS Aging and People with Disability Building Refurbishment – Overseeing renovations to modernize existing infrastructure. 
• Commercial Hangar Development – Spearheading the construction of a new hangar to support aviation business growth.
• Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Station Construction – Enhancing emergency response capabilities with a state-of-the-art ARFF facility. 
• Apron Expansion – Expanding and improving apron space to accommodate increased air traffic, aircraft storage, and operational demands.
• Acquisition of the Bureau of Land Management office building
• Securing and maintaining multiple federal grants to fund projects.
• Secured federal funding to expand commercial air service to Portland (PDX).

Beyond her professional achievements, Cook was an accredited member of the American Association of Airport Executives, a pilot, and a devoted dog owner. She found joy in music, woodworking, and hiking and was passionate about giving back. She mentored at-risk high school students, served as a Guardian Ad Litem, and volunteered with Oregon CASA, assisting children in need through the court process.

She is survived by her mother, Joan Cook; her daughter, Amy Cunningham; her sister, Vicky Cook-Shyia; her brothers, Brian Cook and Mike Cook; and her aunt, Judy Wells. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who will cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her father, Joe Cook, and her brother, Chris Cook.

Theresa Cook’s dedication, leadership, and contributions to aviation will continue to inspire those who knew her. Her legacy at the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport and beyond is one of progress, service, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. A memorial is planned for April 5, 2025, at  Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home in Phoenix, AZ at 10:00 am.