Rochester International Airport Welcomes New Staff Laura Archbold and Benjamin Watkins

(Rochester, MN) March 30, 2022--The Rochester International Airport (RST) has named Laura Archbold as the airport’s new marketing and communications manager and Benjamin Watkins, as parking manager.

Archbold brings more than two decades of experience in public relations and marketing communications working with public, private, non-profit and communities of faith. Her experience spans television news, PR agency, non-profit and corporate communication environments. In her new role, Archbold will be responsible for internal and external stakeholder communication, community engagement activities that includes collaboration with airlines, tenants, service providers and the air travel community at large. In addition, Archbold will help to oversee air service development efforts including strategy, meeting with consultants, airline planners and executives to advocate for new air service. Archbold holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mass communications and speech from Minnesota State Mankato. “I’m excited to join RST at such a pivotal and critical time in the industry. Focusing on the needs of the air traveler while continuing to balance the needs of airlines requires partnerships, innovation, and agility to move forward. The mission of RST recognizes travel is an end-to-end journey that seeks to create thoughtful customer experiences and interventions along the way. RST is uniquely positioned to lead the way in transformation that will benefit our customers and the region we serve,” said Archbold. “We’re incredibly excited to welcome Laura to RST. Her experience in public affairs and marketing inside Mayo Clinic will help to elevate our outreach to the medical traveler. Laura brings strong consulting expertise leading strategic communication initiatives and her integrated storytelling skillset will help to tell RST’s most unique story that will help to advance our mission,” said John Reed, executive director.

Watkins brings over a decade of experience in human resources and operations management in manufacturing and office environments to the newly created role at RST. Watkins will oversee day-to-day parking and all front facing airport operations in relationship to the overall customer experience. Prior to joining RST, Watkins held various management roles at Timberland Partners, Kelly Services and HALCON. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Southwest Minnesota State University. “Airport parking is the front door to RST and is an important aspect of the overall customer journey. Creating this new position at RST will ensure our parking facilities and amenities are best practice and help to drive superior experiences for our customers. Benjamin brings leadership in operations and customer service that will help take us to the next level. We are thrilled to welcome Benjamin to the RST team,” said Reed. “I’m excited to join RST and play an active role in providing customer-friendly services that contribute to the overall experience at the airport,” said Watkins.

About Rochester International Airport

Rochester International Airport (RST) is owned by the City of Rochester and operated by the Rochester Airport Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mayo Clinic. The Rochester International Airport is currently served daily by Sun Country, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, which collectively offer flights to Chicago, Phoenix, Fort Myers, and Minneapolis. RST provides air service to Southeast MN and border regions of Iowa and Wisconsin. Stay connected to RST at FlyRST.com and on Facebook /Rochester Airport and Twitter @flyrst.

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