Airport authority makes interim move

BURBANK — As Dan Feger prepares to step in to the role of interim executive director of the airport authority, the 19-year Bob Hope Airport veteran plans on continuing the agenda Executive Director Dios Marrero set forth.

On Friday, the Burbank-Glendale- Pasadena Airport Authority announced that Marrero will take a medical leave of absence.

While the authority has not revealed the specifics surrounding Marrero’s decision to leave, surgery to remove a brain tumor he underwent last spring could be a factor, airport spokesman Victor Gill said.

“He is taking a medical leave of absence,” Gill said. “He had surgery in spring and recuperated for some time until going back to work in late spring or early summer. But we don’t know why he’s out now, just that it’s a medical leave and don’t know whether or not he’s coming back.”

Marrero’s absence will last for at least 60 days, Gill said.

If Marrero does not resume his duties after the 60-day window, the authority will then decide on a permanent replacement, Gill said.

Until then, Feger will transition from deputy executive director to interim executive director, a role he is familiar with.

When Marrero took his leave of absence last spring, Feger stepped in, and Friday’s announcement was less a coronation than an official recognition, Feger said.

“This is a formalization of an informal ascension of power when the senior guy is temporarily incapacitated,” Feger said.

His plans as interim head are to continue the work Marrero and the authority have begun.

“I have an obligation to keep operations running safely and securely,” he said. “I want to keep the projects moving, like the Terminal B baggage project.”

On Jan. 22, the Burbank City Council gave final approval to a baggage facility next to Terminal B that airport officials said was vital to airport security.

In another bit of reshuffling, the authority also appointed Deputy Executive Director John Hatanaka to the post of interim senior deputy executive director.

Hatanaka has worked at the airport for five years, first assuming the role of director of contracts and properties until he was promoted to deputy executive director last year, Gill said.

While the airport has had its critics through the years, most malcontents have praised Marrero’s approach.

“We’ve locked horns at times, but Dios is an absolute class act,” said Stan Hyman, who recently challenged the airport’s right to build the baggage facility.

“Me and my wife both care for him; we’re very sad he’s having these problems,” Hyman said.

The same good tidings do not extend to Feger.

“They have to have somebody in the interim, but I don’t think [Feger] has the ability or wherewithal to fill Dios’ shoes,” Hyman said.

“Feger is smart and understands the airport but doesn’t have the polish that Dios does.”

Hyman hopes the airport appoints Hatanaka as permanent executive director if Marrero does not return.

“[Hatanaka] is on top of everything,” he said. “The guy is top notch.”

 JEREMY OBERSTEIN covers City Hall and public safety. He may be reached at (818) 637-3242 or by e-mail at jeremy.oberstein@ latimes.com.