Alicia Rock named President of NGA
CHICO, CA – Northgate Aviation, Inc., aviation services company operating the full-service fixed-base operator serving Chico Regional Airport (KCIC), announced today a milestone leadership transition defining the Rock’s family generational aviation leadership. Alicia M. Rock, who joined Northgate Aviation as FBO General Manager in 2014 and was later elevated to Vice President in 2021, will be elevated to President, effective immediately. Maria Rock, co-founder and President since 2005, will assume the role of Chair of the Board of Directors.
Alicia Rock has led day-to-day operations for Northgate since 2014, taking charge to help grow the company into a nationally recognized FBO whose reputation extends well beyond the North State. Her leadership has seen the company receive accolades from multiple publications for its excellent service and has resulted in a series of partnerships which have helped define the importance of the FBO’s role in economic development in the region. Most resolutely, her on-going collaboration with aviators engaged in public safety missions has cemented Northgate’s position as the primary service provider for aerial firefighting operations out of CALFIRE’s Chico Air Attack Base. Prior to joining the aviation community, Alicia built a distinguished legal background defined by a meritorious tenure with the City of Chico, a role where she once was key in supporting development activities at the very airport Northgate now operates at. She remains a passionate volunteer, currently serving on the Governing Board of the Boys and Girls Club of the North Valley as well as working extensively with Dream Flights, which provides veterans with once-in-a-lifetime flights in vintage warbirds and trainer aircraft.
“Northgate has and always will be more than just a company to me – it is a testament to my mom and dad’s unwavering vision, our team’s ever-persistent commitment, and the trust of every aviator who has given us the privilege of serving them over the past twenty years,” said Alicia Rock. “As President, I commit myself to engrain this standard and cultivate it even further. Regardless of whether they fly a piston or a turbine, if they are a student or a servicemember or anything else, every one of Northgate’s customers deserves to feel like they are the most important client we’ve ever welcomed”
This transition marks a well-deserved natural evolution for a company built on the values of family, service, and an intent commitment to the greater aviation community. Maria co-founded Northgate with her late husband, Christopher Rock – a decorated veteran and second-generation aviation leader – with a goal of revitalizing the aviation community in the Chico Area. In the two decades since that point, that vision and so much more have been achieved. As Chair, Maria will play a role in guiding the company’s long-term strategic direction whilst continuing to support causes core to the Northgate brand.
“When Chris and I first brought Northgate to fruition in 2005, we were not envisioning just a business – we were envisioning a legacy,” said Maria Rock. “Witnessing Alicia’s growth into a leader of this sector over the past decade remains one of the greatest joys of my life. As we look forward, this transition comes at the right time for both of us, and I am confident in her ability to sustain and grow the values and commitments which define Northgate.”
Northgate Aviation, Inc. operates Chico Jet Center, a woman-owned and operated full-service fixed-base operator at Chico Regional Airport (KCIC) founded in 2005. An NBAA, WAI, and AOPA member company, Northgate provides comprehensive FBO services, TITAN-branded fuels, consulting services, and flight training for general aviation, public safety, and governmental clients. Learn more at www.northgateaviation.com
MEDIA INQUIRIES - CONTACT
Aidan Rock-Arnarson
(530) 720-9552 • aidan.rock@northgateaviation.com
