Robert Duncan tapped as new Indianapolis airport head - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

The Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) announced Friday that it has named Robert Duncan executive director. Duncan had been serving as the IAA's interim executive director since March.

Duncan replaces John Clark, who left his role as CEO in 2012 after the airport declined to renew his contract. Questions were raised over Clark's overseas travel during his time in Indianapolis.

"After completing a thorough assessment of candidates, our search committee has concluded that the Indianapolis Airport Authority will be best served by Bob's continued leadership and his extensive experience," said Michael W. Wells, president of the IAA board. "He has demonstrated expertise in virtually all areas of airport operations and strategic development in prior positions with the IAA, and he has provided sound leadership in his most recent position as airport director."

Duncan's prior airport experience includes roles as general counsel and chief operating officer for the IAA. He was closely involved with planning for the Indianapolis International Airport's award-winning new Midfield Terminal and other land and economic development initiatives.

Clark landed a six-month business development role at Gary Chicago International Airport.

A 13 Investigates report which aired in September 2010 revealed that Clark had taken 31 trips during his first 15 months on the job. Those trips included several international destinations and posh golf resorts, where he was reimbursed for rounds of golf.

At the time, Clark told Eyewitness News his travels were meant to build business relationships and "expand airport growth."

A few months after the 13 Investigates reports aired, the Airport Authority made some changes to its travel policies. Despite that, airport records show Clark's travel expenses (hotels, airfare, change fees, etc) jumped from $54,000 in 2010 to $74,000 in 2011. Those costs included trips to conferences and business development destinations including Brazil, Denmark, Greece, Morocco and Switzerland.

The Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) owns and operates Indiana's largest airport system. In addition to Indianapolis International Airport (IND), its facilities include the Downtown Heliport, Eagle Creek Airpark, Hendricks County Airport, Indianapolis Regional Airport, and Metropolitan Airport.