Bedford, 48, has over 22 years experience in the regional airline industry. Now in his 11th year at Republic, he joined the company in July, 1999 as its President and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining Republic, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Mesaba Holdings, Inc. (a Northwest Airlines carrier) from June 1995 to June 1999. He also served as President and CEO of Business Express Airlines, a New England-based regional air carrier, from February 1994 to May 1995. He has held senior executive positions at Express Airlines, Inc., Westair Holdings, Inc., Aspen Airways, Inc. and Continental Express, Inc.

Republic Airlines is the second largest regional airline in the United States with over 1,600 daily flights and more than 290 jet aircraft and is also the largest operator of Embraer’s new E-Jet family of aircraft in the world. The airline currently operates 150 E170/175/190 aircraft throughout its network. In 2009, Republic acquired two independent branded airlines: Milwaukee-based Midwest Airlines and Denver-based Frontier Airlines. Republic also flies on behalf of five network airline partners: American, Continental, Delta, United and US Airways. Republic employs more than 11,000 skilled aviation professionals and celebrated its 35th anniversary of commercial airline service in August 2009.

Bedford is currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Regional Airline Association. From 1998 through 1999, Bedford served as the Chairman of the Board of the RAA and has served on the RAA Board of Directors from 1995 to 1999 and again from 2001 to the present. Bedford also serves on the Boards of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, the Greater Milwaukee Council and the Board of St. Theodore Guerin Catholic High School in Noblesville, Indiana.

Bedford holds a BS in Accounting and Finance from the Florida State University. He is also a certified public accountant. He also holds commercial, multi-engine and instrument flight ratings.

He is married to Maria (19 years) and has eight children, ages 1 to 16 years. He is an active member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church and currently resides in Carmel, Indiana. Republic Airways is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.