Frontier Airlines (Nasdaq: FRNT ) today announced the election of Sam Addoms as chairman of the airline’s board of directors. With the appointment of Addoms, 61, as chairman, LaRae Orullian, who currently serves as chair of the board, will move into the position of vice chair, sharing those duties with Paul Dempsey who will continue to serve as vice chair. Orullian also will chair the board’s audit committee.

Speaking on behalf of the airline’s board, Orullian stated, “Sam possesses extraordinary vision and unlimited perseverance, and perhaps nowhere is this more evident than by assessing the solid leadership team he has developed at Frontier. He and his team, including both former and current leadership, have built a company with nearly $500 million in annual revenues, created approximately 2,500 new jobs, developed a fleet of 27 jets that provide affordable service to 22 cities from its Denver hub. Perhaps most importantly, since Frontier first began flying on July 5, 1994, nearly 12 million people have had the opportunity to fly using Frontier’s affordable fares. These accomplishments are nothing short of remarkable given all Frontier had to overcome in order to reach these milestones.”

Addoms is a founding officer of Frontier Airlines, beginning his tenure with the airline during its pre-startup phase in 1993 as executive vice president, treasurer and a member of the airline’s board of directors. During this period, Addoms provided financial expertise and helped develop a comprehensive business plan for Frontier. In Sept. 1994, Addoms was named president of Frontier, and in Jan. 1995, he assumed the title and duties of chief executive officer.

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