Brian Rinehart is the Airport Manager for the Houston Airport System’s Ellington Airport. His duties and responsibilities include the day-to-day operation of the facility and the development and implementation of policies and procedures. Ellington Airport is home to variety of government and commercial operations including Air National Guard, Army National Guard, Department of Defense Joint Reserve Center, Coast Guard, NASA, Fixed Based Operators and other entities.

Brian graduated from Farmington High School in Farmington, New Mexico in 1965 and was drafted into the United States Army the following year. In the Army, he attended Officer Candidate School after completing Basic and Advanced Individual Training, graduating and commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Field Artillery. A few months after completing Officer Candidate School, he entered Flight School and graduated as a Rotary Wing Aviator.

After Flight School, he served two tours of duty in Viet Nam assigned to Assault Helicopter Companies as an Aircraft Commander, Standardization Instructor Pilot and Instrument Flight Examiner. At the Aviation Center, he served as an Instructor Pilot, Instrument Method of Instruction Pilot, and Instrument Flight Examiner, primarily training rated aviators to be instructors. In aerial combat, Brian was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, 4 Air Medals for Valor and 38 Air Medals for aerial operations in combat zones.

Later, Rinehart refocused his career path starting with an assignment to a Pershing Missile Battalion in Germany serving in various positions. He was then detailed as an Inspector General responsible for evaluating Research and Development Commands, Army Depots, and Army Research Laboratories. He was then assigned to the Pentagon as a Defense Systems Coordinator which entailed Program and Project Management of Technology Base projects such as laser, high powered microwave, particle beam, electro magnetic pulse, seeker, sensor, missile and rocket components, radar, and nuclear research and development. Brian was awarded numerous commendations for meritorious service and achievement in addition to the awards for valor. He completed military career with an aviation assignment, managing a Military Airfield. After 26 year of service, he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, Master Aviator.

Because of continuing interest in Aviation, joined the Houston Airport System in 1995 and have been assigned to Parking, Building Services, Physical Plant Maintenance, IAH Management and currently, as the Airport Manager of Ellington Airport. He has attended numerous management and leadership related courses through out his civilian and military career, resulting in the awarding of several certifications. Brian attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, receiving a BA of Aviation Management and a BS of Aviation Science with Magna Cum Laude recognition.