ORANGE COUNTY IN BANKRUPTCY : Mittermeier Takes No-Nonsense Approach : Profile: O.C.’s new interim CEO oversaw the expansion of John Wayne Airport and is credited with its efficient operation.

In Orange County circles, Jan Mittermeier is known as a no-nonsense manager who runs a tight ship. Or, in her case, a tight airport.

The county’s new interim chief executive officer is credited with making John Wayne Airport one of the most efficient operations in Orange County government by juggling a $35-million budget, increased demands for air service and attempts to minimize the noise impact on surrounding neighborhood.

“She’s extremely talented, well-thought-of and professional--and that’s what you want in a CEO,” said Stan Oftelie, head of the Orange County Transportation Authority. “Jan’s a good choice.”

Mittermeier, 55, of Huntington Beach earned $99,000 a year as director of John Wayne Airport. Her salary as county CEO has yet to be determined but is expected to be in a range of $130,000 to $140,000, officials said. She has also applied for the permanent chief executive position.

Mittermeier said she knows the job ahead won’t be easy but hopes to avoid controversy. That was evident Friday when she refused to discuss her position on Measure R, the failed half-cent sales-tax increase that was proposed by her predecessor.

“I’m going to try not to make any enemies,” Mittermeier said as she acknowledged that she will have to make some tough decisions that could affect the livelihoods of some of her colleagues. “Although there will be a lot of unhappy, hurt people, there is no other way around it. I think everybody understands the gravity of the situation.”

Mittermeier is a longtime county employee who in 1974 became the county’s first female auditor, earning $12,000 a year. She rose through the ranks to become director of the internal audit division.

“I’m just delighted for her,” said retired Auditor-Controller Vic Heim, who recalls his former subordinate as an articulate standout.

Joining John Wayne Airport in 1987 as assistant director, Mittermeier guided the facility through a $310-million expansion program. The Orange County Board of Supervisors in 1990 appointed her airport director, making her one of the few women in the nation to be a top airport executive.

As director, Mittermeier has been methodical and deliberative. When the Persian Gulf War scared off passengers, she slashed expenses. She has banned employees from accepting upgrades or free trips, and she has been aggressive in privatizing airport services.

No detail is too small: When complaints rolled in about poor baggage conveyors and an annoying absence of helpful directional signs, Mittermeier investigated and then demanded corrective action.

Her tightfisted style and direct approach have detractors as well as supporters.

“She’s the kind of person that’s respected by everybody and liked by nobody,” one high-ranking county official said.

After years of reporting to the board of supervisors on audit and airport matters, Mittermeier is expected to make an easy transition to the CEO job. Colleagues say she can adapt to new surroundings quickly, as evidenced by her success at John Wayne Airport despite having no aviation knowledge.

She has made a point of learning every aspect of the business, and her doggedness has become legendary in county government, the Federal Aviation Administration and the airline industry.

Many of her associates recall an incident in 1991 when Mittermeier flew to Washington uninvited and demanded that she be admitted to an FAA working session on airport noise-suppression procedures.

She got in.

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Jan Mittermeier In Profile

Jan Mittermeier will become Orange County’s temporary chief executive officer, filling the position left open by the resignation of William J. Popejoy. A look at the new CEO:

Current position: Director, John Wayne Airport

Appointed: Sept. 25, 1990, by the Board of Supervisors

Salary: $99,000

Previous positions: Assistant airport manager, chief of audits at county auditor’s office, entry-level auditor

Age: 55

Hometown: Toleson, Ariz.

Residence: Huntington Beach

Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting and master’s degree in business administration, both from Cal State Long Beach; certificate in executive management, UC Irvine

Family: Husband, Ron; two sons

Political affiliation: Democrat

Quote: “It’s a tough job, but as a longtime county employee, if this is what the board wants me to do, then I’ll step in there and do what I have to do.”

Source: Times reports