His duties will include overseeing ongoing infrastructure improvements and thousands of acres of property and working with million-dollar businesses in the city.
Smith said he had always wanted a professional role working in Springfield, which includes area businesses like Spectra Jet Inc. and SelectTech Geospatial. Spectra specializes in maintaining and repairing Lear and Challenger jets, while SelectTech specializes in unmanned aerial vehicles.
The Springfield airport also includes more than 1,500 acres, compared to about 170 acres in Greene County, Smith said.
“That’s what appealed to me … the challenge of a bigger facility,” Smith said.
A 2014 study showed the airport helps support more than 700 jobs both directly and indirectly, as well as about $36 million in annual payroll. The airport also provides air travel and cargo needs for both individuals and businesses in the region.
Smith’s experience in aviation and his familiarity with the area helped him stand out in a competitive field, said Tom Franzen, assistant city manager and economic development director for the city. About 30 candidates applied for the job and there were close to a dozen strong resumes, he added.
“He comes with a wealth of experience from the Air Force as a pilot and with 10 to 11 years experience as an airport manager in Greene County,” Franzen said.
City officials wanted a full-time manager who could also work on issues like capital improvements, its relationship with the Federal Aviation Administration and runway and other maintenance projects, Franzen said.
Smith’s salary will be about $55,000 a year, according to information from the city.
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