Title
A Resolution Confirming the Mayor’s Appointment of the Director of Aviation
Presenter:
Mayor John Suthers
Body
Summary:
City Charter § 4-40(f)(5) provides that the Mayor shall appoint the leader or head of the City’s municipal airport, identified by City Code § 14.1.202 as the Director of Aviation, to serve at the Mayor’s pleasure, subject to confirmation by the concurring vote of a majority of the members of City Council. The duties of the Director of Aviation are outlined in City Code § 14.1.202, which includes administration and operation of the Municipal Airport Enterprise.
Previous Council Action:
There has been no prior City Council action on the proposed confirmation of Greg Phillips as Director of Aviation.
Background:
Colorado Springs Municipal Airport Enterprise Director of Aviation Dan Gallagher resigned effective October 5, 2016. Greg Phillips was selected to serve as the Aviation Director following a nationwide search conducted by an executive search firm. Fifty-seven candidates applied for the position. After screening by the firm, four candidates were selected for formal interviews. They were interviewed by a panel which included Mayor John Suthers, City Council President Merv Bennett and City Council Member Andy Pico.
Mr. Phillips brings 12 years of experience in airport management and comes to Colorado Springs from the Eagle County Regional Airport where he served four years as the executive director of aviation. Mr. Phillips also serves as President of the Board of Directors of the Northwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives.
Prior to assuming his position in Eagle, Mr. Phillips was the airport director for Pangborn Memorial Airport in East Wenatchee, Washington. Other airport management roles include, deputy director of the Missoula International Airport, and airport manager for the Bend Municipal Airport where he was named Oregon State Airport Manager of the Year in 2006.
Mr. Phillips holds an engineering degree from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and has served as a helicopter pilot and Army Ranger. He has also completed advanced education in leadership and employee development. After leaving the military, Mr. Phillips worked as an engineering project manager for Boeing. He then assumed a position as an engineer and project manager in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airports Division, where he was responsible for public airport construction and grant funding for all of the public airports in Oregon. Mr. Phillips next served as the deputy program manager for the FAA project team overseeing the design and construction of Denver International Airport.
Financial Implications:
If confirmed as Director of Aviation, Greg Phillips’ initial salary will be set at $165,000 annually. Such salary is within the salary range for Aviation Director established by City Ordinance No. 16-112, regarding the 2017 salary structure for civilian and sworn municipal employees.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
N/A
Stakeholder Process:
Stakeholders, including the Mayor, Chief of Staff, City Council President, Chief Human Resources Officer, and representatives of the City Council, Convention and Visitors Bureau, Regional Business Alliance and Aviation Task Force have been involved in the review of candidates for the position of Director of Aviation and concur with the recommendation for confirmation of Greg Phillips as Director of Aviation.
Alternatives:
Do not approve the proposed resolution.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Move for approval of the proposed resolution confirming appointment of Greg Phillips as Director of Aviation of the Colorado Springs Municipal Airport Enterprise.
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A