Menu
Meeting with the new airport manager
Various city officials assembled Monday to meet and welcome the man who will soon take over managing operations at the Fort Scott Municipal Airport.
Members of the Airport Advisory Board, Fort Scott City Commission and other city leaders met for an informal gathering to meet Seth Simpson, who is currently spending time at the airport and will officially start in the position by the end of the year. Simpson, who lives in Fort Scott, will replace longtime airport manager, Kenny Howard.
Howard, who has worked with the city for about 18 years, said Simpson served as an intern at the airport about 10 years ago and will be a “good fit” at the airport. Howard’s retirement is effective Dec. 31.
“I think Seth will be a good fit out here,” Howard said. “He has experience as an air traffic controller … I think the transition will be easy for him. I think he’ll do really well.”
Simpson said the Monday gathering was about meeting people he will be working with, as well as learning more about the airport facility. He said working with Howard in the past has been beneficial as he prepares to take on the position.
“Today was about a knowledge transfer, touring the facility and meeting people,” he said. “Kenny has shared his plans for the future. He knows so much and has so many connections.”
Bill Waldron, pilot and member of the airport board, said he had not met Simpson prior to Monday, but the board has discussed Simpson’s background and experience. Howard had recommended Simpson’s hiring.
“I don’t know him that well, but I’m glad to welcome him here,” Waldron said. “I will miss Kenny severely, because he’s been there … I’m well pleased with the selection.”
Waldron said Howard provides the board with updates on happenings at the airport.
Simpson, who city officials said should start in the position sometime in December, said he has a background in aviation, which includes a private pilot license and aviation degree. He has nine years of experience as an air traffic controller and 12 years aviation experience.
“I have a job in the National Guard as an airfield operations manager,” he said, adding that job involves managing air traffic and airfield operations.
Simpson graduated from FSHS in 2002, then studied aviation science at Utah Valley University, and aeronautics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He has worked as an air traffic controller for the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force.
After college, he entered the military and at the time wasn’t sure what type of career he wanted to pursue. He was also trying to start a family.
“We got to get out and see the world (in the military),” Simpson said. “We enjoyed our time, but I wanted to be close to family. Kenny retired and the job opened up and we came back.”
See the print or online edition of the Tribune for complete story.