Southern Illinois Airport manager Gary R. Shafer will retire in March according to a news release from the Southern Illinois Airport. 

Shafer began his tenure in 1979 and at the time of his retirement – effective March 31, 2025 – will have spent 46 years with the airport, 44 as airport manager. He has served as one of only two managers in the airport’s 74 years of existence and is one of the longest-serving airport managers in the country, according to the release. 

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Shafer is a licensed pilot and attended school at Florida Tech, Ohio State University and Southern Illinois University. He taught several undergraduate and graduate-level courses in aviation at SIU for over 25 years. 

Under Shafer’s leadership, the airport has grown to 1,200 acres, doubling in size, as well as tripling its buildings to 30, according to the release. During his tenure was the addition of a third runway making it the fourth busiest airport in Illinois. He has attracted over $120 million in facility improvements supported by federal and state grant funds. Currently, 20 tenants call the airport home including Southern Illinois University’s Aviation and Automotive programs. 

In his career, Shafer was involved in several professional programs including the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), Transportation Research Board’s Airport Cooperative Research Program (TRB/ACRP) and the National Air Transportation Association. 

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“It has been the honor and privilege of my life to represent the Southern Illinois Airport for the past 46 years,” Shafer said in a statement. “…We have accomplished a lot together and I am proud of our achievements.” 

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