Frank Miller, who has been the City of San Antonio’s Aviation Director since May 2009, has resigned from his position, according to a City news release sent out Monday night.
Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. General Noel Thomas Jones will fill the position for one year while the City conducts a national search for a permanent director.
“Effectively immediately, Frank Miller has resigned from the City of San Antonio,” stated City Manager Sheryl Sculley in the release. “We thank him for his contributions to the San Antonio International Airport and wish him well in future endeavors.”
Management of the Aviation department and day-to-day operations of the international and Stinson Municipal airports have been led by Assistant City Manger Carlos Contreras since August at Sculley’s request. That move came amid reports that senior City officials were not satisfied with the number of nonstop flights to and from San Antonio International, especially compared to those at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, which has been capturing some of San Antonio’s business with its offering of more nonstop destinations and lower ticket prices in some instances.
Miller’s resignation comes amid a period of transition and heightened focus on the airport and its impact on economic development efforts. The temporary parking garage is undergoing an upgrade as part of a $165.6 million rental car center project, and city and business leaders have amped up efforts to recruit more nonstop flights here. City Council unanimously approved in November increased fee waivers and other incentives to lure more airlines to San Antonio International Airport, a move that officials hope will mean more service and more nonstop flights to major business and pleasure travel destinations.
Jones, who retired from the Air Force on Sept. 1, 2015, is a 1980 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy.
“(He) has held numerous leadership positions overseeing airfields in the Air Force, and I am confident in his ability to lead the Aviation Department,” Sculley stated
*Top image: Aviation Director Frank Miller gives opening remarks to the re-dedication of Chuck Ramirez’s public art display in SAT on Sept. 14, 2015. Photo by Scott Ball.
Related Stories:
San Antonio Airport Working Group Aims to Improve Service
Council OKs Toyota Field Deal, Airline Incentives, Highrise Fire Safety
SAT Announces Two New Nonstop Flights
Officials Celebrate Construction of new Airport Parking, Rental Car Facility
Hello The Rivard Report.
Do you not find it the very least intriguing that one of our country’s most highly regarded aviation directors has resigned from our city’s international airport?
. . . Perhaps just a wee bit more curious?
Best wishes for better researched reporting in this new year.
CG
Chassis
Just because we reported the after hours press release of his departure in a timely manner doesn’t mean we are not reporting a deeper story. That might not overcome your cynicism, but it’s an accurate reflection of what is up here. Thanks, RR