CARBONDALE, Illinois — Gary R. Shafer, manager of the Southern Illinois Airport (KMDH), has announced his retirement, effective March 31, 2025.
Shafer has dedicated 45 years to the airport, with 43 of those years as airport manager. With only two airport managers in the airport’s 74-year history, Shafer is recognized as one of the longest-serving airport managers in the United States, according to airport officials.
Under Gary’s leadership, the Southern Illinois Airport has experienced significant growth and development. Since he began his tenure in 1979, Gary has been instrumental in attracting more than $120 million in facility improvements, supported by substantial federal and state grant funds, officials added.
The airport’s campus has doubled in size to 1,200 acres and tripled its number of buildings to 30. Today, 20 tenants, including the Southern Illinois University Aviation and Automotive programs, the National Guard Readiness Center, a restaurant and brewery, and several aviation industry service providers, including a major airline aircraft maintenance firm, call the airport home.
A milestone during Gary’s tenure was the addition of a third runway, airport officials said.
“As a result of these efforts, Southern Illinois Airport now ranks as the fourth busiest airport in the state of Illinois,” officials added.
A pilot, Gary has an extensive background in aviation education, having taught undergraduate and graduate-level aviation courses at Southern Illinois University for over 25 years. His teaching career spanned both the Carbondale campus and various off-campus locations across the country until his retirement from teaching in 2023.
For more information: SIAirport.com
I congratulate you sir upon your retirement . I can only wish that there were other managers in my area of north Fl that were as dedicated as you that would have the same results here at our airports . No hangar space ,what they have is over priced and on a long long waiting list with always the same excuse “not much they can do about it” sad indeed. with many wanting to obtain an Aircraft but not realistic if one has NO WHERE to hangar said Aircraft AND with no new real estate even for a simple tie down …sad in deed . Not to mention large Hangars that are kept empty with no reasonable excuse as to why that is . Enjoy your retirement and please excuse my rant of North Fl lackies. signed … Frustrated in North Fl.
Congratulations, Gary, and thank you for your hard work dedication for so many years!
You have truly made a difference in so many ways. Now it’s time to get out and enjoy your well-deserved retirement, hopefully by spending some quality time in the air.