CARBONDALE, ILL – The Southern Illinois Airport Authority has appointed Alyssa S. Connell its manager to replace longtime manager, Gary Shafer, who has retired. A third-generation aviator and nationally respected aviation executive, Connell has over two decades of leadership experience in aviation business development, general aviation, and strategic aerospace communication.
Connell has served Southern Illinois Airport in a variety of leadership roles since 2014, most recently as assistant airport manager. Her hands-on experience managing FAR Part 139 operations, emergency response, tenant relations, safety management systems, and FBO functions makes her uniquely qualified to lead the airport.
“Taking the helm at Southern Illinois Airport is the honor of a lifetime,” said Connell. “I am deeply grateful to Gary Shafer for his mentorship and for setting a gold standard in airport leadership. His vision helped shape this airport into a nationally recognized operation. I look forward to building on that foundation with a forward-thinking, service-driven approach.”
Gary Shafer, who retired March 31 after 46 years of service at the airport, praised Connell’s appointment.
Alyssa Connell is a doctoral student in Aviation Business Administration at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and holds a master’s in aviation management from Southern Illinois University. She also serves as an instructor of aviation management at SIU and is a nationally sought-after speaker in aviation leadership circles.
Connell holds memberships in the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA), National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), Women in Aviation International (WAI), and Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).
Founded 80 years ago, the Southern Illinois Airport Authority has evolved into one of the Midwest’s most dynamic general aviation airports. Building on the leadership legacy of C. Gene Seibert and the long-standing tenure of Gary R. Shafer, the authority owns and operates Southern Illinois Airport, located just three miles north of Carbondale, Illinois — home to Southern Illinois University (SIU). The airport serves as the headquarters for SIU’s nationally recognized aviation and automotive degree programs.