Southern Illinois Airport is proud to announce the appointment of Alyssa S. Connell as its new Airport Manager. A third-generation aviator and nationally respected aviation executive, Alyssa has over two decades of leadership experience in aviation business development, general aviation, and strategic aerospace communication.
Alyssa has served the Southern Illinois Airport Authority 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 make her uniquely qualified to lead one of the nation’s premier general aviation airports.
In addition to her operational expertise, she has overseen event planning, budgeting, staffing, compliance, capital improvement planning and stakeholder communications. Her leadership has been central to maintaining regulatory excellence, improving service delivery, and positioning the airport for long-term strategic growth.
“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 retires March 31 after a 46-year tenure of service at Southern Illinois Airport, praised her appointment, saying: “Alyssa has the drive, experience, and heart to take this airport to the next level. She has been my steady right hand guiding our vision. Her leadership is exactly what this airport – and this region – needs for a bright and sustainable future.”
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 keynote speaker in aviation leadership circles.
Throughout her career, Alyssa has helped grow aviation businesses, led national-scale marketing initiatives for global aerospace brands and mentored countless aviation professionals. She is known for her passion for airport excellence, her commitment to community and her belief that aviation is a field without limits.
Alyssa is an active member of numerous aviation and economic development organizations. She holds memberships in the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA), National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). She holds Lifetime Membership with Women in Aviation International (WAI) and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). Additionally, she contributes to local and regional progress through her involvement with the Jackson Growth Alliance, SI Now and Carbondale Economic Development. Her active engagement in both national aviation associations and local development groups exemplifies her well-rounded approach to leadership – balancing operational excellence with community collaboration.
