Matthew Smith has been selected as administrator for the Glendale Airport.

Smith has worked in the aeronautics field for more than 20 years, and joins the city of Glendale after serving as the Airport Manager at the Grand Canyon National Park Airport in Tusayan.

“Glendale is growing and I am excited to lead the effort of planning how our airport will grow as well,” Smith shared in a news released. “I am pleased to join a city with a strong strategic plan for growth and an incredible team focused on mapping out the future of the airport.”

The airport is located at 6801 N. Glen Harbor Blvd.

As airport administrator, Smith will oversee the day-to-day tasks of the airport and have direct oversight of the operating budget and capital improvement program. He will prepare both short and long-term plans for the airport and the open acreage on the east side of the airport. He will work closely with current airport tenants and prospective developers.

“We are excited to bring Matt on board during what will be a very pivotal time over the next five to 10 years for the city’s airport,” Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps stated. “His qualifications and experience are an excellent fit for the city as we get ready to aggressively pursue expansion and development of our airport and the surrounding area.”

Smith spent the last four years as the Airport Manager at Grand Canyon National Park Airport where he oversaw their five-year capital improvement program, negotiated leases with various tenants and raised money for the airport with $6 million in FAA funding and $7 million in COVID relief grants.

Before that, he worked in various capacities with ADOT’s Aeronautics Division, the Yuma County Airport Authority, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), America West Airlines and Williams-Gateway Airport.

Smith began his new role with the city on Oct. 31.