08 - Appointment of John Strahan as the Airport Manager-Fixed Based Operator

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Item No. 8 TO: Mayor, Mayor Pro -Tem & City Council FROM: Grayson Path, City Manager SUBJECT: Airport Manager Appointment of John Paul "Paul" Strahan City Municipal Code Section 10.04.003 DATE: October 11, 2021 BACKGROUND: The City of Paris created a new full-time Airport Manager / FBO position following the announcement of the third -party contractor's retirement this summer of 2021. With the approval of the City Council, it became the task of the City Manager to seek out and select an appropriate candidate to fill this position. A copy of the Job Description is found below. The City Manager worked with Sandy Collard, Human Resource and Civil Service Director, to serve as an Interview Team. A total of nine individuals applied and all nine were interviewed. STATUS OF ISSUE: When implementing this process, I unfortunately did not take note of City Code 10.04.003 as I am used to City Charter Section 23 with the appointment of Department Heads. As the Airport Manager / FBO is not a Department Head, I did not bring my selected candidate to the City Council for approval. But, I recently realized what 10.04.003 states and therefore, after the fact, am bringing my selection for Airport Manager / FBO to you. I am pleased to present to you John Paul "Paul" Strahan as my selection for Airport Manager / FBO. Mr. Strahan was most recently serving as the Airport Operations Supervisor and Interim Airport Manager of the Shreveport Downtown Airport. He has 22 years of Airport Management and Operations experience. He has displayed a great depth of knowledge and understanding that matches the job description. He is currently seeking his Master Degree in Aerospace Management. I am very impressed with this individual, both in his experience as well as his character. He possesses the right combination of potential, experience, attitude, energy, professionalism and