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New Southern Illinois Airport Manager Brings Lifelong Love of Aviation to Role

Southern Illinois Airport
Brian Sapp
Southern Illinois Airport

Alyssa Connell took over the role of manager of Southern Illinois Airport on April 1st. She replaced Gary Shafer who served the airport for 46 years.

In this In Focus report, WSIU talked with Connell about her new role, what happens at the airport - on and off the runway, and about the airport's future. Connell explains how she grew up around aviation and her joys in being to work in a field that she loves.

Brian Sapp joined the WSIU News team in January 2025. He is a graduate of Southern Illinois University.
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