By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – The first domino from the termination of former Safford City Manager John Cassella has fallen, and now the city is also searching for a new airport manager.
Former Safford Regional Airport – 1LT Duane Spalsbury, Field Director Cameron Atkins, has resigned from his position. On Wednesday, the city of Safford listed the airport manager position on its website as open until filled. The pay range is $64,480 to $95,813 annually.
When contacted by the Gila Herald, Atkins acknowledged leaving his position with the city but declined to elaborate further at this time. Safford Interim City Manager Eric Bejarano told the Gila Herald that Atkins resigned to pursue a new opportunity, that the position was posted to ensure airport operations continued, and that the City will move forward with the standard hiring process.
“The City remains committed to supporting continued development at the airport, including efforts related to passenger service and the ongoing work surrounding the Airshow, and the continued operation of the city-owned FBO, Spalsbury Aviation,” Bejarano wrote in an email to the Gila Herald. “These initiatives remain important to the region, and we fully intend to continue pursuing them. Planning for the Airshow is progressing well, and the work already completed will help maintain continuity during this transition.”
The Safford City Council previously voted 4-3 at its Dec. 8 meeting to terminate former Safford City Manager John Cassella without cause, allowing him to draw his complete severance package, including a year’s salary (approximately $190,000) and health care. The council elevated Bejarano from Assistant City Manager to Interim City Manager to serve in the role while it begins recruitment for a permanent city manager.
Bejarano was previously selected as Assistant City Manager in June 2024, after serving as Director of the Eastern Arizona College Small Business Development Center.
Atkins had been at the airport since August 2022. During his tenure he spearheaded numerous construction projects at the airport, updated the pilots lounge, brought back commercial air service for the first time in 50 years (which was later canceled by the Safford City Council due to lack of grant funding), handled the adjustment of the city taking over as the fixed-base operator (FBO) at the airport from Ponderosa Aviation and organized and produced the Safford Air Show for the past two years. Atkins recently was rubbing elbows with a variety of pilots at a convention and had announced commitments for initial performers at the planned air show in 2026, including repeat performers Torrey Ward with Microjet Airshows and Anthony Oshinuga and his Pitts S-1 biplane, along with new performers, including Vampire Airshows and Kirby Chambliss and his Red Bull plane.
Earlier this year, Safford Regional Airport was awarded Airport of the Year for Aviation Safety.
