New leadership installed at MTAA as airport chief retires
The Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority announced Aug. 18 that Curtis Sneden, the authority's director of development since 2023, has been named president and chief executive officer effective immediately. The appointment follows the retirement of Eric Johnson, who has served the authority since 2006 and led it as president since 2008.
The MTAA owns and operates Topeka Regional Airport, Philip Billard Municipal Airport and the Topeka Regional Business Center. The authority is governed by a volunteer board with members appointed by Shawnee County and the city of Topeka.
- New CEO: Curtis Sneden, MTAA director of development (2023–2026)
- Predecessor: Eric Johnson, MTAA employee since 2006, president since 2008
- Governing body: five-member volunteer board including appointees from Shawnee County and Topeka
Board chairman Sam Sutton said the position was filled after a "nationwide selection process involving many qualified candidates," and highlighted Sneden's three years as director of development as a major factor in the decision. The board emphasized that Sneden's vision and accomplishments during that period made him the preferred candidate to guide the authority forward.
"We are setting a new trajectory and I am excited to lead it," Sneden said in the MTAA news release announcing his appointment.
What the change means for Topeka
Leadership transitions at the MTAA carry practical consequences for the city's transportation capacity and economic strategy. The authority oversees two public airports and a business center that are frequently cited in regional development plans and site-selection conversations. As president and CEO, Sneden will be responsible for strategic direction, development efforts and the overall executive management of these assets.
Sneden brings to the role a background in local economic organizations. Before joining MTAA, he served as president of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce and held a senior executive position with the Greater Topeka Partnership. His local experience connects him with civic and business stakeholders who often collaborate with the authority on development projects and air service initiatives.
| Role | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| President & CEO | Overall executive management; strategic direction; development for MTAA facilities |
| Board of Directors | Policy oversight; appointing authority; community representation |
The governing board named in the MTAA release includes chairman Sam Sutton, vice chairman Carlos Cortez, and members Brian Armstrong, Tony Emerson and Michael Munson. Two of the board members are appointed by the Shawnee County Commission and three are appointed by Topeka's mayor and confirmed by the city council, reflecting a mix of county and municipal oversight.
Transition and community outlook
The board expressed appreciation for Johnson's nearly two decades with the authority, citing his guidance through "significant changes" and his contributions to operations and development. The release from the MTAA thanked him for his service while looking ahead to new initiatives under Sneden's leadership.
For Topeka residents and businesses, the immediate questions will center on how the MTAA's priorities may shift with new leadership, particularly around efforts to attract more air service, expand business park activity and leverage airport facilities for economic growth. With Sneden's local background and recent role in airport development, the MTAA is signaling continuity coupled with a push for renewed growth.
As president and CEO, Sneden will be expected to work with municipal officials, Shawnee County leaders and regional partners to implement the MTAA's strategic plans and to pursue opportunities that affect air connectivity and local commerce.
Community stakeholders and elected officials will likely monitor the new administration's first moves — staffing decisions, project prioritization and outreach to carriers and businesses — as indicators of the authority's direction under Sneden.
The MTAA news release announcing the appointment did not include a detailed transition timeline or specific projects tied to the leadership change. The authority's future statements and board meeting agendas will offer the public additional insight into Sneden's agenda and the MTAA's next steps.
