Plymouth Airport Commission to sign contract with Collins Foundation for manager search; residents press for internal candidate

The Plymouth Airport Commission said June 4 it will engage the Collins Foundation to conduct a professional search for a permanent airport manager and Chairman Kenneth Fosdick said he has the contract and will sign it.

At the meeting Fosdick said a vote at a prior meeting authorized him to sign the contract. When a resident asked what the Collins Foundation is, Fosdick replied that it is part of UMass Boston and that the search contract will be paid from the airport enterprise fund.

Several residents urged consideration of Acting Manager Brendan Nordahl for the permanent role. Resident Art Cuervels asked why the commission would use a headhunter "when they already have a man who is doing a very good job, and that he wants the job." Fosdick responded that the commission is not necessarily seeking "someone better," but wants to run a professional process and make sure they have spoken to any qualified candidates.

Commission staff said Nordahl has been serving as acting manager and performing duties of the role while the commission pursues a permanent hire. The commission did not take a new vote at the June 4 meeting; Fosdick indicated he would sign the previously authorized search contract and the commission will proceed with the search process.