SAFFORD — The first shake-up at the City of Safford has been announced since last week’s change in leadership.
On Wednesday, the city announced it is accepting applications for the position of manager of the Safford Regional Airport.
Cameron Atkins had been serving as manager of Safford Regional Airport-1Lt Duane Spalsbury Field since August 2022. He spearheaded the effort to bring commercial air service to Safford, which ran from January to September of this year. The program ended when grant funding ran out.
He also created the Safford Air Fair in 2023 and he organized the Safford Air Show at the airport in 2024 and 2025.
The job posting lists the salary range as $31-$46 per hour, and the airport manager will report to the Public Works director/city engineer.
The airport manager previously reported to the City Manager. Assistant City Manager Eric Bejarano is currently serving as interim city manager while the City Council begins the process to select a permanent city manager.
On Monday, Dec. 8, the City Council voted 4-3 to terminate without cause the employment of City Manager John Cassella.
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 3:11 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, to correct the rate of pay and chain of command for the position.
