Phoenix, AZ -- An executive with 23 years experience with the City of Phoenix has been named Acting Aviation Director for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Danny Murphy was recently appointed to the position by Phoenix City Manager Frank Fairbanks. Murphy will fill the seat formerly held by David Krietor, who has been promoted to Phoenix Deputy City Manager.

“Sky Harbor is in great hands,” said Krietor, who began his new position as Deputy City Manager on June 19. “Danny Murphy has run two of the most complex departments in the City of Phoenix, and has done an outstanding job. I am confident that he will do the same at the Phoenix Aviation Department,” he said. Murphy recently served as Acting Director of Phoenix’s Water Services Department with over 1,400 employees, an operating budget of $210 million, and a five year capital improvement program of $1.8 billion. Prior to that, he was the Chief Information Officer and Director of Phoenix’s Information Technology Department where he managed an operating budget of over $37 million and a capital budget of more than $70 million.

Overseeing Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is similar to managing a city, with more than 200,000 visitors per day, police officers and firefighters assigned to the airport, shops, restaurants and 31,000 employees. “The airport is a complex operation, with many internal and external stakeholders,” said Phoenix City Manager, Frank Fairbanks. “Danny is an outstanding manager who will excel in this environment.” As Acting Aviation Director for the City of Phoenix, Murphy now also oversees two general aviation airports, Phoenix Deer Valley and Phoenix Goodyear Airports.

Murphy joins a veteran staff at Phoenix Sky Harbor, including Assistant Aviation Directors Carl Newman and Carol Clements. Newman has 26 years experience in the aviation industry, all at Phoenix Sky Harbor. Carol Clements has been with the City of Phoenix for more than 22 years including more than 11 years with the Phoenix Aviation Department. “There is a wealth of experience at Phoenix Sky Harbor,” said Murphy. “This is a dynamic team and I’m excited to be a part of it.”