Mobile, Ala. — To support the successful launch of Mobile International Airport, Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis has nominated former Mayor Sandy Stimpson to serve on the Board of the Mobile Airport Authority.

To open a seat on the MAA board, Treasurer David White has offered to step down after nearly four years of dedicated service to the organization. During that time, White brought more than 40 years of extensive financial experience to the board and helped guide the authority during the construction of the largest project in MAA’s history. A $362 million investment, Mobile International Airport is tracking approximately $19 million under its approved budget today and will open in fall 2026.

“It has been an honor to serve on the Board of Directors of the Mobile Airport Authority and to support the Authority during such a pivotal period for the future of the City of Mobile,” White said. “Mayor Stimpson’s vision and persistence were instrumental in moving Mobile International Airport from concept to construction, and I believe it is both meaningful and beneficial for him to remain directly engaged as this transformational project moves toward completion.”

As the appointing authority for the MAA board, Mayor Cheriogotis has nominated Stimpson to join the board to fill the vacancy created by White’s departure. The Mobile City Council will consider a confirmation of Stimpson’s nomination at its next meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

“I want to express my deep appreciation for David White’s service and steady leadership during an incredibly important period of growth and development for the Mobile Airport Authority,” Mayor Cheriogotis said. “As MAA finishes the construction of the new airport and turns its attention to recruiting carriers and marketing, I know Sandy Stimpson will play a pivotal role. Few people understand the vision and importance of moving passenger services downtown like Sandy does.”

Stimpson, who served 12 years as Mobile’s mayor, was instrumental in championing the relocation of commercial passenger air service from Mobile Regional Airport in West Mobile to Brookley Field in downtown Mobile. For more than a decade, Stimpson worked closely with federal, state and local leaders to secure the approvals and funding necessary to advance this critical project.

Offering a more central location on the Gulf Coast, Mobile International Airport will help attract new carriers, create lower fares and expand direct flight options from Mobile. In addition to providing greater connectivity for Mobilians, bringing a truly international airport to the city’s center will support future tourism growth and economic development across the region.

“Moving passenger air service downtown will be transformational for Mobile, and the progress we’ve made toward this goal is one of my proudest accomplishments as mayor,” Stimpson said. “I am very excited to take a direct role in seeing this critical project to the finish line. I am also extremely grateful to David White for allowing me this opportunity and for his years of service to MAA and Mobile.”