MTAA Hires Curtis Sneden as Inaugural Director of Development
The Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority (MTAA) announced the hiring of Curtis Sneden as its Director of Economic Development. Mr. Sneden brings a wealth of experience to the MTAA from his tenure as president of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce and a real estate attorney for Payless ShoeSource. During his time with the Topeka Chamber and Greater Topeka Partnership (GTP), Mr. Sneden provided invaluable strategic leadership, while working with community leaders to facilitate growth and economic development throughout Shawnee County.
“After an extensive and focused search for a director of economic development, the MTAA Board is excited to select a candidate of the caliber of Curtis Sneden,” said Eric Johnson, president of the MTAA. “I was pleased with the depth and quality of candidates who applied for the position, which included national candidates with substantial experience in economic development. Curtis stood above them all as a valued leader of this community who achieved remarkable successes during his tenure with the GTP. We are extremely excited to welcome him to the MTAA.”
“The MTAA has entered an exciting and critical time in its existence. Our airports, Topeka Regional Airport and Billard Airport, are important assets for our community and the MTAA Board of Directors is committed to diligently and aggressively pursuing meaningful economic development which will result in an influx of investment and job creation in our community. The hiring of a director of economic development is a key step in the MTAA’s strategic plan. Curtis is a proven leader with a track record that speaks for itself. The Board firmly believes that Curtis is a talented and capable leader who will work with community leaders at the local, state and federal level to recruit and develop job growth and investment at our airports,” said Lisa Stubbs, chair of the MTAA Board of Directors.
“This position affords me the opportunity to help our community’s aviation assets realize their fullest potential. I believe our airports, Topeka Regional Airport and Billard Airport, have jaw-dropping potential to ignite prosperity throughout our community. That said, leaving the GTP team will be tough. Matt Pivarnik has proven to be a true friend and leader. He has made no secret of his reluctance to see me leave the GTP but he has never wavered in encouraging me to take this step if it was right for me and in providing wise counsel when I needed it. I will not be going far, and I look forward to continuing to work with the GTP and our local, state and federal leaders in pursuing meaningful economic development at our airports,” said Curtis Sneden.
“While we’ll miss Curtis around the office, I’m grateful to see him remain on Team Topeka and know he’ll do incredible work in this new capacity to move the needle on some tough challenges,” said Matt Pivarnik, CEO of The Partnership. “This is a decision Curtis hasn’t taken lightly. The skills he’s developed over the years as a chamber representative and business advocate in our community will no doubt prove invaluable in this new role. I look forward to collaborating with him in new ways for the betterment of all Topeka and Shawnee County.”
Sneden joined the staff of the Topeka Chamber in September 2014. He helped design and create the Greater Topeka Partnership and stepped into the role of Chamber President in 2019. He holds degrees from Kansas State University and the Washburn University School of Law.
