EVERETT — Paine Field’s interim director, Joshua Marcy, has been tapped to serve as the airport’s permanent director.
Marcy, Paine Field’s former deputy director, replaced Arif Ghouse who left in February to become the chief operating officer for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Ghouse had led the Snohomish County owned airport since 2014.
County Executive Dave Somers said Marcy was selected after a nationwide search. His appointment must be confirmed by the Snohomish County Council.
Marcy has more than 20 years experience in the aviation industry. He has been at Paine Field since May 2021.
“I am excited and honored to take on the role of Airport Director for Snohomish County,” Marcy said in a statement. “I am committed to taking our airport into the future by fostering collaboration with our public and private partners and ensuring that we continue to provide excellent customer service to our aviation and surrounding communities. My goal is to continue to reinforce our airport as a leader in the aviation industry, and I am excited to work alongside our world-class team to achieve this vision.”
The airport supports nearly 155,000 jobs in the region and has a total annual economic impact of $60 billion, according to a recent state Department of Transportation study.
The privately built and operated passenger terminal at Paine Field has served more than 2 million travelers since opening in March 2019.
More changes at the airfield could be in store.
Paine Field has taken center stage in the recent quest to expand the region’s commercial passenger service footprint.
Demand for air travel is expected to outstrip the region’s current capacity in the next decade.
The airfield is home to The Boeing Co.’s massive assembly plant, which produces the 767, KC-46 tanker and 777 series aircraft — and soon, some of the company’s single-aisle planes. The jet manufacturer announced earlier this year that it will begin building some 737 MAX airplanes at the Everett factory next year.
The airport will also be the site of a new research and development center for the testing and development of sustainable aviation fuel.
The center, a joint effort by Washington State University and Snohomish County, was announced in March.
The facility will collect and test sustainable aviation fuel samples for safety, performance and chemical similarity to conventional jet fuel. It is expected to open by 2027.
Paine Field is also one of the county’s top tourist draws. The Boeing Future of Flight Aviation Center, Museum of Flight Restoration Center and the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum are nearby attractions. The Flying Heritage museum, closed for three years, is expected to open this summer under new ownership.
“We are continually looking at ways to make Paine Field stronger and more diverse,” Somers said in a statement. “Joshua Marcy is the best person to lead Paine Field as we continue to support the growth and innovation at the heart of our aerospace industry.”
Janice Podsada: 425-339-3097; jpodsada@heraldnet.com;
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