Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport & Technology Center Welcomes New Airport Manager

Jan. 12, 2022
Steve Miller plans to build on BKV’s momentum as an award-winning general aviation airport and a center of community economic development.

Steve Miller, C.M. joined Brooksville–Tampa Bay Regional Airport & Technology Center (BKV) as the new airport manager, effective Dec. 27, 2021. Miller succeeds Kevin Daugherty, who accepted a position as director of airports at Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority.

Miller brings airport leadership experience earned over a 25-year career in general and commercial aviation. As airport director for the Town of Marana, Arizona, since 2012, Miller ran a regional airport classified as a reliever for Tucson International. “I like the variety of flight operations found in general aviation (GA) airports; from recreational to military, jets to helicopters and everything in between, it’s always interesting,” Miller said.

Close collaboration with economic development has been a hallmark of Miller’s career, particularly for the Town of Marana, Arizona. Miller stated “I was drawn to the fact that BKV is a center of commerce as well as an award-winning airport. For a GA airport to be self-sufficient is not that common; often, they’re like sidewalks – necessary but more of a cost center and not necessarily a big revenue generator.”

“The team at BKV has done a tremendous job operating and improving this airport,” Miller said. “I’m excited to step in and build on that momentum.”

“Steve has the right blend of relevant management experience and airport planning successes to maximize BKV’s business potential. He shares our overall vision,” stated Valerie Pianta, economic development director. “I am delighted to welcome him aboard.”

Miller is a Certified Airport Executive, awarded Arizona Airports Association Airport Executive of the Year in 2017. From grant administration to airport operations, project management, security, and amenities, Miller’s experience ensures he is a good fit for BKV. He holds a degree in Aviation Management from Southern Illinois University and a Commercial Pilot’s License. Previous employment includes United Airlines, Delta Air Lines. Columbia Metropolitan Airport (South Carolina), Lebanon Airport (New Hampshire), Tucson Airport Authority (Arizona), and Marana Regional Airport (Arizona).

Miller is pleased to pursue his career in Florida, citing its strong aviation presence, “I’m happy to step into this role at BKV. It’s very much why I pursued a career in airport management. Here, I’ll be able to apply all elements of my professional background, and then some.”

About Brooksville – Tampa Bay Regional Airport & Technology Center

BKV’s 2400-acre campus is home to more than aircraft and aviation-related businesses. The high ratio of non-aeronautical enterprises helps drive economic growth and sustainability. In addition to aviation and aerospace jobs, over two thousand people work at a variety of firms from industrial to advanced manufacturing and technology. The vibrant BKV business ecosystem is a magnet for top workforce talent.

An abundance of premium land for development means that even large businesses with footprints exceeding 300,000sf enjoy room to expand. North of Tampa on Florida’s central Gulf Coast, BKV is convenient to the Suncoast Parkway and other major routes.