Dec. 19--HARLINGEN -- The board tasked with overseeing the operations at Valley International Airport has a new member.

Mayor Rick Rodriguez appointed local resident James Springfield to the board last week, a decision Rodriguez said would benefit VIA.

"(Springfield) brings a wealth of talent and experience to the airport board," he said.

"He's shown his ability to lead, and his business acumen will be instrumental in developing growth and expansion that is planned for the airport."

Springfield, who is filling the seat left vacant by the resigning Gordon Hall, will serve on the five-member board that oversees long-range policies and strategies for VIA.

Springfield, who also serves as the president and chief executive officer of Valley Baptist Health System, said in a news release that he is eager to begin work on the VIA board.

"Since moving to Harlingen four years ago, I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to serve on a variety of boards and committees," Springfield said.

"This appointment to the airport board has to rank as one of the more important."

Springfield also acknowledged the importance of the airport's role in the city's growth and development.

"The work of this board is so critical to the future of Harlingen," he said.

"I am honored to have been appointed along with the great group of people serving on this board and look forward to working with them on the business of the Valley International Airport."

Springfield also continues to serve on the boards of the Texas Hospital Association, the American Hospital Association, the Texas Institute for Health Policy and Research as well as Voluntary Hospitals of America.