Nantucket Memorial Airport Commission selects Warren Smith as airport manager

The Nantucket Memorial Airport Commission voted Jan. 14 to extend an offer to Warren Smith for the airport manager position after interviewing two finalists earlier the same day.

Chair Arthur Gasparo opened a discussion after the interviews of Michael Kares and Warren Smith. Commissioners praised both finalists’ qualifications and discussed factors including local experience, regulatory compliance and readiness to relocate. Several commissioners said Smith demonstrated enthusiasm for Nantucket and described successful regulatory and compliance work in prior positions; others praised Kares’ experience and ties to the region.

Commissioner conversation concluded with a motion to offer the job to Warren Smith. The motion was seconded and carried on a roll‑call vote with Commissioners Topham, Planzer, Buscaren, Marks and Chair Gasparo voting aye. The commission then moved into executive session to discuss the terms of the offer and negotiations; the public record shows the commission voted to enter executive session under Massachusetts Open Meeting law clauses for contract negotiations and litigation strategy and did not plan to return to open session that night.

Chair Gasparo and commissioners thanked both finalists and staff for the recruitment process. The commission said it would discuss and finalize offer terms in executive session before contacting the selected candidate.