After 31 years with the city of Phoenix, the final eight of which were as director of the aviation department, Danny Murphy is retiring.
His last day will be Oct. 30. Tamie Fisher, assistant aviation director, will become acting aviation director, becoming the first female to lead the department since the city took ownership of Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) in 1935.
Murphy’s retirement was announced just 10 days before his scheduled departure from the aviation department. Deputy Aviation Director Deborah Ostreicher says the quick and quiet announcement is typical of Murphy’s desire to keep a low profile.
Nevertheless, Murphy is a major force in the U.S. airport industry.
Todd Hauptli, president and CEO of the American Association of Airport Executives, says Murphy “leaves an enduring legacy that will be evident for many years to come.”
“Danny Murphy is a Phoenix institution, and the list of accomplishments he has compiled over his 31 years of service is extensive and impressive,” Hauptli says, noting that Murphy and his colleagues “have successfully navigated through periods of uncertainty and significant industry change to build critical infrastructure and ensure that Sky Harbor International Airport remains a thriving transportation asset that is well positioned to serve the community and the region for many years to come.”
Fisher is no stranger to the top spot at PHX. According to Ostreicher, in October 2013, Murphy was temporarily transferred to work in the city manager’s department, and Fisher was named acting aviation director at that time. Murphy returned to his role at the airport in April.
Ostreicher says Fisher will be acting aviation director “for the time being.”
“A recruitment has not been announced,” Ostreicher says. “Things are moving kind of fast so Tamie will be the acting director until further notice.”
Ostreicher added that the city will conduct a national search before making a permanent appointment.
Fisher is faced with a busy calendar over the next several months as PHX concurrently takes on Phase 1 of its Terminal 3 modernization, begins its retail overhaul in Terminal 4 and prepares for the opening of Phase 1a of its Sky Train, which will continue the line from the Terminal 4 station to a Terminal 3 station, with a continuing walkway to Terminal 2.
Murphy joined the city of Phoenix in 1983. His previous roles include chief information officer, water services director, and acting deputy and assistant city manager. Airport Revenue News named him Director of the Year in the large/medium category in 2010.
“I am proud to have served this community throughout my career,” he says. “I’ve never met such dedicated, hard-working people.”
Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton says the city is in a better place because of Murphy’s leadership.
“We will all miss him greatly and count on him to remain an active member of this community,” he says.
