Pinellas County has named Mark Sprague as the new director of St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) as the facility continues to expand amid rising passenger traffic.
County Administrator Barry Burton announced that Sprague will serve as the PIE’s director on Monday, elevating the longtime airport official who has helped oversee operations and long-term planning for more than a decade.
Sprague has worked at PIE since 2015, first serving as deputy director before stepping into the interim director role. During that time, he helped guide the airport’s strategic planning, managed daily and emergency operations, and oversaw construction planning for a new terminal building and parking structure. His career in aviation spans 25 years, including flying as an Airline Transport Pilot for both Comair and Spirit airlines and working in airport operations at both Ronald Reagan Washington National and Washington Dulles International airports.
PIE, located in Pinellas County, serves as a key commercial airport for the Tampa Bay region and has experienced rapid growth in recent years, driven largely by low-cost carriers and expanding leisure travel.
Sprague’s appointment comes as the airport continues to grow and expand infrastructure to accommodate rising passenger demand. The airport announced that PIE’s 13th consecutive record-breaking month was in February, with 199,927 passengers – a 3% increase over February 2025. Year-to-date, PIE has seen a 3% increase in passenger traffic compared to last year, when it shattered its all-time passenger record, up 14% over 2024.
Sprague brings roughly 25 years of aviation experience to the role. Earlier in his career, he worked as an Airline Transport Pilot flying for both Comair and Spirit Airlines before transitioning into airport operations. He later held operational roles at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport.
Burton said that Sprague’s background in operational analytics, emergency response, and compliance with federal aviation regulations positions him to guide the airport’s next phase of development.
“Mark melds diverse work experience in the pilot seat, the boardroom and the community to keep our airport operations safe, efficient and productive,” Burton said in a statement. “His expertise in operational analytics, emergency response, FAA and TSA compliance, and stakeholder engagement positions him to lead PIE into its next phase of growth and service excellence.”
