Butch Roberts, CEO of the Huntsville-Madison County Airport Authority, has announced his retirement after serving the airport and Port of Huntsville for 40 years.
Amy Murphree, who has served as chief legal officer for the Port of Huntsville since 2019, will assume the chief executive role on Jan. 1, 2027.
“Butch’s steady leadership has guided the Port of Huntsville through a period of tremendous growth and opportunity,” said Joey Ceci, chair of the Port of Huntsville board of directors. “Through strategic planning and sound business judgment, Butch has ensured that the Port of Huntsville can keep up with the needs of our fast-growing community. The culture he has built will continue to keep customer service at the forefront of our core values.”
Under Roberts’ tenure as CEO, the Port of Huntsville has obtained a license from the Federal Aviation Administration to land a commercial space vehicle at the airport; added nonstop flights to Tampa, Orlando, Las Vegas, New York City, Fort Lauderdale and Gulf Shores; added Allegiant Air as a carrier; and increased passenger traffic by more than 40%. In addition, the airport was named the No. 1 Best Small Airport in the U.S. by Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards for two consecutive years.
He also oversaw several capital improvement projects including a $12 million expansion and renovation of Signature Aviation; the construction of a 111,000-square-foot maintenance, repair and overhaul facility; and extensive renovations to the concourse and terminal building. In addition, the Port of Huntsville broke ground on a $16.5 million Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Station and a $59 million parking garage addition.
“I am fortunate to have had a long and deeply rewarding career here at the Port of Huntsville,” Roberts said. “After careful consideration and planning, I am ready to retire knowing that I am leaving the Port of Huntsville team in capable hands under the leadership of Amy Murphree.”
Murphree has a Master of Laws in Taxation and a Juris Doctor from the University of Alabama School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in commerce and business administration from the University of Alabama. She also holds the Accredited Airport Executive designation from the American Association of Airport Executives. She is a member of the Airports Council International – North America Legal Affairs Steering Group. She also is a graduate of Leadership Greater Huntsville Flagship Program, Class L-36.
“Amy’s qualifications, experience and demonstrated leadership abilities make her an excellent choice for CEO,” Ceci said.
