St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) has appointed Ethan Croop, A.A.E., MBA, as Deputy Director overseeing Airport Operations, Facilities, Information Technology, Security, Custodial Services, and Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting.  Croop succeeds Mark Sprague, who was promoted to Airport Director in March 2026.

Croop brings nearly two decades of airport leadership experience to PIE. He began his aviation career after graduating from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2006 and joined the Lee County Port Authority at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in 2008. During his 18-year tenure, he advanced through operational and maintenance leadership roles, most recently serving as Senior Manager of Maintenance Administration, where he oversaw critical airport infrastructure, asset management, and contracted services.

“Ethan’s broad experience in airport operations, facilities management, and strategic planning makes him an outstanding addition to our executive team,” said Airport Director Mark Sprague. “His leadership and industry expertise will help guide PIE as we continue to grow and serve our community.”

Croop holds the prestigious Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) designation from the American Association of Airport Executives and earned an MBA with a concentration in Data Analytics from Florida Gulf Coast University. He has held leadership roles with the Florida Airports Council, Southeast Chapter of AAAE, and AAAE.  His professional achievements have been recognized nationally, including being named one of Airport Business Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” aviation professionals in 2016 and receiving the AAAE William Robert Hauptli Innovation and Entrepreneur Scholarship in 2023.