Dave Schaumburg spends a lot of time thinking about the carpet at the airport.

Originally opened in 2009, the current terminal at Springfield-Branson National Airport has more than 250,000 square feet, covered mostly in its iconic water, grass and stone abstract designs. But after 15 years and millions of travelers, the airport’s flooring and footprint are about to experience a dramatic change.

As assistant director of aviation, Dave Schaumburg oversees the infrastructure of the region’s busiest airport. And in the next 10 years, SGF Airport could double the annual travelers it saw in 2018. And, the airport will invest tens of millions of dollars to improve and expand to better serve more and more passengers.

Up first: a 250,000-square-foot expansion of the terminal ramp, increasing the concrete slab under the entire commercial terminal. The project was made possible by a $6.5 million grant from the FAA, thanks to an effort led by Schaumburg.

“By expanding the terminal ramp, we then have the infrastructure for the Airport Master Plan to really take off,” he says, surrounded by renderings of airport improvements.

“The experience, the amenities, even an outdoor patio next to a bar overlooking the airfield—they all have the possibility to change and better serve our community.”

After the added concrete settles in 2025, the infrastructure improvements could begin. Schaumburg is considering a three-story parking garage to the west of the current commercial terminal. Once that’s complete, Dave’s dream project begins: a terminal expansion that would add up to six more gates, and with them, more travelers—and maybe, eventually, more connections and airlines.

“Dave is forward-thinking, which has paid off as the airport has experienced tremendous growth,” says Joy Latimer, Airport Legal Counsel. “SGF has repeatedly exceeded even the highest projected passenger numbers, and there is no end in sight. Dave has been and will continue to be instrumental in meeting the airport’s needs.”

No matter the runway to the next project, Schaumburg never stops pursuing innovation for SGF.

“Any thriving city in America is going to have a thriving airport,” he says. “Springfield is a thriving city and deserves a thriving airport. It’s the first impression of our entire community, and our community deserves the best.”