Todd Coleman, the first director of S3R3 Solutions, is leaving the West Plains Public Development Authority for a new, unspecified job opportunity.

The PDA, which includes 9,500 acres encompassing Spokane International Airport, has named Gerry Gemmill as its interim director, according to an S3R3 press release.

A national search will be conducted for a permanent replacement, says Larry Krauter, S3R3 board chairman and Spokane International Airport CEO.

Gemmill, a former S3R3 board member, retired as the Spokane County CEO two years ago after working nearly 40 years for the county. He couldn’t be reached immediately for comment.

S3R3 originally was formed in 2017 through a partnership between Spokane County, the city of Spokane, and Spokane International Airport as the West Plains-Airport Area Public Development Authority to target manufacturing, aerospace, and distribution development in an effort to increase the number of living-wage jobs here. 

Under Coleman’s leadership, S3R3 has played a role in expanding infrastructure, completing the Amazon Air facility at the airport, and establishing a wetlands mitigation bank to facilitate development opportunities, Krauter says.

Coleman was unable to be reached immediately regarding his future plans. Minutes from the July 14 S3R3 board meeting show that Coleman tendered his resignation on July 11 to be effective today, Monday Sept. 12.

S3R3’s board includes Krauter, Spokane County Commissioner Al French, and Spokane City Council President Breean Beggs.