Dukes county commissioners applauded Martha’s Vineyard Airport Commission chairman Myron Garfinkle, during their meeting Wednesday evening, after Mr. Garfinkle offered a rosy progress report on several issues at the county-owned airport.

“We’ve worked diligently and have become a formidable team,” Mr. Garfinkle said, referring to the airport commissioners. “It will be a year of significant opportunity for our team.”

Mr. Garfinkle said the airport commission has begun a search for a new manager, following a settlement agreement that ended former manager Sean Flynn’s tenure at the airport. A search committee headed by commission vice-chairman Bob Rosenbaum is asking for two or three members of the public to join the search committee. Mr. Rosenbaum said he is looking for someone with experience in human resources and interviewing, and is not a current employee, vendor, or tenant at the airport.

The airport commission has hired an executive search firm which specializes in finding airport management. The firm, ADK Consulting, is based in Florida.

Mr. Garfinkle outlined several other projects and initiatives underway, in his report to county commissioners, including a request for a quote from developer for a 20 to 30-acre solar farm at the airport. He said the airport commission is moving forward with a new air rescue and firefighting (AARF) building, which will also house snow removal equipment.

The airport has instituted a new personnel evaluation process, is in the process of upgrading computer technology, and has issued a request for proposals for painting the terminal building.

He also said the airport commission is working on a long overdue master plan for the airport.

“We are back on schedule,” Mr. Garfinkle said. “The master plan will be finished by spring.”

The county commissioners also briefly discussed new appointments to the airport commission.

Current commissioners Norman Perry and Beth Toomey are nearing the end of their three-year terms, which expire at the end of February. Ms. Toomey was appointed to fill the term of Peter Bettencourt, who resigned in 2014.

Two people have already applied for the volunteer positions.

West Tisbury resident James Graham Jr. has a background in education and business. Mr. Graham has sought appointment to the airport commission in previous years.

Also requesting appointment is West Tisbury resident Donald Ogilvie, a pilot with experience in banking and financial services.

Norman Perry has indicated he will apply for reappointment, but had not submitted the request before Wednesday’s meeting.

The application period closes Jan. 29.

Also Wednesday, in the first meeting of the new year, the county commissioners elected Christine Todd as chairman, and David Holway as vice-chairman.