Until earlier this year, which marks my 25th in the aviation industry, the thought that I would live and work in Indianapolis never occurred to me. Although I had visited a few times for one-day business trips, Indiana’s capital city wasn’t on my radar — not because I felt it had a bad image, but I simply didn’t know much about Indy except for its well-known love of racing.

Now that I have been in Indianapolis for a few months to assume responsibility for our outstanding airport system, I continue to be astonished by the dynamic, splendid assets this metropolitan city has to offer. I have been especially pleased that Indiana’s reputation for Hoosier hospitality is no myth. I’ve been accepted everywhere as if I were a lifelong resident. Amazing!

Previous airport experience in cities like Jacksonville, Fla., Detroit and Fresno and Sacramento, Calif., has given me insight and a basis of comparison for how different municipalities operate. I commend Indianapolis for its vitality and energy. It’s obvious that city leaders have been people of great vision and perseverance.

The commitment to build first-rate infrastructure dedicated to the tourism, entertainment and sports industries is remarkable.

What Indianapolis has accomplished to invigorate its Downtown may not be equaled — and certainly not surpassed — in other cities where I’ve visited and lived. The opportunity to enjoy many of Indy’s Downtown amenities is one reason I’ve settled within walking distance of Monument Circle.

I’m also impressed that long ago Indianapolis’ leaders obviously saw the connection between a vibrant Downtown and providing easier access for visitors to enjoy it.

That’s why the Indianapolis International Airport — a world-class facility if I’ve ever seen one — is so important to the city’s future. In fact, there must be increasing synergy between the Indianapolis Airport Authority’s goals and the work of the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce and the Indianapolis Convention&Visitors Association.

We have a few challenges to overcome for Indianapolis International Airport to fully achieve its enormous potential and realize solid return on the $1.2 billion invested here. We must work closely with the airlines to encourage a renewed interest in flying from Indianapolis as a focus city in this region. Although we have some of the lowest fares in the Midwest, we continue to find ways to reduce operating costs while growing air service to ensure Indianapolis is the airport of choice throughout the central portion of the country. In short, we must be more competitive in our pricing structure so our airlines can be profitable in serving Indianapolis.

Our goal is to restore previous levels of passenger volumes and grow beyond that. And to do so with an unwavering commitment to the greatest possible customer satisfaction.

When I oversaw Jacksonville International Airport, our airport won the nation’s No. 1 ranking in customer service for the fourth quarter of 2008 in a survey commissioned by the Airports Council International-North America. I see no reason Indianapolis cannot achieve the same.

Meanwhile, the city now faces cuts in funding of the Capital Improvement Board, which operates and maintains venues like Lucas Oil Stadium, Conseco Fieldhouse and the Indiana Convention Center.

I don’t have the answers to these funding challenges, but I do submit that the greater metropolitan area can’t afford for years of effort and momentum to stall. Not only does that put scores of hotels, restaurants, retailers and other merchants, not to mention thousands of employees, at risk, but the success of our new airport also hinges on the outcome.

After all, there won’t be many reasons to fly into this great city if there’s little to do here once visitors arrive. I’m told that Indianapolis was sometimes referred to as “India-no-place.” Let’s hope we don’t visit that place again.