The president of Sheridan and Johnson counties' critical air service team stepped down in December.

The Critical Air Service Team (CAST) is a group that secures air service for Sheridan and Johnson counties and includes members from local governments and private businesses. Sheridan Travel and Tourism Director Shawn Parker has been the CAST president for the last three years.

Parker said he decided to step down before air service providers are set to change later this month.

"I thought now was a great time with Denver Air Connection partnership ending and SkyWest really beginning, it was a great chance for someone else to come in with a new vision, new leadership [and] new energy for the role, and change with CAST's role changing," he said.

But Parker said he will still be involved with the group.

"That is marketing the air services to outsiders looking to come into the community, which I'm really excited about. I don't really need to be a part of CAST for that because that really is my day to day job with travel and tourism, so it's something that I'll transition to," he said.

Parker said they were previously limited to marketing in the region. But with the switch to SkyWest, it allows travelers to book flights through United Airlines and other websites rather than having to use the airport's website.

He said CAST will have a meeting later this month and will likely elect new officers to leadership positions.

Have a question about this story? Contact the reporter, Catherine Wheeler, at cwheel11@uwyo.edu.