Shirley Kleeman Appointed to Serve Second Term as Airport Commissioner

BETHALTO - Shirley Kleeman, the owner of CR Systems in East Alton, has been appointed to serve a second 5-year term on the Board of Commissioners for St. Louis Regional Airport.

Mayor Joe Silkwood appointed Kleeman to represent the Village of East Alton.

“We are delighted to have Shirley remain on the board,” said David C. Miller, Director of Aviation for St. Louis Regional Airport. “She has been diligent in her operational oversight and we have always been able to count on her.” Kleeman, who is currently the only woman on the board, has been active in financial management. She served her first five-year term with almost perfect attendance.

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"Her calm, practical operational leadership makes her an example and mentor to the staff at the airport. “It has been wonderful watching the airport grow,” said Kleeman. “West Star Aviation alone provides over 400 good-paying jobs here in our community and there are a number of other growing companies here in the 600-acre business park.”

Like St. Louis Regional Airport, CR Systems has grown under Shirley’s leadership. As a single mom, she got a job right out of high school. She later purchased the business when the owners wanted to close it because she believed it could be an opportunity instead of an ending. For close to 35 years now, she managed the commercial cleaning service and its extensive office supply inventory.

Kleeman is the mother of four. Her daughter, Kristin Tite now manages the cleaning service. Her sons Kole, Kraig and Kerry have also been very supportive of her work and community service. Besides her service to St. Louis Regional Airport, Shirley has served with East Alton Beautification and received an Illinois Woman of Achievement Award from the lieutenant governor’s office. Under Kristin’s leadership, the business continues to grow, and Shirley is able to spend time in Florida and visiting her sons in Chicago. Being retired, she says her goal is to enjoy life, getaway some, and stay well.

“I was honored that the airport manager and the mayor asked me to stay on,” said Kleeman. “I’ve been committed to attendance and oversight and I plan to continue to be here when the community needs me at the airport.”

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