Brandon Gray, Executive Director of the Wayne County Jetport, was awarded the General Aviation Manager of the Year Award at the FAA Southern Region Airports Conference earlier this month. Each year, the Southern Region Airports Division selects an airport manager for this award who exemplifies excellence in airport management through significant accomplishments, development initiatives, significant cost-savings, efficiencies achieved, and more.

“It is a true honor and privilege to receive the prestigious award of the FAA’s General Aviation Airport Director of the Year,” said Gray. “This is truly a team award. We have assembled an all-star team and are leading the industry with growth and development. These accomplishments are possible due to the unwavering commitment from the Wayne County Manager’s Office, Wayne County Board of Commissioners, and Wayne Executive Jetport Commission. The last instrumental piece in our success is our professional partners with W.K. Dickson and the NC Division of Aviation.”

Wayne Executive Jetport Commission Chairman Greg Ricker added, “The Wayne Executive Jetport Commission is focused on improvements and advancements to our facilities which support local pilots and businesses. Along with the NCDOT and our engineering firm, Brandon and his team continue to do outstanding work as we work in partnership to achieve our mission. There is a lot of competition for this award, and it is great to see Brandon and Wayne County recognized on a national stage. It takes a team, and we have an outstanding team right here in Wayne County.”

The Wayne Executive Jetport (KGWW) serves the general aviation industry, providing 345 jobs and contributing over $58 million in economic output to Wayne County. Over the past seven years, the Jetport has received over $10 million in funding for improvements to support further growth and development.