Chattanooga Airport Authority Names New President and CEO
Vice President of Operations Terry Hart tapped for top leadership position
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (June 27, 2012) – At the June meeting of the Board of Directors, Chattanooga Airport Authority named Terry L. Hart the new president and chief executive officer of the airport.
“Terry Hart is a proven leader, and a natural fit for the presidency having directed airport operations for nearly five years,” said Dan Jacobson, chairman of the airport’s board of directors. “Since assuming the role of interim president, Terry has exceeded expectations and advanced the airport’s goals for the benefit of airport users and the community. The Board is in full agreement that Terry is the right person to lead the Chattanooga Airport during this exciting time of growth.”
Mr. Hart has been serving as interim president since October 2011 when former airport president Mike Landguth resigned to assume leadership of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority in North Carolina.
Mr. Hart has served as Vice President of Operations since joining Chattanooga Airport in November 2007, a position previously held by Mr. Landguth. Mr. Hart has participated in the continued growth of the Airport’s West Side Development projects and significant cargo expansion. Under his leadership as Interim President and CEO, the airport secured additional air service, including first-class cabins from Delta Air Lines and their connection carriers. He is also actively involved in the Brainerd Corridor Revitalization Project, partnering with the City on securing vacant buildings and returning the areas to green grass sites. Additionally, Mr. Hart is now overseeing the expansion of the airport’s corporate aviation campus managed by Wilson Air Center. A second LEED Gold certified hangar is under design and will be built by mid-2013.
“The Chattanooga Airport has supported the recent economic growth of our community through partnerships that advanced quality air service and competitive fares, and by offering the highest level of customer service, safety and security,” said Mr. Hart. “We will take those partnerships to the next level and work to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the airport by diversifying revenue streams in the months and years ahead.”
Mr. Hart’s aviation management experience includes 30 years in operations, strategic planning and administration. Before moving to Chattanooga, Mr. Hart held regional management and vice president of field services positions with American Eagle, including responsibility for a $100 million budget and 1,500 employees. He began his career in customer service and general management for Britt Airways in Chicago, Ill. From November 2007 until October 2011, Mr. Hart oversaw general operations at the Chattanooga Airport including maintenance, fire, police, operations, security and ground handling.
Mr. Hart has earned the distinguished Airport Certified Employee Operations designation by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), and previously served as Chairman of the O’Hare Airline Managers Association. Mr. Hart lives in Chattanooga with his wife, Zita, and their sons Andrew and Stephen.