Livingston is seeking a new airport manager to oversee operations and safety at the municipal airport.
Mayor Lori Elder Burnett said the city is looking for a candidate with specific experience in the aviation industry to fill the role. Burnett said Kevin Bishop has taken over as the interim while previous manager moves to part-time status and will soon retire.
“We have industries that want to fly into there,” Burnett said. “We’re the only airport in several amongst several counties in the north side of the state. So it can be utilized for industry or, you know, even in the case of an emergency where our airport needed to be used to bring people in here. So it’s a great asset to our community and our county.”
Burnett said the manager is responsible for maintaining safety standards and coordinating with T-DOT and the Federal Aviation Administration. Bishop was already an employee at the airport and is familiar with the daily operations, Burnett said.
“We want someone that has had some experience, obviously, with aviation,” Burnett said. “A lot of time our airport managers are pilots. Not necessarily, but (Bishop) does happen to be a pilot.”
With an annual salary for the manager position coming in at under $50,000, Burnett said it can be difficult to find a qualified candidate who can do the job for the allotted compensation.
“Well, it is difficult,” Burnett said. “Kevin actually has been an airport manager in the past. So, I don’t, we’re not really sure how he came to us and timing was really good for him to come.”
The role also requires certification to handle and test two different types of fuel sold at the facility, Burnett said.
“There’s a lot of things that have to be maintained at the airport for safety reasons,” Burnett said. “We work with TDOT on a lot of improvements and FAA in requirements that are necessary at airports to make sure that we’re running efficiently and safely.”
Burnett said the airport serves as a vital asset for economic development and tourism in the Upper Cumberland region. The facility is currently undergoing several upgrades, including a terminal rehabilitation and plans for a new parallel taxiway for the 5,100-foot runway, Burnett said.
“Unless you’re in the aviation area or you’re in the industry, it might be a little hidden gem for some people,” Burnett said. “But we do get a lot of lake traffic. You know, people in the aviation industry, like I said, they’re going to be the ones that are more knowledgeable about it. And we do get a lot of people, a lot of tourists that want to come in and fly into Livingston to go out and about in our Upper Cumberland region.”
Burnett said the city expects to make a final hiring decision within the next 10 days.
