Long-time Smyrna Airport Executive Director John Black announced he’ll be retiring by the end of 2024, according to a press release.
“I am truly grateful to have had the incredible opportunity to be part of the growth and development of one of Rutherford County’s greatest assets,” Black said in the press release from the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority . “We have accomplished so much with an amazing team, and the airport is set for a bright future ahead.”
Black started his 33-year career with the airport in 1991. He touted in February that the 1,700-acre Smyrna Airport was the fourth busiest in Tennessee for flight operations.
Black also served as the long-time director for The Great Tennessee Air Show at the airport with performances from fighter jet pilots with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. The event attracted thousands of people over the years, according to the press release.
Black has pursued economic development efforts to attract companies to the Airport Industrial Park . This includes establishing a relationship with Hillwood commercial real estate that resulted in the buildout of more than 2 million square feet of warehouse space that is completely leased and provides strong financial returns for the Airport Authority, the press release said.