By Katie Northcott, News Director
Tullahoma Fire Chief Kenneth Pearson, on behalf of City Administrator Jeff Damron, announced that Gavin Dishon has been hired as the new Tullahoma Airport Manager at the Tullahoma Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting on June 29.
Find more details in the press release below. The date should read “June 29”, not “June 22”:
The City of Tullahoma has named Gavin Dishon as Airport Manager at Tullahoma Municipal Airport/William Northern Field, City Administrator Jeff Damron announced at the June 22nd Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting.
Dishon brings more than five years of hands-on experience at the airport, where he began as an Airport Service Specialist before advancing to Interim Assistant Airport Manager. A private pilot who learned to fly at William Northern Field, Dishon has spent his career at the airport developing deep knowledge of daily airfield operations, fueling and FBO oversight, regulatory compliance, staff training, and emergency preparedness. He has served as the interim airport manager since March.
“I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve Tullahoma as Airport Manager,” said Dishon. “I have dedicated myself over the past five years to make our airport the best it can be. I am proud of the progress we have achieved together.”
Dishon holds an Associate of Science degree, Cum Laude, from Motlow State Community College, and holds FAR Part 139.321 certification, ACE certification through Titan Aviation Fuels, and HAZMAT Shipping certification. He is a member of both the American Association of Airport Executives and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Dishon expressed his enthusiasm for the role and the airport’s future.
“I look forward to building on that momentum alongside our outstanding airport staff and other city departments,” he stated. “I remain committed to upholding the highest standards of safety, service, and professionalism while striving for excellence in everything we do. This airport means a great deal to me, and I am excited for what the future holds.”
During increased airport traffic during the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, Gavin led the airport staff in marshaling and parking the additional air traffic, assisting flight crews, cargo management, and calculating fuel needs. Tullahoma Airport Authority Chairman Karla Smith stated that ‘watching this team of four operate was like watching a well-oiled machine.’
“I could not be prouder of this team and the way they are working together under Gavin’s leadership,” she added. “Their professionalism, teamwork, and dedication are a reflection of the high standards we strive for at the airport and a credit to the City of Tullahoma.”
City Administrator Jeff Damron also praised Dishon’s performance. “Gavin has already shown a strong commitment to the airport and the community it serves,” said Damron. “I am excited to see him step into this leadership role and continue moving the airport forward while building on the great work that has already been done.”
Tullahoma Municipal Airport is a public-use general aviation airport serving Coffee County and the surrounding region. The airport is home to more than 160 based aircraft, supports approximately 30,000 flight operations annually, and generates an estimated $21 million in regional economic impact.
