Dirk Vanderleest, who has been CEO of the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority for 25 years, has announced his plans to retire.
Vanderleest has helped the authority and its two airports, Jackson-Evers International (JAN) and Hawkins Field (HKS), through several challenging times, including the attacks of Sept. 11 and the effects of Hurricane Katrina, during which the airport did not close, according to a news release.
He also began a mentoring internship program in 2008 aimed at providing experience to aviation students hoping to enter the industry.
His retirement is scheduled to take effect Sept. 30
