By Josh Bergeron
josh.bergeron@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — The next Rowan County Airport director will be Winston-Salem native Kevin Davis, announced County Manager Aaron Church on Thursday.

Davis, who currently works as an airport operations officer at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, will start as the Rowan County aviation director on July 17, Church said.

Davis will fill a position vacated on June 8 by Thad Howell, who took a job as flight operations manager for the N.C. Department of Transportation.

Church said the county received 58 applications for the aviation director position. Seven interviews were conducted. The candidates were further narrowed to three finalists, who participated in a written examination and a panel interview.

“This is a very important position for Rowan County and we were fortunate to have a large pool of qualified candidates. Kevin rose to the top and we are fortunate to have him join our team,” Church said in a news release.

As aviation director, Davis will oversee all operations at the Rowan County Airport and 10 employees — full-time, part-time and temporary. He will make $70,000 per year, Church said.

For more than three years, Davis has worked at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport. He also has worked as an airport consultant with consulting firm Newton and Associates. He’s a career pilot. He earned a master’s degree in business administration from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina Charlotte.

He also has a certificate in aviation management from Guilford Technical Community College. He’s a member of the American Association of Airport Executives, enrolled in the association’s airport executive program and certified by the association in airfield operations.

Davis is an Eagle Scout, enjoys restoring classic muscle cars and attending air shows.

In the news release, Davis said the Rowan County Airport was the first place he landed a plane many years ago.

“This opportunity is a blessing and I look forward to becoming a part of the community while leading the airport,” Davis said.

County Commissioner Craig Pierce, the liaison to the airport board, said the community will benefit from Davis’ expertise.

“The airport is at a critical growing state and Kevin has the enthusiasm and education to take us to the next level,” Pierce said in the news release.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.