The Mississippi Airports Association recently elected its new board of directors for 2008-2009. They are Dirk Vanderleest of Jackson Municipal Airport Authority, President; and Don Shepley, Gulfport Biloxi International Airport, Vice-President. Directors are Bill Cotter, Stennis International Airport; Michelle Jackson, John Bell Williams Airport; Conner Burns, McComb Pike County Airport; Steve Webster, Webster Electric; Terry Anderson, Tupelo Regional Airport; Tom Heanue, Laurel-Hattiesburg Regional Airport; Nick Ardillo, NPA, L.L.C.; Lane Rodgers, Mid-Delta Regional Airport; David Taylor, Olive Branch Airport; and Mike Hainsey, Golden Triangle Regional Airport.

The mission of the Mississippi Airports Association is to promote aviation and airport interest, to provide a medium for discussion by its members, to promote proper legislation for aviation and airports, and to advise and give consultation to its members when requested.

The Mississippi Airports Association’s purpose is to cooperate with all organizations working for the general advancement and benefit of aviation.

“I am delighted to have an opportunity to work with such a fine group of aviation leaders,” states president Dirk Vanderleest. “Aviation is vital to our state’s economic growth, and the Mississippi Airports Association serves to keep members and other professionals abreast of developments in our industry.”

For more information about membership, interested persons may call (877) 322-9022.