GTR Airport Executive Director Achieves National Recognition

Courtesy of Golden Triangle Regional Airport

Golden Triangle Regional Airport Executive Director Matt Dowell has been named one of Airport Business magazine’s 2022 Top 40 Under 40. The Top 40 award program showcases the “top talent and leading thinkers in the aviation industry who are driving success and innovation for the future.”

Criteria for making the selection included candidates’ innovation, outstanding attributes and commitment to and involvement in the industry. Members of the Airport Business magazine staff selected the winners.

“The 2022 Top 40 Under 40 represent the incredible young leaders building a strong future for the aviation industry in North America,” said Joe Petrie, Editorial Director of the Endeavor Aviation Group. “The winners come from across North America and highlight the amazing contributions…to airport improvement, operations and building the transportation system of tomorrow.”

This is the eleventh year Airport Business magazine has presented the Top 40 award program. Many past honorees are now leading major institutions and projects in the aviation industry due to their dedication and valuable skillsets.

“I’m honored and humbled to be among such a talented group of my peers selected for this award,” states Dowell. “I really enjoy what I do and am privileged to serve the Golden Triangle community. I am extremely fortunate to lead such an amazing, talented team. We’ve worked hard to build a first-class airport, and the community support for it has been outstanding. The responsive, forward-thinking leadership of those who have held this position before me has been the foundation on which I’ve been able to build. Thank you to all who have supported me and this airport.”

Dowell took the helm at Golden Triangle Regional Airport in July of this year after serving as Deputy Director and has worked at the airport since 2012. He is a certified flight instructor and holds a bachelor’s degree in Commercial Aviation and a master’s degree in Airport Management, both from Delta State University. He is an Accredited Airport Executive through the American Association of Airport Executives professional accreditation program and chairs the Young Leaders Committee within the Southeast Chapter. He is an Ambassador for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. Locally, Dowell serves as an Honorary Commander at Columbus Air Force Base.