News
Heanue Named Mississippi Airports Association Professional of the Year
2024 MAA Professional of the Year Tom Heanue (at left) with Wes Kirkpatrick, former and current MAA Presidents
Jackson, Miss.– At its recent annual conference, the Mississippi Airports Association (MAA) named Thomas E. (Tom) Heanue as 2024 Professional of the Year. Heanue has been Executive Director for the Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport since 2002.
Nominations for the award come from the membership at large. The candidates are evaluated based on their leadership and contribution to the betterment of aviation in Mississippi and their communities.
“Tom Heanue is a passionate advocate for general aviation, for commercial air service and for airports,” states MAA President Wes Kirkpatrick, Monroe County Airport Director. “He continually communicates with local and state officials to convey the importance of the aviation industry to Mississippi communities and how to help airports thrive.”
“Tom has shown how an airport can be a catalyst for economic development,” remarks nominator Matt Dowell, Executive Director for the Golden Triangle Regional Airport. “Under his management, Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport’s available hangar facilities have tripled, with buildings able to accommodate a broad range of aircraft types, including several jets operated by local businesses. He has worked diligently to recover and maintain commercial air service at the airport and expanded the accessibility and resources of its onsite business park.”
Heanue has been a member of the MAA for 23 years, during which he has volunteered to serve on its Board of Directors and twice served as President.
“It was an honor and a surprise to receive this award from my peers,” remarks Heanue. “Working with this great group of people is what makes this job special.”