The Tennessee Aeronautics Commission (TAC) and the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Aeronautics Division have announced the recipients of the 2025 Tennessee Airport Awards, recognizing exceptional achievement, leadership, and long-standing contributions to aviation across the state. Each year, these awards honor airports, governing bodies, and aviation professionals whose work strengthens airport operations, enhances safety, and advances aviation in Tennessee. The state presented the awards at the Tennessee Aviation Association’s (TAA) 2026 Airports Conference in Murfreesboro, TN, late last month.
Airport of the Year
Lawrenceburg–Lawrence County Airport (2M2)
Lawrenceburg–Lawrence County Airport earned this year’s top honor for its significant progress in infrastructure development, community engagement, and long-term planning. The airport successfully advanced its corporate hangar project, replaced its fuel farm, and expanded outreach to the Tennessee aviation community through well executed airport events that support general aviation growth. The airport also adhered closely to its Airport Capital Improvement Plan (ACIP) and maintains a forward-looking vision through a 20-year Airport Layout Plan (ALP).
“The improvements at Lawrenceburg–Lawrence County Airport stand testament to their hard work and dedication.”
Governing Body of the Year
Warren County Commission (Warren County Memorial Airport – RNC)
The Warren County Commission is recognized for its exceptional leadership and commitment to airport development. Recent charter revisions strengthened airport governance and increased commissioner engagement with airport needs. In 2025, the Commission funded avigation easements, constructed a maintenance building to free additional T hangars for rent, prioritized zoning enforcement, and aligned hangar rental rates with market value. Warren County also secured a TDOT grant to study apron expansion and prepare sites for future aviation business development.
Their efforts demonstrate a strong commitment to community growth and the long-term success of Warren County Memorial Airport.
Airport Manager of the Year
Bryan Janisch – Mark Anton Airport (2A0), Dayton
Airport Manager Bryan Janisch is honored for his transformative leadership at Mark Anton Municipal Airport. Since 2018, Janisch has overseen terminal modernization, 24/7 pilot access, hangar improvements, enhanced security systems, and facility upgrades. Under his direction, based aircraft activity has quadrupled, and fuel sales have doubled, including a record setting month in July 2025. Janisch also expanded community engagement through the “Wings on Display” event, drawing thousands of attendees and inspiring future aviators. He is currently leading the airport’s first land leasing initiative, expected to generate major private investment in maintenance and jet center facilities.
His dedication to innovation, safety, and community outreach exemplifies excellence in airport management.
Career Contributions to Aviation
William B. Greene, Jr.
This prestigious honor recognizes William B. Greene, Jr. for his decades long, statewide impact on aviation. A distinguished athlete, businessman, aviator, and community leader, Greene has shaped Tennessee aviation for more than half a century. Highlights of his contributions include:
• Serving as the youngest bank president and CEO in U.S. history
• Supporting higher education, including major contributions to Milligan University and East Tennessee State University
• Earning an Airline Transport Pilot rating with more than 7,000 flight hours
• Chairing the Tennessee State Bureau of Aeronautics under three governors
• Leading the creation and long-term development of Elizabethton Municipal Airport
• Recruiting and supporting Moody Aviation, which trained an estimated 80% of missionary pilots worldwide during its tenure in Elizabethton
Greene’s vision transformed Elizabethton Municipal Airport from a flight training hub into a regional corporate aviation gateway serving Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina.
