Recently, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster signed off on the appointment of Lara Kaufmann, Associate Director of Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU), to the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission. Kaufmann is District 4 Commissioner serving Greenville and Spartanburg Counties.
She is the first woman in South Carolina to hold this title.
Kaufmann has been with GMU for more than 10 years, where her duties include planning, organizing and overseeing the airport’s community outreach efforts. She also assists the Airport Director with the overall major functions of the airport, which include economic development and day-to-day operations.
“Lara is a valuable addition to the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission,” said Commission Executive Director James Stephens. “Her industry knowledge combined with the relationships she has built over the past decade position her to continue aviation development, safety and education in District 4.”
Kaufmann’s vision helped create Runway Park and Runway Cafe, and she has been instrumental in the progress of the Military History Center of the Carolinas’ Museum. Kaufmann developed the airport field trip curriculum. She also helped launch the annual Take Flight 5K, a unique footrace on the runway at GMU.
“Lara’s achievements at Greenville Downtown Airport will benefit her as she works with public use airports across the District,” said GMU Airport Director Joe Frasher. “I’m proud of her appointment as the first female Commissioner, and I know her vision and energy will greatly benefit the state.”
In addition to her work at GMU, Kaufmann is a member of Greenville Technical College’s Aircraft Maintenance Technology Advisory Committee and a lifetime member of South Carolina Aviation Association. She holds memberships in the Experimental Aircraft Association, Upstate Aviation Club and South Carolina Breakfast Club.
