November-December 2022 - 36

Age: 33
Employer: Golden
Triangle Regional
Airport
Hometown:
Port Gibson, MS
Alma mater: Delta
State University
Matthew D. Dowell, A.A.E.,
Executive Director, Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR)
Matt Dowell, AAE, said his dream job is executive director
of the Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR). That's
the job he has now.
Dowell served as the airport's operations manager, then
as deputy director for more than nine years. During that
time, he helped the airport grow more than 50 percent
in nearly every metric.
GTR was one of the first in the country to integrate
drone operations, leveraging the nearby Mississippi
State University's FAA Center of Excellence for UAS to
help improve airport operations.
To increase the reliability and redundancy of power to
the airport, Dowell is developing a plan for the use of
renewable energy sources.
Finally, he helped move the entire parking operation to
a technologically independent system that increased
revenues while reducing manpower requirements.
These accomplishments led to him being selected as
the next executive director.
" I first got involved in aviation because of my passion
for flying, " said Dowell, whose grandfather and uncle
were Air Force pilots. " I love working at an airport and
around airplanes. I enjoy spending my days helping to
improve our airport and, by doing so, helping to improve
the communities we serve. I'm fortunate to work at a great
airport with excellent colleagues, tenants, and customers. "
" There is a sense of camaraderie and mutual support
in the airport industry, " he continued. " Airport professionals
have a collective endeavor and ethos to make
the whole aviation industry thrive. Aviation is full of
passionate professionals who work daily to help the
industry. Gaining friends, colleagues and mentors is
the best part of being in the aviation industry. "
Dowell serves as a committee chair for the Young Leaders
Committee of the Southeast Chapter of AAAE and an ambassador
for the Aviation Cooperative Research Program.
" I want to see airports help inspire the next generation
of aviators and enthusiasts, " he said.
www.AviationPros.com/21278737
Age: 39
Employer:
Philadelphia
International Airport,
Department of
Aviation
Hometown:
Audubon, NJ
Alma Mater: EmbryRiddle
Aeronautical
University
Wallace DuBois, C.M., ACE, ASE,
Airside Operations Superintendent, Philadelphia International Airport,
Department of Aviation
Currently at the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL),
Wallace DuBois' focus has been improving the organization
through the recruitment of the next generation of
airport operations professionals at PHL.
" In 2023 we'll be opening our Airport Operations Center
and we'll be going through a hiring push to staff that, as
well as other key roles in security, terminal, and airside
operations. I'd love to have an impact on that next group of
employees and give them similar guidance that I received
throughout my career, " he said. " Internal and external
training will be a key focus for us moving forward, so
we can elevate our team beyond even what they might
think they're capable of achieving. I believe that to have a
positive influence on your organization. You need to build
strong relationships with your coworkers, airport stakeholders
and industry experts. Leverage your strengths
and resources and use them to help others and you'll
always see dividends. "
DuBois said his favorite part of his job is all the excitement
and behind-the-scenes activity that surrounds even the
most routine flight operation.
36 \ AIRPORT BUSINESS / NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022
" Everyone knows the feeling of anticipation for an upcoming
trip, whether it's your first flight or you're a seasoned
traveler. Not a lot of people know all the work that goes
into making sure that your flight is executed safely and
efficiently, " he said. " Airport operations is a small part
of the aviation industry, but by maintaining the airport
to certain safety standards, we help people get to where
they need to be. Being a part of making that happen for
so many people each day is very special. "
Looking to the future, he hopes to see the airport be
more sustainable and energy-efficient.
" The City of Philadelphia is already moving forward with
steps towards a long-term goal of going carbon neutral
by 2030, " said DuBois. " This will include transitioning
city vehicles to clean and electric vehicles. A lot of PHL
tenants have already implemented these electric vehicles
with their ground service equipment. These changes coupled
with other sustainability initiatives will save airports
money and improve the passenger experience. "
www.AviationPros.com/21280757
http://www.AviationPros.com/21278737 http://www.AviationPros.com/21280757
November-December 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of November-December 2022
