Dalton Airport Manager Andrew Wiersma Receives Statewide Honor

The manager of the Dalton Municipal Airport, Andrew Wiersma, has been recognized for his significant contributions to the aviation sector in Georgia. He received the prestigious James Stogner Award from the Georgia Airport Association (GAA) for 2025, an honor bestowed annually to a professional who has demonstrated exceptional support for Georgia’s airports and related fields.

Wiersma was announced as the recipient of the award during the GAA’s annual conference in October 2023. Although he was unable to attend the event, Dalton Airport Authority Chairman Danny Morgan accepted the award on his behalf. Morgan later presented it to Wiersma at the authority’s monthly meeting, acknowledging the impact of Wiersma’s work.

“I was blown away by the nomination, to tell you the truth, because I was nominated by the airport director, Greg Kelly, at Savannah International Airport. He actually knew James Stogner personally, so for him to nominate me, that really, really meant a lot to me,” Wiersma stated. His recognition is particularly significant as nominees typically receive the award after a lengthy career, often nearing retirement.

Wiersma’s commitment to the aviation industry extends beyond his role at Dalton Municipal Airport. He has actively participated in the GAA, serving as its president in 2022 and 2023. Additionally, he held the position of legislative chairman from 2022 to 2024, where he worked closely with state leaders to advocate for airport funding. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in securing the highest level of state appropriations for airport aid in GAA history.

“That’s really helped airports across the state in the last several years with being able to find a lot of infrastructure renewal projects,” Wiersma explained, highlighting the tangible benefits of his efforts for airports statewide.

The award is named in honor of the late James Stogner, who served as the deputy general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta for more than two decades before his passing in 2015. His legacy continues to inspire professionals in the aviation community across Georgia.

Wiersma’s achievement not only reflects his dedication to the Dalton community but also underscores the importance of effective leadership and advocacy in enhancing airport infrastructure and services throughout the state.