Dalton Airport Manager Andrew Wiersma Wins Prestigious Award

UPDATE: Andrew Wiersma, manager of the Dalton Municipal Airport, has been awarded the 2025 James Stogner Award by the Georgia Airport Association (GAA). This prestigious recognition highlights Wiersma’s remarkable contributions to airports across Georgia, particularly his advocacy for vital infrastructure funding.

The announcement was made at the GAA’s annual conference in October 2025, where Wiersma was unable to attend. Instead, Danny Morgan, Chairman of the Dalton Airport Authority, presented the award to Wiersma during a monthly meeting this week. This award celebrates airport professionals who have shown exceptional support for Georgia’s aviation community.

Wiersma expressed his gratitude, stating, “I was blown away by the nomination… for him to nominate me, that really, really meant a lot to me.” His nomination came from Greg Kelly, the airport director at Savannah International Airport, who knew the award’s namesake, the late James Stogner, personally.

Under Wiersma’s leadership, the Dalton Municipal Airport has thrived, and his efforts in the state legislature have secured unprecedented funding for airport infrastructure improvements. He served as the GAA’s president in 2022 and 2023 and has been active as the legislative chairman from 2022 to 2024. Wiersma has played a crucial role in achieving the highest level of state appropriations for airports in Georgia’s history.

“This funding has significantly aided airports across the state,” Wiersma noted, emphasizing the impact on infrastructure renewal projects. His work has directly improved the operational capabilities of airports, ensuring they can meet growing demands.

The James Stogner Award is named in honor of the former deputy general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, who dedicated over 20 years to enhancing airport operations before passing away in 2015.

Wiersma’s recognition as a young leader in the field is particularly noteworthy, as recipients often come from long-established careers. His achievement serves as inspiration for emerging professionals in aviation, showcasing the importance of innovation and dedication in the industry.

As Wiersma continues to advocate for Georgia’s airports, the focus will remain on securing sustainable funding and enhancing infrastructure. His journey underscores the critical role of grassroots leadership in fostering development within the state’s aviation sector.

Stay tuned for more updates on Wiersma’s initiatives and ongoing projects that promise to transform Georgia’s airports for the better.

This story is rapidly gaining traction across social media, with many eager to share Wiersma’s inspiring journey and accomplishments.