The Guilford County Board of Commissioners has a lot of important decisions to make in 2019 and one that the board now faces is who to put into the highly sought after seat on the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority – the board that oversees operations at the all-important Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTIA).
The late Koury Corp. president, Steve Showfety, who died in October, was one of Guilford County’s appointments to the seven-member board and his death created a vacancy.
Showfety was the longtime chairman of the Airport Authority and he played a vital role in the guidance of the airport, which is becoming a machine for local economic development. Unlike many boards and commissions that the county appoints people to, there’s always a great interest in serving on the Airport Authority, and Guilford County Commissioner Alan Branson said that he has been looking over resumes and applications from those who would like to fill the slot.
“I am always surprised how much people want to serve on this board, Branson said.
The board works with PTIA Executive Director Kevin Baker and his staff to determine the moves made by the airport and to award contracts.
Among other big names said to be interested in the slot are Greensboro Attorney Henry Isaacson, who’s served as chairman of the Airport Authority in the past. Some commissioners said they felt it was important to bring in new blood so they’re leaning toward putting someone new on the board – but others believe Isaacson’s experience on the authority could be a plus.
Another well-known name that sources say is seeking the seat is Dr. Lenny Peters, the CEO of Bethany Medical who began the Lenny Peters Foundation and has been recognized many times for his charitable giving.
