“It is with profound sorrow that the Piedmont Triad International Airport announces the passing of Henry Isaacson, a stalwart advocate, former board member, and esteemed board chair. A board member from 1999-2014 and chair from 2003- 2014, Mr. Isaacson’s visionary leadership was pivotal in transforming PTI into a nationally recognized center for aerospace innovation.”
That was the somber beginning of a statement put out by the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority and airport staff, who all cherished Isaacson and his nearly immeasurable contributions to PTI over the years.
Paul Mengert, the current chair of the Airport Authority – the seven-member board that oversees PTI – noted that Isaacson always had the long view in mind when it came to the airport.
During Isaacson’s lifetime, he was able to see the airport transformed from a small regional spot where planes landed and took off to one that’s now home of a dynamic megasite of aircraft makers and supporting industry.
“Henry understood the long-term nature of airport operations, emphasizing the importance of visionary planning over decades,” Mengert said of the man who, for years, held the seat Mengert now holds. “Henry’s vision and leadership have positioned us for sustained growth and prosperity.”
Known for his keen foresight and strategic planning, Isaacson’s leadership was especially helpful in the assembly of the land that would later lead to the roughly 1000-acre aviation megasite that has attracted major aerospace companies like Boom Supersonic and Marshall Aviation.
Among other initiatives under his leadership, he spearheaded the airport’s effort to secure more than 1,000 acres for future development.
That move alone is now providing tremendous opportunities for economic growth around PTI well into the future.
“Henry’s legacy at PTI, around the region, and across the state, will be forever enduring,” said Kevin Baker, the airport’s executive director. “His leadership created the foundation and direction that have led to the airport’s current successes and established it as the Center of North Carolina Aerospace.”
The June 27 statement from the airport notes that Isaacson, who was born in Greensboro “dedicated his life to his family, his hometown and beyond.”
In recognition of his contributions, a street within the airport’s campus was named in his honor.
Isaacson also got loud applause at the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony for super-fast jet builder Boom Supersonic, underscoring the lasting impact of his actions over the years.
“PTI remains steadfast in honoring Mr. Isaacson’s legacy by continuing to pursue opportunities for further growth and development,” the statement concludes.
A genuine leader, not a pathetic imitation of one, as is so often the case in our politicians.
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When I first flew in to Greensboro to attend UNC-G 40 years ago, I was impressed that such a relatively small town had such a beautiful modern airport. It was much better than Leeds-Bradford in the UK (LBA), which served a much larger population.
It still is.
He also contributed the moves that the Atlanta International Airport used to now boast 12 runways