David Edwards leads the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District as president and CEO, overseeing an organization with 220 employees and $72.2 million in annual revenue. Edwards holds a bachelor’s degree in aviation management from the Florida Institute of Technology after taking a nontraditional educational path, leaving high school early to earn his equivalency diploma before entering Embry Riddle Aeronautical University’s aviation program.

Throughout his career, Edwards has held prominent leadership positions in aviation organizations, serving as past chairman for Airports Council International-North America and the Small Airports Committee. He previously led the North Carolina Airports Association and the Southeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives. His community involvement includes board service with the Greer Development Corporation, Gibbs Cancer Center, Upstate SC Alliance, Greenville Chamber of Commerce and VisitGreenvilleSC.

Under Edwards’ leadership, GSP has earned recognition as Best Airport in North America by Airports Council International World for five consecutive years and his Visionary Leadership Award in 2025. Edwards defines success as “preparing and helping people/staff to fulfill their hopes and dreams.”

Kevin E. Howell will become president and chief executive officer of the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District effective Jan. 10, 2026. Howell joined the District in 2010 as deputy director of properties and development and was promoted to chief operating officer in 2011. He was named executive vice president in January 2025.

Howell oversees operations, capital development, public safety, maintenance and the airport’s Cerulean Aviation division. During his tenure, he has delivered major capital projects and operational advancements.

With more than 25 years of airport leadership experience, Howell is an accredited International Airport Professional and Certified Manager with the American Association of Airport Executives. Before joining GSP, he served as director of properties and development at Asheville Regional Airport and worked at Little Rock National Airport and Nashville International Airport.

Howell served as president of the South Carolina Aviation Association in 2023 and 2024 and serves on local boards.

“I look forward to working with our outstanding team to serve our community,” Howell said.

Hernan E. Peña Jr. leads operations at Charleston International Airport as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the Charleston County Aviation Authority, a position he assumed in 2018. Peña previously served as Vice President of Engineering before his promotion to the executive leadership team.

Before joining the aviation authority, Peña spent 29 years with the City of Charleston as Director of Transportation. During his tenure, he contributed to major infrastructure initiatives including the Arthur Ravenel Bridge, the James Island Connector Bridge, the Herbert Fielding Connector and the Septima Clark Roadway Project.

At Charleston International Airport, Peña spearheaded the $250 million Airport Terminal Redevelopment Project, overseeing significant aviation infrastructure upgrades while managing airport operations, engineering projects and planning.

Peña earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from The Citadel and a Master of Engineering from California Coast University. He holds certifications as an International Airport Professional, Airport Manager and Airport Certified Employee in Airport Operations and Aviation Security.

Scott Stocker joined Boeing in 2005 as an industrial engineer and completed a three-year international assignment at Boeing Aerostructures Australia in Melbourne.

Over his career at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Stocker has held several leadership positions, including director of Boeing South Carolina 787 Final Assembly, director of 787 Production Control and operations leader for the New Mid-Market Airplane Future Production System.

He served as vice president of 737 Manufacturing, leading production activities for the 737 MAX and P-8 programs. He also served as vice president of Manufacturing and Safety for Boeing Commercial Airplanes and chair of the Boeing Manufacturing Operations Council.

Stocker was named to his current position in December 2023, leading the team that designs, builds and delivers the 787 Dreamliner. He oversees execution of program priorities and shapes long-term strategy for the 787 production system. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Arizona State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Washington.

J. Elliott Summey joined the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority as President and CEO on July 1, 2020. Leveraging a successful career in economic development and land planning, including corporate relocation, his executive-level experience informs the authority in developing and implementing its post-pandemic strategic plan, including evaluating revenue diversification opportunities.

Having served multiple terms on the authority’s Board of Directors, Summey played a key role in helping the state’s largest airport achieve a decade of record-setting growth in air service development, passenger volume and financial performance. He possesses a keen understanding of the industry at a macro level as well as the authority’s unique history, current operating environment and strategic outlook.

Summey was elected to three terms on Charleston County Council.

A lifelong Lowcountry resident, Summey has earned a reputation as a strong leader and visionary who prioritizes employee engagement. He is adept at working effectively with local and statewide officials and has guided several major transportation infrastructure projects.