SARA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JED BLACKWELL SELECTED AS 2025 ALABAMA AIRPORT MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Staci Hayes (ACA Board Member - Enterprise, AL) & Jed Blackwell (SARA Executive Director)

Blackwell has been employed with the Airport since 2002 working in each department prior to becoming a member of management in 2008. Under his leadership the Airport has grown expeditiously averaging over 80,000 aircraft operations annually, 1,000,000+ gallons of fuel sold annually, secured over $36,000,000.00 in grant funds for airport improvements, secured three based aviation businesses, constructed four sets of aircraft hangars to accommodate growth, increased revenues rapidly, hosted two major air shows, expanded military relations, instrumental in bringing the Alabama Aviation College to the Airport, and opened the Blade 'N' Wing Cafe, which hosts over 150 military/civilian customers daily. SARA was also named the 2024 Alabama Airport of the Year & runner-up FAA Southern Region Airport of the Year.

Aviation Council of Alabama President Ben Harrison (Cullman, AL) stated "We are proud of our airport system and congratulate Jed on this award South Alabama Regional Airport is a blueprint for General Aviation Airports in Alabama."

Blackwell is a graduate of Florala High School and Faulkner University (Business Management). He resides in Heath, AL along with his wife Heather and children Connor & Caroline.