Dalton Airport Manager Andrew Wiersma Receives Statewide Award

The manager of the Dalton Municipal Airport, Andrew Wiersma, has been recognized for his significant contributions to aviation in Georgia. He was awarded the prestigious James Stogner Award for 2025 by the Georgia Airport Association (GAA). This accolade is given annually to an airport professional who has demonstrated exceptional support for Georgia’s airports and related fields.

Wiersma’s work with the Georgia State Legislature to secure new funding for infrastructure improvements across the state played a key role in his recognition. The award was announced during the GAA’s annual conference in October 2025, although Wiersma was unable to attend the event. Instead, Dalton Airport Authority Chairman Danny Morgan accepted the award on his behalf and presented it to Wiersma at the authority’s monthly meeting.

Reflecting on the honor, Wiersma expressed his surprise and gratitude. “I was blown away by the nomination, to tell you the truth, because I was nominated by the airport director, Greg Kelly, at Savannah International Airport. He actually knew James Stogner personally, so for him to nominate me meant a lot,” Wiersma stated. He noted that typically, recipients of this award are those nearing retirement, making his recognition at this stage in his career particularly special.

Wiersma’s contributions extend beyond managing the Dalton Municipal Airport. He has been actively involved with the GAA, serving as its president in both 2022 and 2023. Additionally, he held the position of legislative chairman for three years, from 2022 to 2024. During this time, Wiersma collaborated with state leaders to advocate for airport funding, resulting in unprecedented levels of state appropriations for airport aid.

“This funding has been crucial for airports across the state in recent years, enabling numerous infrastructure renewal projects,” Wiersma added, highlighting the impact of his efforts.

The James Stogner Award is named in honor of the late James Stogner, who served as the deputy general manager of the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta for over 20 years before his passing in 2015. This award represents a significant recognition for those who strive to enhance the aviation landscape in Georgia, and Wiersma’s receipt of it underscores his commitment to the field.

In conclusion, Wiersma’s dedication to the Dalton Municipal Airport and the broader aviation community has not only earned him accolades but has also fostered improvements that benefit airports throughout Georgia. His focus on infrastructure funding and active engagement with state leaders positions him as a key figure in the ongoing development of the state’s aviation sector.