Former City of Granbury Regional Airport Aviation Director Gary Hawkins is retiring, and Pat Stewart is being promoted to take his place as the new Airport Manager.

Gary Hawkins

Gary Hawkins had been serving as the Aviation Director for the Granbury Regional Airport for the past six years, with a total of 24 years of experience in the field. Mr. Hawkins started his career in 1995 as the Operations Manager for the Sugar Land Regional Airport. He served as the Maintenance & Infrastructure Manager, Airport Manager, Assistant Aviation Director, and Aviation Director while at Sugar Land, TX.

During Mr. Hawkins’ time at Granbury Regional Airport, the City constructed additional hangars including access infrastructure, participated in the annual Routine Airport Maintenance Program (R.A.M.P.) grants for pavement and lighting improvements, and secured Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding for the new runway expansion project.

“I loved my job at Granbury and will sorely miss the talented personnel I was able work with over these years,” Mr. Hawkins said, “I can’t fail to mention the Airport Advisory Board and the daily conversations with the Airport ‘bums’ that frequent the airport.”

Patrick “Pat” Stewart

Patrick “Pat” Stewart, who has been with the City since December 2015 as the Airport Operations Supervisor, will be taking over leadership at the Granbury Regional Airport as the Airport Manager. Mr. Stewart will be overseeing the daily operations, management, and long-range goals for the airport and its future development.

“Pat’s skills, experience, and years spent learning how our airport runs make him the right person to step into this role at the Granbury Regional Airport,” said City Manager Chris Coffman, “His management will be invaluable as we continue to work toward the growth and expansion of the airport that was set in motion during Gary’s leadership.”

Mr. Stewart had previously retired after a 20-year career with American Airlines, ending as the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the American Airlines/Rolls Royce Joint Venture. Mr. Stewart then joined Pemco World Air Services based in Tampa, Florida as Vice President and Chief Operating/Operations Officer for four years, and then spent three years with San Antonio Aerospace as Vice President of Operations.

“As a pilot, having the opportunity to work directly with the local flying community is very rewarding and should add value to the organization,” Mr. Stewart said.

Mr. Stewart and his wife Eloise live in Pecan Plantation.