New Hanover County Airport Authority has welcomed one new member and elected its officers for the next fiscal year, according to a news release. 

The airport authority welcomed Jason Thompson to the board at its meeting July 7.

Thompson was appointed to the airport authority by the New Hanover County Commissioners on June 22. He will serve a four-year term through June 30, 2025.

Thompson has been a resident of New Hanover County since 1996 and is the owner of American Property Experts, a recycling and biomass fuel production company, stated the release.

The New Hanover County Airport Authority also re-elected Donna Girardot as chair of the authority. Spruill Thompson was elected vice chair, and Nick Rhodes was elected secretary, stated the release. Officers are elected for a one-year term.
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“I am honored to Chair the Airport Authority for this fourth term,” Girardot said in the release. “ILM is strongly rebounding from the pandemic, with significant increases in passenger numbers, and our $60 million terminal expansion is currently ahead of schedule and progressing. On behalf of the Airport Authority, we look forward to welcoming back travelers and contributing to the economic growth of our community.”

New Hanover County Commissioners also reappointed Lee Williams to the airport authority, officials said. He will serve his second four-year term through June 30, 2025.

Williams, vice chairman of Live Oak Bank and one of its original founders, has resided in New Hanover County for 29 years.

Harry Stovall completed his term with the airport authority.