SALISBURY — Former chamber chairman Greg Edds was named the new chairman of the Rowan County Airport Advisory Committee on Friday.
Edds, who was the committee’s vice chair, swapped seats with former chair Dr. Ronald Steelman after his selection at a committee meeting Friday.
Since leaving the chamber and the top spot in the local Rowan County delegation earlier this year, Edds said he’s been open to getting involved in a different area of community work.
“I’ve been looking for something to pour my energy into and it’s just something I’m passionate about,” Edds said.
In fact, Edds began taking private flying lessons and is on track to obtain a private pilot’s license, he said.
“That was real important in understanding the operation of an airport,” Edds said.
As a primary recruiter of business and airplanes for the airport, the new chairman said, knowing pilots’ concerns is paramount.
“I just felt like I needed that understanding in order to try to lead the board effectively,” he said.
Edds said he envisions the airport as a “regional powerhouse” that could bring economic development to the city and county.
“I’m just excited. I haven’t been this excited about something like this in a long time,” he said.
County commissioners and former airport chair Craig Pierce said praised the selection Friday.
“It’s a very good selection. Anybody on that board would honestly be a great candidate for the chair person,” Pierce said. “We’re very fortunate to have some very talented individuals on that board.”
Edds said Steelman will take over the vice chair seat.
“Everyone associated with the airport is just excited for what he’s done,” Edds said. “He’s just been a tremendous asset.”

Contact reporter Nathan Hardin at 704-797-4246.