The Savannah Airport Commission on Tuesday announced that Patrick S. Graham, executive director of Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport for more than two decades, will retire effective June 30.
Airport assistant executive director Gregory B. Kelly will become the acting executive director on July 1.
Graham began working with the airport commission in 1985. He served as director of administration and finance and later as assistant executive director. He was named to his current position in 1990.
In his 28 years with the airport, Graham has overseen a number of capital projects, including the $68 million design and construction of the new airport terminal from 1992 to 1994.
He was quick to give credit to the airport staff for the many improvements made during his tenure.
“You don’t do anything without a great staff,” he told the board. “And this is a talented group that is committed to excellence.”
Stephen Green, vice-chairman of the airport commission, agreed, but said Graham shouldn’t sell himself short.
“This is a bittersweet moment for me,” Green said. “We have been blessed for a long time to have the best airport director in the country, someone who is consistently recognized by his peers in the industry.
“He has done a superb job, not only at the airport, but as a leader in our community.”
Graham has served as president of Visit Savannah, chairman of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, president of Leadership Savannah and on numerous other civic boards.
He has represented the airport as president of the Georgia Airports Association, president of the Southeast Chapter of American Association of Airport Executives, chairman of the Airports Council International for North America and on the World Aviation Board for Airports Council International.
“On behalf of all the commissioners I would like to thank Mr. Graham for his 28 years of dedicated service to the airport and for his steadfast leadership,” said airport commission chairman Sylvester Formey.
Dan Coe, former airport assistant executive director under Graham, was on hand to offer his thanks.
“Patrick taught me so much, and I will always appreciate everything he has done for me,” said Coe, who sustained major injuries when he and his wife Nichola stopped to help an accident victim on Truman Parkway in 2007 and were struck by an oncoming car. Nichola Coe died as a result of her injuries.
Coe thought he had been summoned to the meeting for Graham’s announcement but was surprised to learn he was being honored as well.
When the commission voted to name the stretch of highway remaining when Gulfstream Road was moved Daniel J. Coe Jr. Drive, the former exec received a standing ovation.
A smooth transition
Formey also announced Kelly’s appointment as acting executive director in accordance with the commission’s succession plan as part of its strategic planning process.
Kelly began his career at the airport as an intern in 1989. He was made deputy director of maintenance in 1991 and has worked in a variety of leadership positions at the airport.
He serves on the board of directors for the Southeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives and the Small Airports Committee of the board of directors for Airports Council International – North America.
He is a past president and former board member of the Georgia Airports Association and a recipient of the GAA Presidents Award.
Kelly also serves on the board of directors for the Savannah Area Tourism Leadership Council and Visit Savannah and is an accredited airport executive and a candidate for a master’s degree in public administration at Savannah State University.