Greenville Spartanburg International Airport CEO Dave Edwards Retiring

After 16 years of leadership, Edwards leaves behind major expansions, national recognition, and a clear succession plan.

Dave Edwards longtime president and chief executive officer of Greenville‑Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), will retire on January 9, 2026, concluding a 16‑year tenure marked by sustained growth, national accolades, and transformative capital projects that elevated the airport’s regional and industry standing.

Edwards, who has spent 38 years in the aviation industry and has led GSP since July 2009, oversaw a period of remarkable evolution at the airport. When he began, GSP was a stable but modestly scaled regional facility. Over the ensuing decade and a half, Edwards guided the airport through major strategic investments, expanded service offerings, and significant enhancements to the passenger experience that helped redefine the airport’s profile.

Under his leadership, GSP implemented more than $400 million in infrastructure improvements, including a comprehensive modernization of the Wingspan terminal, expansion of cargo facilities, development of new public parking facilities and roadway projects, and the establishment of rental car and corporate aviation assets. These projects enhanced capacity, improved operational efficiency, and created a foundation for future growth.

The addition of Parking Garage C and a consolidated rental car facility has made travel through GSP more convenient, while other roadway and logistics enhancements have eased access and circulation for passengers and travelers.

Edwards’ leadership also coincided with a dramatic rise in passenger traffic, which more than doubled during his tenure, and the airport’s emergence as a key cargo gateway. GSP achieved its highest passenger counts in history, including surpassing three million annual travelers, and became a top‑25 U.S. cargo airport based on trade value.

National recognition for service excellence became a hallmark of Edwards’ tenure. GSP was named the Best Airport in North America in its category based on customer satisfaction for three of the last four years.  In addition, Edwards personally earned significant industry honors, including the 2025 Airports Council International‑North America (ACI‑NA) Visionary Leadership Award for his innovative leadership and the Distinguished Service Award from the American Association of Airport Executives—one of that organization’s highest honors.

In late 2025, Edwards was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, recognizing his impact on aviation, regional economic growth, and statewide commerce. The award highlights GSP’s role as a major economic engine, supporting billions in annual economic output and tens of thousands of jobs.

Throughout his career, Edwards also served in leadership roles within major aviation associations, including as chairman of Airports Council International‑North America and as president of the Southeast Chapter of the AAAE, and he contributed extensively to community and economic development organizations across the Upstate.

The Greenville‑Spartanburg Airport Commission has announced that Kevin E. Howell, I.A.P., C.M., current executive vice president of GSP, will succeed Edwards as president and CEO effective January 10, 2026. Howell has more than 25 years of airport leadership experience and has overseen key operations, capital development, public safety, and maintenance functions for the airport.

Edwards said he is proud of what the airport has accomplished and confident in its future trajectory. Airport Commission Chair Minor Shaw expressed gratitude for his service and confidence that Howell is well‑prepared to build on the momentum Edwards established.

As Edwards prepares to depart, his leadership legacy—characterized by expanded facilities, heightened recognition, and strengthened community impact—will continue to shape GSP’s role as a major transportation hub and economic contributor for the region and nation.