Airport Director Named FDOT Aviation Professional of the Year
Tom Jewsbury, CM, Executive Director of St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) Named Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Aviation Professional of the Year
Thomas Jewsbury was named this year’s Aviation Professional of the Year by the Florida Department of Transportation at the 2024 55th Annual Florida Airports Council Conference.
Tom celebrates his 30th year at PIE, serving the last 9 years as Executive Director. Tom has devoted his entire career to the airport industry. He began his professional career in 1990 as an Airport Operations Supervisor at the Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, Wisconsin. In 1994 he began his tenure with the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) as an Operations Supervisor to help develop the newly created Operations Division. During his 30-year tenure at PIE, he received several promotions including Operations Manager, Director of Operations, and 13 years as Deputy Airport Director before becoming Executive Airport Director in 2015.
Graduating with honors from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Jewsbury received a bachelor’s degree in aviation management. During college, he acquired his private pilot license at age 20 and first entered the aviation industry by working as a Customer Service Representative for Peoples Express Airlines.
Tom has served on the Board of Directors and on the U.S. Policy Council for Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA) and Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). Tom has Chaired both the Regional and Statewide steering committees for the Continuing Florida Aviation System Planning Process (CFASPP) that serves to advise FDOT and FAA of critical aviation issues. In addition, Tom served as Chair of the Secure Airports for Florida's Economy (SAFE) Council that was established by the state legislature following the events of 9/11, to focus on efforts to enhance the safety and security of airport passenger and cargo facilities. He is also a past-President of the Florida Airports Council.
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is a department of Pinellas County Government and ranks among the top 100 busiest airport in North America, serving 65 non-stop destinations and over 2.4 million passengers in 2023.
Pinellas County Administrator Barry Burton stated “Tom has led our airport to create over 3.4 billion in economic impact for our county and an exceptional travel experience for our visitors and locals. PIE is truly a point of pride for Pinellas. We greatly appreciate Tom’s service and contributions.”
Tom was nominated for this honor by long-time colleague, Greg Donovan, AAE, Executive Director of Melbourne Orlando International Airport.