Eric Pratt Named Aviation Director

Pratt will provide strategic direction and lead the daily operations at Concord-Padgett Regional Airport following the retirement of the City's current director in March

The City of Concord is pleased to welcome Eric Pratt as the next Aviation Director. Pratt brings over a decade of leadership experience to the position where he will direct the daily operations and management at Concord-Padgett Regional Airport - North Carolina's fifth busiest airport and a regional economic powerhouse.

"Concord-Padgett Regional Airport is a cornerstone of our local economy and an important driver of our community's continued success. Eric's extensive experience in aviation will be an asset to our city as we continue to strategically plan for the future and position our community as a premier destination for innovation and opportunity," said City Manager Lloyd Payne.

Concord-Padgett Regional Airport contributes over $1.1 billion in economic output, supports more than 5,300 jobs, and generates over $474 million in personal income, supporting families and businesses across the city. The airport is known for its convenience and exceptional customer service, currently connecting travelers with 12 destinations across the east coast and Puerto Rico through two commercial airline partners. The airport is also home to multiple flight schools and several NASCAR teams.

"I'm honored and excited to serve as the new Aviation Director for the City of Concord. This airport is a gateway to opportunity-for businesses, for travelers, and for our entire community. I look forward to working with our dedicated team and partners to strengthen operations, enhance the passenger experience, and position Concord for continued growth and innovation in aviation," said Pratt.

Pratt has extensive experience in overseeing safety, security, compliance, funding, tenant relations, and strategic development at both general aviation and commercial service airports. He began his career in aviation as an airport operations officer at Dallas Love Field in Dallas, Texas, and later served as the Airport Operations Manager at McKinney National Airport in McKinney, Texas, before becoming the Airport Director at the Mesquite Metro Airport in Mesquite, Texas. While serving as Director for the Mesquite Metro Airport, he negotiated several major development deals that helped increase airport revenues by 100% and more than doubled both the airport's taxable value and total economic output.

Pratt earned his Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management from the University of Oklahoma. He is an Accredited Member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and has served on their General Aviation Committee since 2018, and the AAAE's Contract Tower Association Policy Board since 2017. He also served on the North Central Texas Council of Governments, Aviation Division for over 12 years and was recognized in 2015 as one of Airport Business Magazine's Top 40 Under 40.

Pratt will begin his tenure with the City of Concord on March 23, 2026, and will work alongside current Aviation Director, Dirk Vanderleest, until his retirement on March 31, 2026.

Eric Pratt, City of Concord Aviation Director, Effective March 23, 2026