Greenville introduces new airport director; county waives facility fees for Mayor’s Youth Council program

Mayor Eric D. Simmons introduced Lavell (Lavelle) Hawkins as the new airport director for Greenville and asked the Washington County Board of Supervisors to welcome him. Hawkins said he is originally from Mississippi, has aviation experience in New Orleans, holds a master’s degree from Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University and intends to develop the Greenville airport as a regional asset.

Mayor Simmons and Hawkins discussed outreach to carriers; Hawkins said restoring or adding routes is a priority but that airline service decisions are commercial and cannot be guaranteed. "That is a question that I'm getting from all different directions and it's definitely something that we can bring up to the airlines," Hawkins said when asked about restoring a Greenville–Nashville flight.

Board action: The board approved a motion to waive facility fees, insurance and cleanup costs for the Mayor’s Youth Council annual Black History program, scheduled for Friday at 10 a.m. at the convention center. The mayor requested the waiver; supervisors moved and seconded the request and the motion carried. The county clarified that required security by the sheriff's department would still be arranged.

Why it matters: The airport director introduction is an administrative personnel announcement that can affect local aviation planning and economic development. The fee waiver reduces the cost of a community event that brings students from county schools and involves New Stage Theater for a theatrical program.

Ending: Hawkins said he looks forward to working with the county and city on airport matters. The board approved the fee waiver and asked staff to coordinate security and logistics for the event.