Tullahoma Municipal Airport Manager Jon Glass has announced his retirement from the Tullahoma Airport Authority after 26 years of service, effective October 20th, 2025. Glass has served the Airport and the Tullahoma’s flying community since 1999, overseeing major airport improvements, securing grant funding, and managing daily operations in one of Tullahoma’s most vital components of economic growth.

“Jon Glass has been an important part of our community’s aviation journey. From bringing multiple Airshows to life to guiding the new terminal building and helping shape today’s thriving airport, his years of dedication reflect true commitment and care,” stated Karla Smith, Chairman of the Tullahoma Airport Authority. “We are deeply grateful for all he has done and wish him the very best in his retirement, as we carry forward his spirit of service while continuing to strive for excellence in our airport operations.”

During his tenure, Glass, in partnership with the Airport Authority Board, led several impactful projects for the 840-acre airport property including the addition of 40 new hangars, a new terminal building in 2010, and helping bring in a based Vanderbilt LifeFlight operation in 2008, and growth to approximately 160 based aircraft at the airport. Since 2001, Tullahoma Airport has secured approximately $14 million dollars of grant funding and received numerous awards from the Tennessee Aeronautics Division. In 2021, the Chattanooga Times-Free Press reported that the Tullahoma Municipal Airport provided an economic impact of $21 million to the local area for the 24-county TDOT Region 2, second only to the Chattanooga Lovell Field.

“I have had the opportunity to work for many great Board members and City staff over the last 26 years. I am especially proud of our numerous part-time high school and college employees that have moved on to full time aviation careers,” stated Glass in his retirement letter. “Thank you to all the past and current Airport staff that I have had the chance to work with over the years…I will miss you all and thank you for the opportunity.”

The Tullahoma Airport Authority and the City of Tullahoma will soon engage in transition and search plans to ensure continuity of operations, and to identify the next leader who will guide the airport forward. A formal search is expected to begin shortly. During the interim period, Tullahoma Airport Authority Chairman Karla Smith with assistance from other members of the Airport Authority Board will assume the duties of leadership for the Airport.