The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) announced the appointment of new leadership for the Nashville International Airport (BNA) and John C. Tune Airport (JWN).
“As Nashville, BNA, and JWN continue their remarkable growth trajectory, it’s crucial we have a leadership team that reflects both established expertise and innovative thinking,” said Doug Kreulen, president/CEO of MNAA. “This talented group will ensure we continue to deliver a world-class experience for passengers while navigating the exciting future for both of our airports.”
The following individuals have been appointed to key leadership roles:· John Cooper, chief administrative officer (CAO)
John Cooper, a retired U.S. Army colonel and human resources/human capital management (HR/HCM) subject matter expert (SME), has joined MNAA as the chief administrative officer (CAO). With over 30 years of experience, he specializes in all aspects of the HR lifecycle, organizational development, and career planning and development. He most recently served as a senior foreign nation advisor on Human Resources and Intelligence security matters. He also served as director of HR and recruiting for a government contractor, managing comprehensive HR support for sensitive positions requiring top-secret/sensitive compartmented information (TS/SCI) clearances at the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of State (DoS). Cooper began his military career in tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). He is an alum of the University of Tennessee at Martin. He holds a Masters in Strategic Studies (M.S.S.) from the Air War College, a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from George Mason University and is a certified ‘senior professional’ in Human Resources (SPHR).
· Syed Mehdi, vice president, ‘airport planning,’ ‘strategic planning’
Syed Mehdi, A.A.E., an aviation professional with over 27 years of experience, brings expertise in airport planning, strategy, business development, and operations. He previously led the development of an asset management division at San Antonio International Airport (SAT), building a team and implementing a new system. During his seven-year tenure, he led the creation of a five-year strategic plan and a 20-year airport master plan. Mehdi possesses a comprehensive portfolio encompassing airport master plans, terminal plans, and facilities plans for airports worldwide, including those in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Africa, and Asia. He gained this experience through his work at Landrum & Brown, Jacobs, Speedwings Logistics Limited (British Airways), and ICF SH&E. Mehdi holds a Master of Science (M.S.) in ‘airport planning and management’ from Loughborough University and is an ‘accredited airport executive’ (A.A.E) designation by the American Association of Airport Executives (A.A.A.E).
· Puneet Vedi, vice president, ‘airport capital development’
Puneet Vedi, AIA, CM, LEED GA, NCARB joins MNAA as the vice president, ‘airport capital development.’ A seasoned professional with 27 years of experience in architecture and construction, Vedi brings a proven track record of success in project delivery and leadership. Prior to joining MNAA, Vedi served as director of ‘project delivery’ and architect with the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC). In this role, he led a high-performing team responsible for the design, construction, and implementation of a comprehensive seven-year capital improvement plan for the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and six surrounding reliever airports. This multi-million-dollar initiative significantly enhanced airport infrastructure and operational efficiency, demonstrating Vedi’s expertise in managing complex projects.
· Matthew Earnhardt, assistant vice president, ‘operations’
Matthew Earnhardt joins MNAA as the assistant vice president of ‘operations,’ overseeing land side, terminal, and customer experience teams. He previously served as the senior associate dean of ‘academics and operations’ at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Earnhardt’s career includes roles at Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy, where he developed expertise in process improvement, leadership development, and safety. He holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Regent University, a Master of Science (M.S.) in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Liberty University, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Liberty University.
Additionally, the following BNA Team member has been promoted, effective July 13:
· Adam Wolf, assistant vice president, John C. Tune Airport manager
Joining MNAA in early 2023 as assistant director of ‘airside operations,’ Adam Wolf’s impressive leadership led to a swift promotion to director. He now takes on the expanded role of assistant vice president and John C. Tune Airport manager. In this capacity, he is responsible for leading MNAA’s general aviation facility, ensuring its safe and efficient operation. Before joining MNAA, he served as the ‘airport director’ at The Ohio State University Airport in Columbus, Ohio. Preceding his time at Ohio State, he held various operational positions at both the Columbus Regional Airport Authority and The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. Wolf, holding an instrument rating as a private pilot, is a certified member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and has provided his expertise to the Transportation Research Board’s Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP). Additionally, he also holds a Small Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) 107 license and earned a bachelor’s degree in aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
