Gerald McKinney has been named as interim manager of Shreveport Downtown Airport.

McKinney previously was the manager of special projects for the Shreveport Airport Authority, a position he has held since November 2001.

McKinney has vast experience in the aviation industry, including owning a fixed base operation in Maryland, as well as serving in airport management in Saudi Arabia. Before coming to Shreveport, he was the assistant director of the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport. Originally from South Carolina, he has a bachelor of arts in political science from The Citadel. McKinney also spent six years in the U.S. Air Force in Special Operations.

In his new role with the Shreveport Airport Authority, he will manage the day-to-day operations of the airport, as well as projects related to airport development.

"Jerry has a broad knowledge and understanding of how airports like the Downtown Airport operate," said Roy H. Miller, Jr., Director of Airports for the Shreveport Airport Authority. "Jerry's experience makes him a great choice for helping the Airport Authority achieve its goal of further developing the Downtown Airport."

The Shreveport Airport Authority is responsible for managing Shreveport Regional Airport and Shreveport Downtown Airport.

For more information, contact Bill Cooksey at (318) 673-5370 or pager (318) 866-5103.