Opportunity takes flight for Airport Director Adam Wolf
After three successful years on the job, Airport Director Adam Wolf has announced his upcoming departure for a new opportunity. He will soon be joining Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority where he will serve as assistant director of airside operations at Nashville International Airport.
"We were fortunate to have Adam on our team over the last few years to enhance the airport's operations,” said Dean Ayanna Howard. “I'm incredibly grateful for his willingness to take on additional leadership responsibilities to ensure a smooth transition prior to his departure."
Wolf’s tenure at The Ohio State University Airport was punctuated by the implementation of a range of safety enhancements. These include securing grants to acquire modern snow removal equipment and a new airport firefighting and rescue truck, obstruction removal in the areas surrounding the airfield and collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture to facilitate the mitigation of hazards at KOSU and across Ohio.
The airport’s use of drone missions for safety, inspections and engineering purposes – as well as for university research – were amplified under Wolf’s leadership. Many of KOSU’s best practices in this area are now being benchmarked for use at other airfields.
Director of Learning Technologies and aviation lecturer Chris Strasbaugh commented on Wolf’s impact in the expansion of the College of Engineering’s drone initiative. By “Adam’s broad support of projects – such as the North Campus Garage demolition research and on KOSU property experimenting with integrating UAS mapping and inspection inside the boundaries of an FAA waiver – the college’s UAS program has grown both in the classroom and in practice.”
Wolf’s terms as interim director and director encompassed the COVID-19 pandemic. KOSU provided critical transportation access during that time frame, becoming Ohio’s busiest airport in 2020. Throughout the following years, Wolf fostered relationships with the Federal Aviation Administration, resulting in multiple grants for new construction of benefit to the local economy. Business initiatives also included hangar development, as well as providing ease of access to a medical supply chain partner.
In addition, a community favorite – the Don Scott Trot: 5K on the Runway – was broadened by Wolf to reach record-breaking engagement. Thanks to sponsors and participants, the resulting revenue was used to fund four scholarships for Ohio State flight education students.
The positive influence of Wolf’s leadership had impacts across the airport.
“I believe people are placed into our lives for a specific time and reason,” said Dale Gelter, assistant director of airfield operations. “Adam came to OSU airport at a time when a range of advancements were beginning to revitalize this great airport. His unique skillset has enabled him to advance the airport across many fronts.”
“Adam’s background as a pilot allowed him to revise day-to-day operational needs, while his business acumen has resulted in strategic development initiatives. His genuine care for people and passion for aviation have set him on a trajectory for success. It’s been a pleasure to partner with him.”
Previous to his promotion to director in 2020 and interim director in 2019, Wolf progressed through positions in the airfield operations and business development units. His past experience includes roles at Columbus Regional Airport Authority and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Wolf will onboard at Nashville International Airport in February.
by Holly Henley, communications specialist
