Longtime Statesboro Aviator, businessman and chair of the airport authority, Ellis Wood was honored by the Bulloch County Commission. The commissioners, along with former Commissioner and Board Chair Raybon Anderson and Senator Billy Hickman were on hand to surprise Ellis. They are naming the terminal building after Ellis Wood. It will now be known as the Ellis G. Wood Aviation Complex at the Statesboro- Bulloch County Airport.
In the early 90’s, Bulloch County took over operations of the Airport (from a joint city/county agreement) and hired an airport manager.
When they took over the airport the county knew they had to build a new terminal building. There was no better choice than Ellis Wood to lead this project. For this reason and many more, Ellis was named Chairman of the Airport Committee.
Ellis immediately went to work on his first order of business as chairman which was a new building.
The new Statesboro-Bulloch Airport building was erected in 1996. Ellis and several of the building committee members toured the state looking at terminal buildings in an effort to design a terminal building that would best meet the needs of the community, while being very cost sensitive.
The final design was so successful that now it is common for airport leadership from other communities to come and visit to get ideas for their future terminal buildings.
In addition to being instrumental in securing funding for the terminal building, Ellis has been instrumental in securing funds to improve the infrastructure at the airport. The runway was lengthened. The Instrument Landing System was added. Through coordination with the FAA, State of Georgia, and Bulloch County, hangars have been built.
“Mr. Ellis doesn't just take an oversite role in airport operations. He is very involved on a day-to-day basis. He is always very responsive and is willing to share his vast knowledge and business expertise. His focus is on making decisions that will be good for the airport as well as the community.” said, Kathy Boykin, Statesboro-Bulloch Airport Manager.
Special thanks to Broni Gainous, Bulloch County Community Relations Manager, for their assistance with this story.
