Stennis International Airport Announces New Director

August 1, 2023

KILN, MISS: Austin Jenkins is the newest addition to the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission (HCPHC) team, as the Airport Director for Stennis International Airport. Jenkins will start with HCPHC on July 31, 2023.

“After conducting a regional search, we are ecstatic to add a professional like Austin to our team at HCPHC. We believe his passion for Mississippi and his aviation experience with operations, emerging technology, traffic control towers and capital programs will provide immediate value to Stennis International Airport,” said Blaine LaFontaine, CEO of HCPHC.
Jenkins previously served as Airport Operations Manager with the Jackson Municipal Airport

Authority (JMAA) where he was responsible for the day to day operations of the FAA 139 commercial service airport (JAN), as well as Hawkins Field (HKS). In this role, Jenkins was the direct liaison to the FAA and TSA, in addition to internal and external stakeholders; including emergency management oversight.

Jenkins graduated from Delta State University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Commercial Aviation. Jenkins is also a certified member with the American Association of Airport Executives and an active committee member with Airports Council International (ACI-NA). Jenkins is an FAA licensed commercial pilot with instrument rating and also holds an FAA remote pilot certificate.

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The Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission was established in 1963 to lead the county’s economic
development activities. Stennis International Airport and Port Bienville Industrial Park are home to 30 companies