CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (October 31, 2024) –Neel-Schaffer is excited to welcome Zach Colescott to the newly created role of East Region Aviation Services Manager.

Zach has 30 years of experience as a pilot and an extensive background in airport management, having managed three different general aviation airports in two states over the last 15 years.

In this new role, Zach will market Neel-Schaffer’s engineering services to general aviation (GA) airports across Tennessee, using his experience as a pilot and manager to connect the firm with new clients as Neel-Schaffer expands its general aviation services.

“This is a very exciting time for us,” said Josh Stump, PE, Neel-Schaffer’s Alabama-Tennessee Aviation Lead. “Zach has the perfect mix of management and personal pilot experience that makes him ideally suited to fill this new role. He is well-known in the field and brings a wealth of knowledge and a great network of industry connections. His insights into airport operations and strong relationships with other airport managers will be valuable as he introduces the Neel-Schaffer brand to new clients across middle and eastern Tennessee.”

Zach built strong connections with GA airport managers throughout the state during his time as Airport Manager at Winchester Municipal Airport and later as Jetport Director at Cleveland Regional Jetport. In 2018, he was recognized as Tennessee’s Airport Manager of the Year by the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission.

“I know how to connect with them,” Zach said. “I’ve been through the consultant selection process myself, so I can honestly say, ‘I know what you’re facing.’ And as a pilot, I get how tough it can be for managers when an airport has to close for a project. I can help explain why it’s needed and how it’ll improve things once completed.”

Zach holds a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Administration from Indiana State University.