Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner John Schroer has named William B. Orellana as the new Aeronautics Division director.
In his new post, Mr. Orellana will oversee the division which has responsibilities of licensing all of Tennessee's general aviation airports as well as overseeing grants to improve these facilities. TDOT's Aeronautics Division also provides aircraft services for state government executives, staffing for the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission, and other educational support programs.
Mr. Orellana is a former United States Air Force Colonel with 26 years of service, including the position of Base Commander at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Oh. He most recently served as the Logistics Construction Project Manager at Tractor Supply Company in Brentwood. He is a graduate of the University of Arkansas, Allegheny College and Air War College.
"Bill's vast experience with military and support services and his management of aeronautical flight operations will be an incredible asset to TDOT," said Commissioner Schroer. "I am confident he will serve the department with distinction."
"I appreciate Commissioner Schroer's confidence in my ability to lead the Aeronautics Division," said Mr. Orellana. "I am extremely excited about the opportunity to make sure Tennessee airports are competitive and efficient at meeting the needs of businesses and travelers."
Mr. Orellana began his role with TDOT on Monday.