Byford selected interim director of Collegedale Municipal Airport

Officials with the city of Collegedale have selected Ryan Byford as interim director of the Collegedale Municipal Airport, according to a news release. He replaces Chris Swain who retired in July after 16 years of service.

A Chattanooga area native, Byford developed his passion for aviation at a young age. After expressing enthusiasm to watch airplanes when he was a child, his parents would take him to the Collegedale Municipal Airport for their annual open house and various community events throughout the years. At the age of 16, Byford began pursuing his dream of becoming a pilot and he ultimately earned his pilot certificate a year later and continues to be actively involved in aviation.

Byford graduated with a bachelor of science in business administration from Southern Adventist University in 2020 and began working for the City of Collegedale shortly after, where he performed clerical duties at the Collegedale Municipal Airport.