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The South Alabama Regional Airport Board of Directors, its management, and supporting entities honored longtime Covington Electric Cooperative CEO Ed Short at a SARA board meeting held Wednesday, April 12.

The airport approved resolution 2022-07 honoring Short for his years of contributions to the airport and community in December.

“This community is home to me, and it was a really special day to be recognized by the South Alabama Regional Airport. I was the CEO at Covington Electric for 33 years and was told they wanted to present me with a certificate. To see the airport advance over the years and play a small part in that was definitely rewarding,” Short said.

PowerSouth CEO and Airport Board Chairman Gary Smith first met Short in 1990.

“One Saturday, Ed and his wife Gloria came by and helped me fix some problems at my home. Since that time, we have had a great friendship. Through the years, we’ve had good times and bad times at the airport. No matter the situation, Ed was always there to support us. The airport would not be what it is today without Ed Short. He stepped in and always did things nobody else could. I appreciate him and want him to always know what he means to me and how he has impacted my life,” Smith said.

City of Andalusia Mayor Earl Johnson met Short in 1979 and referred to him as a brother and a friend.

“We’ve covered a lot of ground together. His leadership and his example that he set for me had as much to do with him as anyone I’ve ever known. I can’t thank him enough for what he has done for our airport. His vision, support, and resources are what have helped make our airport the success it is today,” Johnson said.

SARA Executive Director Jed Blackwell felt that individuals should learn from others’ examples like Short’s.

“I believe we should all look up to people in our lives who have walked the roads ahead of us. We should learn how they handle situations, learn how they treat and help others, and learn how they lead. Today, we honor Mr. Ed Short who has been one of those people for me. Thank you, Mr. Short, for impacting my life so much and all that you have done for our airport and community,” Blackwell said.

The South Alabama Regional Airport serves Andalusia, Opp, and Covington County and is located at 21861 Bill Benton Lane in the Sanford community.

For more information visit flysara.org or call 334-222-6598.