Airport Authority Chief Engineer Named Government Engineer of the Year
Traci Holton, assistant vice president for development and engineering at the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA), has been named 2020 Government Engineer of the Year by the Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers’ Nashville Chapter.
“Traci is an enormous asset for the Airport Authority and is a key driver of our expansion and renovation program,” said Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of MNAA. “She is an extraordinary talent, and we are proud that she is being recognized by her engineering peers for her leadership and record of accomplishments. This is a pivotal time for Nashville International Airport and John C. Tune Airport, and with Traci and her team helping lead the way, we are confident our airports will continue to grow and prosper and generate the economic recovery for this region.”
Holton is a key member of the MNAA senior leadership team who oversees the Airport Authority’s Development and Engineering division. Her role includes overseeing the design and construction of Nashville International Airport’s $1.4 billion expansion and renovation program, known as BNA Vision, and the $50 million annual capital program for both Nashville International and John C. Tune Airports.
BNA Vision is dramatically remaking Nashville International Airport to meet future demand and existing needs. By 2023, projects completed under BNA Vision will include a larger central terminal, a state-of-the-art International Arrivals Facility, expanded central security checkpoint, an on-airport hotel, a fourth major concourse, new ticketing and baggage claim space, top-to-bottom terminal renovation, a variety of new dining, retail and service amenities and a massive terminal parking garage complex.
Additionally, MNAA is working to rebuild and revitalize John C. Tune Airport, the reliever airport for Nashville International Airport that serves corporate and private aircraft. The MNAA Board of Commissioners approved a redevelopment plan for John C. Tune on Nov. 18 that will expand, upgrade and replace facilities destroyed during the March 3 tornado and enhance the airport’s long-term viability. John C. Tune is the largest general aviation airport in the state with more than 86,500 operations in 2019.
Holton has 23 years of experience as a licensed Professional Engineer, including 17 years of service at MNAA. Before joining MNAA, she worked as a transportation engineer for a local consulting firm, where she designed and managed roadway projects throughout Tennessee. She also has experience in bridge design and site development.
Ms. Holton is a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers, Tennessee Section; American Society of Civil Engineers, Tennessee Section, Nashville Branch; and a Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives. She earned a BS in civil engineering from Tennessee Technological University and an MS in engineering management from Lipscomb University.
