Selected
Article:
Delta
Workspaces/A look at executive environments
Darrell
Forman, airport director
Mid-Delta Regional Airport
By
Andy Ellis
Airport
Director of Mid-Delta Regional Airport, Daryl Foreman, has
one of the more unique workspaces in the Delta. “A
good portion of my job is not directly related to flying,”
says Foreman. “I consider my job part architect, part
lawyer/politician, and part pilot,” he explains. This
fact is readily evident by the multitude of plans, blueprints,
and diagrams, which fill the office. “These are blueprints
and plans for the ongoing and future projects we have lined
up here at Mid-Delta Regional Airport,” he says. A
large drafting table in the corner of the room provides
adequate display room for the multitude of construction
plans. “We are currently working on several projects,”
he explains. “We are getting ready to restore the
terminal building, expand and renovate the parking area,
and create a parallel taxi-way for one of the runways.”
On the Wall behind his desk, Foreman displays several photos
of air force jets he trained in during his 4 years in the
US Air Force. “I became disqualified from ejector
seat aircraft due to a back injury,” says Foreman.
He goes on to explain that one of the aircraft is a T-38
Talon used for training, and another shows him piloting
a T-2 Buckeye. Although he can no longer fly Air Force jets,
Foreman says he still gets a good many hours each month
on his personal plane which resides in a hanger adjacent
to the terminal. “My private plane is a Beachcraft
Musketeer, it is a 4 seater with about 160 hp,” he
elaborates.
Foreman, who has an extensive background in manufacturing
as well as aviation, says that his business background helps
immensely in his role as Airport Director. “I have
worked hand in hand with the people that get the job done,”
he says. “It is very important to work closely with
everyone,” he adds. One could get a slightly different
message however when looking at the desk of the Airport
Director. Among the miscellaneous office items on Foreman’s
desk resides a jar reading, “Ashes of Problem Employees,”
and a plaque nearby reads “I’m not bossy, I
just have better ideas.”
Also on Foreman’s desk is a large empty candy container.
“It is to remind me of my diet and the weight I have
lost,” Foreman smiles. He is also quick to point out
the picture of his wife Terrell and children, Brett and
Kathleen. “Brett is five, and Kathleen is a year and
a half,” beams Foreman.
The Greenville Air Force Base Museum also plays an important
role in the workspace of the Airport Director. Some of the
many items and letters that are received by the Air Force
Base Museum are also found in Foreman’s office. “We
receive many items from military men and women who have
a connection with the base,” he says. “We recently
received a flag that was flying over Iraq,” he says,
proudly displaying the piece.
The office itself features a large panoramic window overlooking
the Tarmac, so that the Director is instantly aware of any
activity. A large radio in the corner, which connects to
the control tower as well as incoming and outgoing aircraft,
also keeps him on top of the action. “It is pretty
much point of sight,” he explains, “It can pick
up most traffic within a few miles.”
Foreman has worn many hats in his life, and continues to
in his position as Airport Director. The Workspace that
surrounds the Airport Director is a direct reflection of
the many responsibilities he fulfills. “The one aspect
of my job that I enjoy the most is that it is always changing,
and everyday provides new opportunities,” says Foreman.
DBJ
