GSP Airport District names new Chief of Police

“Chief Petty will be a tremendous asset to the GSP team,” said Dave Edwards, president and CEO of the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District. “His extensive management experience and collaborative leadership style will enable the District to continue advancing programs that strengthen safety and security for the millions of passengers, employees, and business partners who rely on GSP each year.”

With more than 30 years of law enforcement and public safety experience, Chief Petty has held leadership positions, including Chief of Police at the Chester Police Department and Limestone University in South Carolina, as well as Director of Public Safety at Trine University in Indiana. His expertise spans security management, emergency response coordination, community-oriented policing, and the integration of modern safety technologies.

In his new role, Chief Petty will serve as the Airport Security Coordinator (ASC), overseeing sworn officers, emergency management programs, and collaboration with federal partners such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). He will also lead strategic initiatives designed to enhance public safety infrastructure and uphold GSP’s reputation as one of the nation’s most efficient and passenger-focused airports

“It is an incredible honor to serve as the next Chief of Police for the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District,” said Chief Petty. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place. My commitment is to a people-first leadership style that prioritizes safety and service, and I am eager to work alongside airport leadership, employees, and business partners to ensure a safe, welcoming environment for everyone who passes through GSP.”