Description

Jorgenson Pace has been retained to conduct this search. 

The Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to serve as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel for one of North Carolina’s most strategically positioned airport authorities operating at the intersection of economic development, and complex commercial activity.

The Piedmont Triad Airport Authority (PTAA), which owns and operates the Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) is in a period of sustained growth and transformation. The Authority has evolved beyond a traditional airport operator into a dynamic platform for aerospace manufacturing, global logistics, and large-scale economic development. With significant private-sector investment and long-term infrastructure expansion underway, PTAA is positioned as a national model for aviation-driven economic growth.

For the right leader, this role offers the opportunity to function as a true executive partner providing legal strategy and counsel across all aspects of the organization, from Board governance and policy to major development projects, public-private partnerships, and complex contractual relationships. The Chief Legal Officer will play a central role in shaping decisions, mitigating risk, and enabling the Authority to execute on its long-term vision.

The legal landscape at PTAA is correspondingly complex, spanning federal aviation regulatory compliance, public finance and bond counsel oversight, environmental permitting, real estate and ground lease structures, and the evolving legal frameworks governing aerospace manufacturing and advanced air mobility. Candidates will bring not only deep legal expertise but also the judgment and executive presence to navigate a fast-moving, high-visibility environment.

The Organization and the Region

Located in Greensboro, North Carolina, the Piedmont Triad region, anchored by Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point, is home to more than 1.7 million residents and a diverse, evolving economy. The region’s central East Coast location, strong transportation infrastructure, and competitive cost structure have made it a hub for advanced manufacturing, distribution, and aviation-related industries.

PTAA serves as a cornerstone of this economic ecosystem. In addition to passenger air service, the Authority has built a nationally recognized platform for aerospace innovation and manufacturing, anchored by major employers such as JetZero, Honda Aircraft Company, and Boom Supersonic, as well as a growing network of suppliers and logistics operators.

The Authority’s business-oriented governance structure, available land for development, and strong partnerships across the public and private sectors position it to continue attracting transformative investment and driving regional competitiveness. As a public authority distinct from both a private company and a traditional municipal department, PTAA operates under a specific set of legal obligations governing open meetings, public records, and procurement, creating a nuanced legal environment that will be immediately familiar to candidates with public-sector or regulated-industry experience.

Why This Role Matters

The Chief Legal Officer / General Counsel is a critical member of the executive team, advising on both day-to-day operations and long-term strategy. This role goes well beyond traditional legal counsel, serving as a key advisor on governance, organizational direction, and high-impact initiatives.

This role is central to:

   Providing strategic legal counsel across all Authority activities, including economic development, infrastructure projects, and commercial agreements

   Supporting the Board of Directors through governance guidance, meeting preparation, and closed-session counsel

   Managing legal risk while enabling business execution and organizational agility

   Overseeing contracts, policies, and external legal partners to ensure alignment with best practices and regulatory requirements

   Advising leadership on complex, high-visibility projects that shape the Authority’s future

This is a high-impact leadership role with direct influence on the Authority’s ability to execute its mission, manage risk, and capitalize on emerging opportunities. The CLO/General Counsel reports directly to the Executive Director/CEO and holds a seat at the executive leadership table, with direct access to the Board of Directors. This is a true C-suite position, not a senior staff attorney role, and carries commensurate authority and accountability.

General Description

An employee in this position provides a wide spectrum of legal services, counsel, and advice to all levels of the Authority. Participates in general organizational management responsibilities, including long-range and short-range planning. Uses considerable independent judgement and initiatives in planning, organizing, coordinating, and implementing the Authority's legal activities and servicing the legal needs of the Authority.

Principles and Responsibilities

        Provides general legal advice and support of staff projects and actions, either directly or through the management of external attorneys.

        Assists with the preparation of the Board meeting packet; attends Board meetings and closed session meetings, and prepares closed session meeting minutes.

        Drafts, revises, and reviews policies and procedures.

        Participates in discussions around organizational issues, direction, plans, strategy, etc.

        Provides legal advice related to proposed strategic organizational direction, policy, and governance structure for the organization.

        Plans, organizes, coordinates, and implements the legal services work program, activities, and processes; and manages litigation by external attorneys.

        Reviews Authority’s business decisions and practices for legal best management principles; and reviews and approves forms and contracts.

        Monitors industry and legal resources for developments, information, and changes; and shares that knowledge with appropriate Authority staff.

        Participates in critical projects or developing processes/ documents/ templates/ presentations that have a significant impact on the Authority, draw significant attention, and/or haven't been successfully managed.

        Performs related work as required.

        Provides general legal advice and support of staff projects and actions, either directly or through the management of external attorneys.

        Assists with the preparation of the Board meeting packet; attends Board meetings and closed session meetings, and prepares closed session meeting minutes.

        Drafts, revises, and reviews policies and procedures.

        Participates in discussions around organizational issues, direction, plans, strategy, etc.

        Provides legal advice related to proposed economic development, strategic organizational direction, policy, and governance structure for the organization.

        Plans, organizes, coordinates, and implements the legal services work program, activities, and processes; and manages litigation by external attorneys.

Requirements

Knowledge and Skills

        Legalities associated with the airport, airport authorities, leases, compliance, and financial/bonding

        Authority, state, and federal law

        Risk/liability exposure

        Legal Board meeting requirements

        Industry best practices and legal issues

        Contract language and legal impacts

        English grammar, spelling, punctuation

        Legal terminology and court procedures

        Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment

        Written and verbal communication

        Research and analysis

        Organization and strategic development

        Leadership and project management

        Critical thinking

        Technical writing

        Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships

        Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature

Minimum Requirements

        Juris Doctorate

        7-9 years of legal experience, 10+ years preferred

        NC State Bar License to Practice Law