The City of Phoenix Aviation Department announced on Apr. 1 the appointment of Kim Brown as the new Airport Manager for Phoenix Deer Valley Airport, following the retirement of longtime manager Ed Faron after nearly 24 years of service.
The change in leadership is significant for Deer Valley Airport, which is recognized as the busiest general aviation airport in the United States. The airport had close to 500,000 takeoffs and landings in 2025 and serves a wide range of aviation needs including flight training and aircraft sales.
Assistant Aviation Director Sarah Demory said, “Faron’s dedication and leadership have been instrumental in supporting DVT’s growth as the busiest general aviation airport in the country. The Aviation Department extends its sincere appreciation for his many years of service and contributions to the Phoenix airport system.”
Brown was selected through a nationwide search process that considered her extensive experience within both facilities management and operations at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Her previous roles included overseeing landside maintenance, fleet maintenance, ground transportation services such as rental car buses, operation of PHX Sky Train, and contracted taxi services. Before joining city government, Brown spent ten years working in various aviation positions including flight instructor and program manager.
Demory said about Brown’s new role: “Brown’s passion for Deer Valley and the community are evident. She is committed to building productive partnerships with tenants, regulatory agencies, and industry stakeholders to ensure that Deer Valley will continue to grow as a premier hub for corporate aviation and flight training.”
Brown holds a bachelor’s degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with multiple pilot ratings. She also serves on the Board of Directors with the Arizona Airports Association.
“Returning to Deer Valley Airport after 18 years feels like coming full circle,” said Brown. “Every step I’ve taken throughout my career has led me back to the place where my passion for aviation truly took root. It is an honor to serve this community again, now as the Airport Manager, and to help guide DVT’s continued growth.”
In related developments at Phoenix airports,
Breeze Airways announced it would begin operating flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s Terminal 3 twice weekly between Phoenix and Charleston (South Carolina) as well as Provo (Utah).
Additionally,
the City named Roxann Favors Assistant Director/Chief Revenue Officer for its Aviation Department in August 2022; she brings nearly two decades of management experience at City Hall.
Jay DeWitt was also named Assistant Director/Chief Development Officer, overseeing planning, environmental design & construction services along with financial management divisions within Aviation.
