The City of Phoenix Aviation Department has appointed Kim Brown as the new airport manager for Phoenix Deer Valley airport, following the retirement of longtime airport manager Ed Faron, who concluded nearly 24 years of distinguished service to the department.

“Faron's dedication and leadership have been instrumental in supporting DVT's growth as the busiest general aviation airport in the country,” says assistant aviation director Sarah Demory. “The Aviation Department extends its sincere appreciation for his many years of service and contributions to the Phoenix airport system.”

Brown's selection comes after a nationwide competitive process that highlighted her extensive aviation and airport experience. For the past 18 years, she has held various leadership roles with the facilities and services and operations divisions. Most recently, she served as a facilities and services superintendent for the support services section at Phoenix Sky Harbor International airport. In that role, she oversaw landside maintenance, fleet maintenance and the airport sign programme. Prior to that, she was the superintendent over ground transportation where she provided leadership for the contract management of the airport's rental car bus service, operation and maintenance of the PHX Sky Train and the airport's contracted taxi services.

Brown has a long history of aviation experience and strong ties to the Phoenix Deer Valley airport community. Before joining the City of Phoenix Aviation Department, she worked for 10 years in various aviation roles including flight instructor, flight training programme manager and chief ground instructor.

“Brown's passion for Deer Valley and the community are evident,” confirms Demory. “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.”

“Returning to Deer Valley airport after 18 years feels like coming full circle,” states 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 honour to serve this community again, now as the airport manager, and to help guide DVT's continued growth.”

With nearly 500,000 take offs and landings in 2025, Phoenix Deer Valley airport is the busiest general aviation airport in the US. The airport offers a complete range of services including aviation fuel, avionics, maintenance parts, flight training and aircraft sales, and is home to approximately 1,100 aircraft and Cutter Aviation's full-service FBO.