The Cabarrus Compass

The Cabarrus Compass

A decade of growth: Dirk Vanderleest leaves lasting mark on Concord-Padgett Regional Airport

As he retires, the airport stands as a $1.1 billion economic engine with expanded air service, major infrastructure investments and continued growth on the horizon.

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Chris Miller
Mar 23, 2026
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Dirk Vanderleest has been aviation director for the Concord-Padgett Regional Airport since 2017. Photo courtesy of the City of Concord.

Over the past decade, Concord-Padgett Regional Airport has undergone a striking transformation — expanding from a modest regional airport into a growing transportation hub that now plays a significant role in both passenger travel and the local economy. It is currently the fifth-busiest airport in the state.

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