Teresa Lyons, AAE, Promoted to the Number Two Position for TKI
McKINNEY, Texas (March 30, 2026) — McKinney National Airport (TKI) has announced the appointment of Teresa Lyons, AAE, ACE, ASC, as the Airport Maintenance and Operations Manager, which is the number two position at the airport.
Hired as the Airport Operations Analyst in 2023, then promoted to Airport Operations Supervisor in 2024, Lyons has been an integral part of the organization as TKI transitions from a general aviation airport to offering commercial air service. Her work involves overseeing investments in airfield infrastructure, including constructing the new passenger terminal and support facilities; extending the runway; and improving taxiways on the west side of the airport. She has also helped create airport programs, policies, and manuals, which are required for TKI’s federal certification by the Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security Administration.
“Teresa is a tremendous asset for McKinney National Airport as we continue to invest in TKI’s current and future operations,” said Director of Aviation Ken Carley, AAE. “She has earned the respect and trust of the TKI team and our many stakeholders, and contributes to an environment where utilizing industry best practices and being an effective leader are helping the airport operation evolve and thrive.”
Lyons was promoted to fill the position vacated by Jeff Patterson, who retired in January 2026 after serving TKI since 2018.
“As a lifelong learner and lover of all things aviation, I am fortunate to call McKinney National Airport my second home as we work together to rewrite aviation history in North Texas,” said Lyons. “I appreciate the support of Airport Director Ken Carley and the entire TKI team and am so proud of what we’re accomplishing to deliver commercial air service to McKinney.”
Lyon’s prior aviation experience includes serving as airport director at Hereford Municipal Airport (HRX) in Texas. Hereford is one of the largest producers of cheese in Texas, supports the cattle feeding industry, and calls itself the “Beef Capital of the World.” While at HRX, Lyons managed airport operations, safety, and maintenance and was named the 2009 Airport Manager of the Year for the State of Texas. This award came from her oversight of airport capital investments that included securing funding for and constructing a brand-new concrete runway, adding self-serve fueling infrastructure, and installing an Automated Weather Observing System, all of which contributed to elevated airport safety and local business growth.
Earlier in her career, Lyons supported flight operations safety programs at Southwest Airlines and held an accounting role at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
For more information about McKinney National Airport, please visit www.FlyTKI.com.
About McKinney National Airport
McKinney National Airport (TKI) has served as a general aviation airport for over 40 years and is now transitioning to deliver commercial air service in support of the growing population and ongoing business investment in the North Texas region. In summer 2025, McKinney city and airport leaders broke ground on a four-gate terminal building with the ability to expand to six gates. Avelo Airlines is the first carrier to commit to serving TKI, with a launch date and nonstop destinations to be announced before the commercial terminal opens in late 2026. With the new terminal and nonstop flights, North Texas residents, businesses, and visitors will have more options to travel to and from the region, saving them time, money, and hassle. Learn more at www.FlyTKI.com and follow @FlyTKI on Facebook, Instagram and X.
