Tipton Airport Authority Spotlight: Jimmy Heathcote

A Lifetime of Service to Anne Arundel County and a Vision for the Future of FME

Fort Meade Executive Airport is proud to be guided by leaders who are deeply invested in both aviation and the surrounding community. One of those leaders is Jimmy Heathcote, a long-time Anne Arundel County resident whose dedication to public service, leadership, and regional growth continues to make a lasting impact on the airport and the community it serves.

Jimmy’s roots in Anne Arundel County run deep. His family was among the original homeowners in Crofton when the community was first established in 1965. Today, he and his wife, Trish, reside in the Two Rivers community in Odenton, where they remain close to their children and grandchildren.

A graduate of Severn School in Severna Park, Jimmy went on to attend the University of Maryland, College Park, where he majored in Business & Management. He later earned his Master’s Degree in Management & Supervision from Central Michigan University in 1986, building the educational foundation for a distinguished and impactful career.

Jimmy dedicated 35 years of service to the National Security Agency at Fort Meade. During his time there, he served as a Special Agent and eventually rose to become Deputy Director of the Security & Counterintelligence Directorate, a role he held during the final 15 years of his NSA career. His extensive experience in leadership, security, and strategic operations continues to shape his professional contributions today.

Since 2016, Jimmy has served as an Executive Advisor with defense contractor Booz Allen Hamilton, specializing in security and risk management. His decades of expertise and commitment to excellence have made him a respected leader both within the defense industry and throughout the region.

Outside of work, Jimmy enjoys spending time golfing, boating, and traveling with his family to Marriott Vacation Club destinations. He is also a passionate supporter of local sports and has attended University of Maryland football, basketball, and lacrosse games for over 50 years.

As a member of the Tipton Airport Authority Board, Jimmy has been proud to witness the progress and improvements made at FME in recent years. He is especially excited about the airport’s future, including this year's opening of the new terminal building. He strongly believes in the Board’s mission to make FME a benchmark for exceptional general aviation support throughout the region.

Jimmy's leadership, dedication to service, and commitment to growth continue to help shape a bright future for FME, and we're grateful for his continued service. Thank you, Jimmy, for your many contributions to both the airport and our community!