NASHVILLE (AP) — The aeronautics division of the Tennessee Department of Transportation has a new director.

William B. Orellana will oversee the licensing of Tennessee's general aviation airports and grants for them.

He is a former U.S. Air Force colonel with 26 years of service, including the position of base commander at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.

Orellana was appointed by TDOT commissioner John Schroer.