SCOTT M. NISWONGER: BIO
Greeneville, TN: Scott M. Niswonger has distinguished himself as a successful businessman, aviator, entrepreneur, community leader and philanthropist.
Born and raised in Van Wert, Ohio, Mr. Niswonger graduated in 1968 from Purdue University with a degree in Aviation Technology. He is a certified airline transport pilot and has flown everything from J-3 Cubs to the Boeing 747 aircraft. In addition to his degree in Aviation Technology, Mr. Niswonger holds a BSBA from Tusculum College, as well as a Doctorate of Technology from Purdue University (2004) and an honorary Doctorate of Human Letters from Tusculum College (2006).
Mr. Niswonger co-founded Landair Transport in 1981 with an initial $2,000 investment. Today he is the majority shareholder of Landair Transport and serves as Chairman Emeritus of Forward Air Corporation, which has been recognized by Forbes magazine as one of the "Top 200 Small Companies" in America for the past nine consecutive years. The two companies have a combined market value of over one billion dollars.
Very active in community affairs, Mr. Niswonger is President of the Niswonger Foundation; Trustee at Tusculum College; President of the Governing Board for the Niswonger Performing Arts Center; Chairman of the Regional Economic Development Alliance; and a member of the President's Executive Council at Purdue University.
Mr. Niswonger has been honored with numerous recognitions. Some of those include being selected by Junior Achievement International as their worldwide recipient of the International Distinguished Graduate Award and Business Hall of Fame inductee; Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year for the Southeastern United States; Coopers & Lybrand's Entrepreneurial Company of the Year; awarded Purdue University's Distinguished Technology Alumni Award; Purdue University's Pinnacle Award; the Mountain States Hospital Foundation Spirit Award; and the State of Tennessee Board of Regents Award for Excellence in Philanthropy.
Mr. Niswonger is especially proud of The Niswonger Foundation that he established in 2001 with a $25 million investment to create opportunities for individual and regional growth through educational programs, scholarships, and other charitable activities. This educational operating foundation currently has more than 40 scholars in universities across America.
With an exceptional level of giving and generosity, businessman and philanthropist Scott Niswonger has made a positive impact that will affect many generations to come.
For more information, please visit www.rediscovergreeneville.com or contact Bob Cantler at (423) 202-5167, (800) 223-2679 or gm@generalmorganinn.com.