Michael "Chad" Lawrence has been moved from aviation commissioner to head Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) at Griffiss International Airport, Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. said Wednesday.

Picente appointed Lawrence as aviation commissioner in January 2018. Lawrence had served as deputy commissioner for the previous five years.

Lawrence began his career with Oneida County at the old county airport in Oriskany as the airport maintenance supervisor in 1995, according to OD archives. He became the superintendent of the airport, now located at Griffiss International Airport, in 2006. He was appointed deputy commissioner in 2013.

"He's literally been the point person on (UAS)," Picente said, adding Lawrence has the knowledge base.

Picente said Lawrence already had spent a lot of time working with UAS, which had actually been taking away from his duties as aviation commissioner.

In the new position — which has no formal title and recently has been vacant — Lawrence will oversee drone contracts, testing, Sky Dome and more, Picente said.

"It requires a lot of time," Picente said of the position, which Lawrence assumed a few weeks ago.

Ed Arcuri is acting aviation commissioner as the county prepares to search for a replacement.

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