Payne has an enviable history of success that began shortly after completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at the University of Georgia. From the media industry to printing, Payne’s achievements have placed him in a position of high regard within the Georgia business community. In 2003, Payne purchased the assets of the defunct Ayres Corporation in Albany, re-vamped the company’s staff, capabilities, and product line, and re-opened the massive production facility as Thrush Aircraft, Inc. Under Payne’s leadership, Thrush continues to be one of the great turn-around stories in the agricultural aviation industry.

Paul oversees the finance and accounting functions for Thrush. He is a Certified Public Accountant and has served in public and private practice in both Albany and Atlanta, Georgia for many years, with specialization in audit management for institutions, manufacturing, construction, and not-for-profit businesses. Paul is a graduate of the University of Georgia, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in business administration and a Master’s Degree in accounting. He joined Thrush in 2010

Eric brings more than ten years management and marketing experience to Thrush. He is a graduate of Georgia Southern University and holds a BBA in Marketing. As Vice President of Sales, Eric leads our global marketing strategy, communications and brand positioning efforts.  Eric has been with Thrush since 2005

Jody is a graduate of the United States Army Test Pilot School and served as a test pilot on the AH-64 Apache helicopter program, and later as a contract civilian test pilot at the Army Aviation Technical Testing Center now located at Redstone Arsenal, near Huntsville, Alabama. He retired from the Army as a Chief Warrant Officer. Jody is a licensed Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic with Inspection Authorization. He also holds a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument ratings for aircraft land and sea, as well as helicopters. Jody has been with Thrush since 2004, and today oversees all product support and flight test operations for the company.

Terry has over 35 years and 12,000 flight hours of experience in agricultural aviation. He served with the United States State Department’s Anti-Drug Program in Latin America for some 10 years, and has been actively involved with virtually every model of Thrush Aircraft since the 1970s, in flying, marketing and product development roles. He is a Certified Flight Instructor and is authorized to do pilot transition training for all Thrush models. Terry joined Thrush in 2011.