Bryant L. Francis Named Director of Long Beach Airport (KLGB)

Bryant Francis

Bryant L. Francis, who served as director of airports for the Shreveport Airport Authority in Louisiana, is Long Beach Airport’s new executive director, city officials announced today.

Francis’ appointment will start on Jan, 5, 2015, City Manager Pat West said.

“Mr. Francis is a dedicated, accomplished professional who will provide strong leadership and strategic planning for Long Beach Airport,” West said in a statement. “He will reach out and work collaboratively with all stakeholders, including the community, tenants and our commercial and general aviation partners.”

Francis, who was selected from a national search, will replace Mario Rodriguez, who left in May to lead the Indianapolis Airport Authority. In the meantime, Deputy City Manager Reggie Harrison has been serving as acting airport director while the city conducted its search.

The city touts Francis’ more than 18 years of extensive experience in aviation. including heading the Shreveport Airport Authority since 2012. Francis’ previous jobs included stints as deputy director of Properties & Business Development of the Boise Airport in Idaho; director of Aviation Real Estate for the Wayne County Airport Authority in Detroit; Deputy Director of Aviation – Marketing, Communications and Air Service Development for Palm Springs International Airport in California; and Airport Operations Representative for Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta.

“I am passionate about aviation, am committed to fostering positive relationships, and will ensure that Long Beach Airport provides the absolute best service possible to its travelers and to all our business and community partners,” Francis said in a statement.

Francis will be in charge of a municipal airport department that handles about 3 million annual passengers, has a staff of 125 employees and has an annual budget of more than $40 million. He also will manage more than 400 contracts, leases and commercial use permits, the Airport Noise Ordinance, community outreach, environmental matters and capital improvements.

Francis earned his bachelor’s degree in aviation management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, and is a certified member of the American Association of Airport Executives. He is also on the Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) Board of Directors and chairs the AAAE Diversity Committee.

Mayor Robert Garcia said he has “complete confidence” in Francis as the new airport director.

“Mr. Francis has an excellent track record and has shown his ability to lead with vision, skill and integrity,” Garcia said. “I look forward to watching our airport continue to provide outstanding service and offer travelers a unique, positive experience under Mr. Francis’ leadership.”

MORE TO COME.