Long Beach Airport (KLGB) Director Resigns After 13 Months To Head Oakland International Airport (KOAK)

Bryant Francis announced he is leaving the Long Beach Airport for a position at the Port of Oakland.

Long Beach Airport Director Bryant L. Francis announced his resignation Thursday morning, saying he has accepted a position with the Port of Oakland as director of aviation for Oakland International Airport.

He was appointed director in January 2015 and has 20 years of aviation industry experience.

“I’ve had an invaluable experience as director of Long Beach Airport,” Francis said in a statement. “I appreciate the community and our business partners for recognizing the airport as an important city asset. I thank the mayor, City Council, airport advisory commission and city manager for their collective guidance. The Long Beach Airport team is among the best I have had the pleasure of working with and I am confident they will continue to deliver exceptional service to our customers.”

The airport was recently recognized on BBC’s list of Top 10 Most Beautiful Airports, ranked No. 1 of 42 top-rated Long Beach attractions on TripAdvisor and named a Top 10 airport in the United States by readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine for the second consecutive year.

It has as annual operating budget of approximately $42 million and more than 100 employees. The airport complex supports 43,000 jobs and generates more than $11 billion in the regional economy.

“I want to thank Bryant for his engaging and strategic leadership at Long Beach Airport,” said City Manager Pat West in a statement. “He worked collaboratively with all stakeholders, including airport tenants, our commercial and general aviation partners, and the community.”

Francis’ last day will be March 30.

The city will conduct a nationwide search for his successor. West will appoint an interim director after March 30 to lead LGB until the selection process is complete.

This is not the first time the city has lost key personnel to positions in Oakland. In May 2013, officials announced Christopher Lytle, former head of the Port of Long Beach, would assume the top position at the Port of Oakland. And former Police Chief Anthony Batts also left the local department for the city of Oakland in 2009.

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