Bryant L. Francis Appointed Director of Long Beach Airport

City Manager Pat West today named Bryant L. Francis, C.M., an aviation expert with over 18 years of industry experience, as Director of Long Beach Airport (LGB). Mr. Francis’ appointment will be effective January 5, 2015.

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

Mr. Francis has served as Director of Airports for the Shreveport Airport Authority in Louisiana since 2012. Previously he was Deputy Director, Properties & Business Development of the Boise Airport in Idaho; Director, Aviation Real Estate for the Wayne County Airport Authority in Detroit, Michigan; 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, Georgia.

“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,” commented Mr. Francis.

Mr. Francis’ responsibilities will include oversight of all airport operations, finances and leases, the Airport Noise Ordinance, community outreach, environmental matters and capital improvements.

LGB has won numerous awards, and the Long Beach Airport Area Complex is a major economic development resource, supporting 43,000 jobs and generating more than $11 billion into the regional economy.

Mr. Francis holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, and is a Certified Member (C.M.) of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).  He is currently a member of the Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) Board of Directors as well as Chair of the AAAE Diversity Committee.

Mr. Francis is replacing Mario Rodriguez, who resigned as Director in May 2014 to accept a position as Executive Director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority.