CITY OF FRESNO AVIATION DIRECTOR NAMED

FRESNO, CA – City Manager Georgeanne White today announced the appointment of Mark Thorpe as the City of Fresno’s next Director of Aviation following a nationwide search.

Thorpe brings more than 27 years of commercial aviation experience, including nearly two decades in executive leadership roles at three of North America’s largest airports- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), and Ontario International Airport (ONT). Most recently, he founded an aviation consulting firm, providing guidance and strategic counsel to major airlines, airports, the U.S. Department of Transportation and other aviation industry partners.

“Mark’s experience leading complex airport operations, expanding air service and building strong industry partnerships distinguished him throughout this process,” said City Manager Georgeanne White. “As Fresno Yosemite International Airport continues to grow and evolve, I am confident he is the right leader to guide the airport into its next chapter.”

Throughout his career, Thorpe has successfully recruited new airline service to dozens of domestic and international destinations while overseeing initiatives that strengthened passenger growth, cargo operations and regional economic development. As Chief Executive Officer of Ontario International Airport, he led efforts that doubled the airport’s airline partners, expanded international service, established new regional hub facilities for FedEx and Amazon Prime, and guided the airport through one of California’s strongest recoveries following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier in his career, Thorpe led airline recruitment and international marketing initiatives for Los Angeles World Airports, helping secure 13 new airlines and service to 32 new domestic and international destinations at LAX and ONT. At Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, he played a key role in expanding passenger and cargo connectivity between Asia, Latin America and North America while supporting significant airline growth and logistics expansion.

“Fresno Yosemite International Airport is one of the fastest-growing airports in California and has become a powerful economic driver for our region,” said Mayor Jerry Dyer. “As we continue expanding air service and advancing plans for our future international terminal, Mark has the experience, relationships and vision to build on that momentum. His leadership will help strengthen our partnerships with airlines, enhance the customer experience and ensure our airport continues to create new opportunities for Fresno and the entire Central Valley.”

Thorpe earned a Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration from George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Arizona State University. He is bilingual in English and Spanish and has worked in more than 40 countries throughout his aviation career. He is also a member (inactive status) of the Maryland Bar Association.

“I am excited by the opportunity to lead the City of Fresno’s Aviation Department into what I believe will be a very bright future,” Thorpe said. “With the new international terminal and continued strong population and economic growth in Fresno and the Central Valley, there is a tremendous opportunity for Fresno Yosemite International Airport to continue expanding connectivity throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada and Central America. I also look forward to enhancing the customer experience through new concessions and amenities that reflect our local culture and create a welcoming gateway for residents and visitors.”

As Director of Aviation, Thorpe will oversee the operation and strategic direction of Fresno Yosemite International Airport and Fresno Chandler Executive Airport, leading continued efforts to expand air service, enhance customer experience and support the region’s growing transportation needs.

Thorpe will begin serving as the City of Fresno’s Director of Aviation on July 9, 2026. His annual salary will be $224,000.

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