New Airport Director Announced
FRESNO, CA (December 7, 2021) – Mayor Jerry Dyer today announced the selection of Henry L. Thompson as the City of Fresno’s new Director of Aviation. Thompson’s hiring comes after a nationwide search.
Thompson grew up in California and has more than 35 years of aviation experience. He rose through the ranks at San Francisco International Airport and Mineta-San Jose International Airport (SJC), worked more than 22 years combined. Most recently, he served as director of the Santa Barbara Airport.
“Henry is the right man for this job and brings a wealth of experience to Fresno,” Mayor Dyer said. “His vision and goals to grow Fresno’s airports and expand air service are in perfect alignment with our needs. In addition, we both have a desire to make the airport experience more customer focused and accommodating. As we look at plans to expand Fresno Yosemite International’s terminal, his education, training, experience and credentials are exactly what we need for the future. We are excited and warmly welcome Henry to Fresno.”
Thompson is not only skilled in airport management, but also holds a bachelor’s in Business Administration and a master’s in Business Administration, Finance. He is also one of small percentage of airport professionals in the nation to earn the distinguished Accredited Airport Executive credential.
“I am very honored and humbled to join the Fresno team as the new Director of Aviation. This is a critical time of growth and recovery, and I look forward to contributing to the good work started by the airport team. It will be my priority to bring quality services and facilities to the airport designed to improve the travel experience for the community,” Thompson said.
Thompson will assume his new role on December 13th.
