LB Airport director resigns to lead Oakland International Airport

[aesop_image imgwidth=”500px” img=”http://www.signaltribunenewspaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Screen-Shot-2016-02-26-at-10.41.12-AM.png” credit=”Courtesy LGB” align=”left” lightbox=”on” caption=”Bryant Francis ” captionposition=”left”] Long Beach Airport (LGB) Director Bryant L. Francis, C.M., on Feb. 25 announced his resignation from the City of Long Beach to accept a position with the Port of Oakland as Director of Aviation for Oakland International Airport. Francis was appointed director in January 2015, and he has 20 years of aviation industry experience.
“I’ve had an invaluable experience as director of Long Beach Airport,” Francis said. “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.”
Long Beach 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.
“I want to thank Bryant for his engaging and strategic leadership at Long Beach Airport,” said City Manager Pat West. “He worked collaboratively with all stakeholders, including airport tenants, our commercial and general aviation partners, and the community.”
Francis’s last day with the City of Long Beach will be March 30, 2016. The City will conduct a nationwide search for his successor, considering both internal and external candidates who choose to apply, officials said. Upon his departure, the city manager will appoint an interim director to lead LGB until the selection process is complete.