Clark County has named James Chrisley as the new director of aviation following Rosemary Vassiliadis' retirement on September 12. Chrisley, with over 30 years of leadership experience, will manage Harry Reid International Airport and four other county airports. Clark County Manager Kevin Schiller said, "Rosemary Vassiliadis is certainly hard to replace, but she has laid the groundwork for Jim to successfully take over the next chapter of aviation in our region," as reported by News3LV.
Jim Chrisley will take over from Vassiliadis, who retires on September 12 after leading the department since 2013. Described as her “right hand,” Chrisley will oversee one of North America’s busiest airports, generally ranked No. 7, and manage the development of a supplemental airport near Jean. He has experience coordinating large events like the Las Vegas Grand Prix and Super Bowl LVIII, handling private jet operations, and planning the new airport in Ivanpah Valley. “With more than 30 years of leadership experience managing airport and security operations at commercial, general aviation, and military airports across Southern Nevada, the U.S., and globally, Jim Chrisley is prepared to take on the challenge of Director of Aviation at Harry Reid International Airport,” according to 8NewsNow.
Apart from Reid Airport, Chrisley will oversee Henderson Executive Airport, North Las Vegas Airport, Jean Sport Aviation Center, and Overton-Perkins Field. Chrisley told 8NewsNow, "I am honored to lead the Clark County aviation system at such an exciting time." He previously served over 21 years in the U.S. Air Force as a civil engineering and mission support officer before joining the Department of Aviation. Vassiliadis expressed confidence in him, saying, "His knowledge of this airport system, his calm and thoughtful leadership style, and his dedication to public service are unmatched."
