Port of Oakland names Craig Simon Acting Director of Aviation
Industry veteran will oversee Oakland International Airport
Oakland, Calif. – May 2, 2023: This week, Craig Simon begins as Acting Director of Aviation. This follows the departure of Port of Oakland Director of Aviation Bryant L. Francis. Mr. Simon, a veteran with over 22 years in the airport industry, has served OAK as the Assistant Director of Aviation for two and a half years. In that role, Mr. Simon was responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the day-to-day operations of OAK.
Prior to his promotion to Assistant Director of Aviation in October of 2020, Mr. Simon served OAK as Facilities Manager and Airside Operations Superintendent for a combined eight years. Before joining the Port of Oakland, Mr. Simon worked at San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) for 11 years where he held multiple positions leading airside activities, airport operations, noise abatement, ground transportation, and parking control.
“It is my honor to take on the responsibilities of Acting Director of Aviation during this period of transition at OAK,” says Craig Simon. “Our airport is undergoing growth and transition on all sides of our business. I look forward to leading our team to an even brighter future during my time as Acting Director here at OAK. I’d like to thank Bryant for his seven years of service as Aviation Director and for his strategic leadership bringing us to where we are today.”
“The Port thanks Director Francis for his 7 years of service at OAK and recognizes the strong team in place at the Airport.” said Kristi McKenney, Port of Oakland Chief Operating Officer. “We are pleased to appoint Craig Simon to the role of Acting Director of Aviation and look forward to his leadership of the Aviation Division team as they continue to deliver a safe, secure, reliable and convenient airport experience.”
Mr. Simon holds a baccalaureate degree in Aviation Operations and Aviation Maintenance Management from San Jose State University. He is an Airport Certified Employee (ACE) in both Airfield Operations and Airfield Lighting Maintenance through the American Association of Airport Executives. He is also an instrument-rated private pilot.
About Oakland International Airport
Oakland International is the main airport for the greater East Bay, the most populated area in the metropolitan San Francisco Bay area. It is the closest airport to most Bay Area employers. By roadway and BART air-rail, OAK enables excellent access to all of the region’s business, entertainment and tourism venues. The vision of Oakland International Airport is to be the airport of choice for San Francisco Bay Area residents and visitors alike. OAK is operated by the Port of Oakland, which also oversees the Oakland seaport and 20 miles of East Bay waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 84,000 jobs in the region with more than a $130 billion economic impact.
Updates about travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, current departure and arrival information, airport maps, and details about on-airport parking, shopping and dining and more, can be found at www.oaklandairport.com.
Contact - Members of the Press and Media Only
Kaley Skantz - Airport Spokesperson, [email protected]
Media On-Site Request & Parking Form: https://www.oaklandairport.com/media-on-site-request-form/
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