Clark County Gets New Aviation Director with Experience in War Zone
For the first time in 12 years, Clark County, Nevada has a new director of its aviation department. The previous director, Rosemary Vassiliadis, has retired from the position after holding it since 2013. This change in leadership comes at a time when passenger numbers are declining, the airport is undergoing renovations, and a supplemental airport is being debated.
The new director, James Chrisley, brings a unique and valuable experience to the role. With 21 years of experience as a civil engineering and mission support officer in the U. S. Air Force, Chrisley has designed and built runways and facilities for American military aircraft in war zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan. In an interview, Chrisley shared that this experience has prepared him for the challenges of building and maintaining infrastructure in less-than-ideal conditions. When asked about the proposed Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport on 23,000 acres of empty land north of Primm, Chrisley stated that harsh desert environments are not a concern for him.
One of Chrisley’s main responsibilities as director will be to connect the current Harry Reid International Airport and the potential new supplemental airport, which are 30 miles apart. He acknowledges that this distance may pose a challenge, but believes that a dedicated transportation corridor on the east side of Interstate 15 could be a solution. This corridor could be designated for passenger service between the two airports.
Aside from the supplemental airport project, Chrisley’s to-do list also includes a comprehensive four-year modernization and expansion plan for the Harry Reid International Airport. This plan aims to maximize the airport’s existing footprint to increase the number of gates and improve overall operations. The first phase of this plan involves expanding the number of gates at Terminal 1 from 39 to 65, as well as reconfiguring and improving the second-level curbside drop-off, ticketing, and baggage handling at Terminal 3. Plans also include revising the airport’s ground transportation routes to reduce congestion.
In addition to overseeing the Harry Reid International Airport, Chrisley is also responsible for managing four smaller airports in Clark County: Henderson Executive, North Las Vegas, Jean Sport Aviation Center, and Overton-Perkins Field. He has been a senior director at the aviation department for the past 10 years and has worked closely with Vassiliadis on various projects, including preparations for large events such as the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix and Super Bowl LVIII.
Despite the challenges posed by the current decline in passenger numbers and the bankruptcy of Spirit Airlines, Chrisley remains positive and focused on the airport’s future. He sees the expansion of prediction markets as a potential threat to the sports betting industry, and warns that operators need to be careful not to upset state gaming regulators and sports leagues. He also anticipates that the expansion of the Harry Reid International Airport will create new job opportunities for the community.
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