News Summary
Rosemary Vassiliadis, the first female director of the Clark County Department of Aviation, is retiring after over two decades of service. Her tenure included critical moments in aviation history, such as overseeing McCarran International Airport’s reopening post-9/11. The commission has appointed James Chrisley as her successor, ensuring continued growth and expansion at the airport. Vassiliadis leaves a legacy as a pioneer for women in aviation leadership, ready to observe future developments from afar.
Las Vegas—Rosemary Vassiliadis, the first woman to serve as the director of the Clark County Department of Aviation, is retiring after more than two decades of dedicated service. At 68 years old, Vassiliadis has played a crucial role in shaping the aviation landscape of Southern Nevada during her remarkable 28-year career at the airport.
Her tenure began in 2013 as director, following 16 years as deputy director. Vassiliadis is credited with overseeing McCarran International Airport during pivotal moments, including the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks when U.S. airspace was closed. Under her leadership, McCarran was the first major airport in the U.S. to reopen following the tragedy. Vassiliadis was responsible for directing the airport’s closure that day, impacting thousands of tourists stranded in Las Vegas.
Vassiliadis expressed gratitude for her team, highlighting their support through various crises and day-to-day operations. She acknowledged that the people she will miss the most are those she worked alongside throughout her time at the airport.
The Clark County Commission has appointed James Chrisley as Vassiliadis’ successor. Chrisley, who has served as deputy director for the past nine years, is set to assume the role on September 12. His background includes experience as a former Air Force squadron commander, positioning him well to lead the department moving forward.
During Vassiliadis’ leadership, the airport has undergone transformative growth. It is now known as Harry Reid International Airport and ranks as the eighth busiest airport in the nation. The airport has expanded its nonstop destinations to 167 across 32 airlines, although the current year has seen a reduction in available seats. Chrisley is already planning a major renovation project aimed at expanding the airport’s capacity from 39 to 65 gates. This renovation is essential to manage passenger growth until the anticipated Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport opens, expected by 2037. An environmental impact statement for this new airport is currently being processed after being placed on the federal docket in May.
Future plans under Chrisley’s direction also include the development of off-airport transportation hubs and enhancements to general aviation services at both Henderson Executive Airport and North Las Vegas Airport. Vassiliadis expressed confidence in Chrisley’s ability to navigate upcoming challenges, particularly in response to evolving passenger behaviors and the impacts of high-profile events in the region.
Over her career, Vassiliadis has witnessed the airport’s evolution, transforming it into not just a travel hub, but an entertainment capital and sports destination with diverse visitor demographics. Now preparing for retirement, she looks forward to observing the ongoing projects and improvements at the airport from a spectator’s viewpoint.
Rosemary Vassiliadis leaves behind a significant legacy as a trailblazer in the aviation field, having set a precedent for women in leadership roles within the industry. As her career comes to a close, the focus shifts to James Chrisley and his vision for the future of aviation in Southern Nevada.
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Additional Resources
- Las Vegas Review-Journal
- Wikipedia: Harry Reid International Airport
- The Nevada Independent
- Google Search: James Chrisley Clark County Department of Aviation
- News 3 Las Vegas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Airport
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