Clark County appointed James C. Chrisley as the next Director of Aviation overseeing Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. Chrisley takes over following the retirement of CCDOA Director Rosemary Vassiliadis on September 12; she has held that position since 2013.
A seasoned aviation executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience in airport and security operations, Chrisley will oversee the county’s expansive aviation system of five airports that supports more than $35 billion in annual economic activity.
Chrisley assumes leadership of Harry Reid, one of the top 10 busiest airports in North America, as well as Henderson Executive and North Las Vegas airports, Jean Sport Aviation Center, and Overton-Perkins Field.
“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. 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,” said Clark County Manager Kevin Schiller.
In his previous role as senior director of aviation, Chrisley was instrumental in high-profile initiatives, including planning and executing airport operations for the Las Vegas Grand Prix races and Super Bowl LVIII. He also played a key leadership role in the development of the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport and has led long-range master planning efforts for the airports.
“For the past ten years, Jim has been my right hand – an unwavering presence during moments of challenge and triumph alike,” said Rosemary Vassiliadis, outgoing Director of Aviation. “His knowledge of this airport system, his calm and thoughtful leadership style, and his dedication to public service are unmatched. I am retiring knowing that our airports – and our future – are in the best possible hands.”
Chrisley said he’s honored to lead the Clark County aviation system at such an exciting time.
“Our airports play a critical role in connecting people, driving tourism, and powering our local and state economy. I look forward to continuing our tradition of operational excellence while preparing for the future of air travel in Southern Nevada through a series of modernization, maximization and expansion initiatives,” Chrisley said.
Prior to joining the Clark County Department of Aviation, he served more than 21 years in the U.S. Air Force as a civil-engineering and mission-support officer, where he directed critical security, airfield operations, logistics, and emergency services in support of global military missions. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. He is also Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives.
