New Director to Oversee Fresno Yosemite International Airport, Following Nationwide Search

Dec. 7—A new director of aviation for the city of Fresno has been named to oversee operations at Fresno Yosemite International Airport and Chandler Executive Airport following the recent retirement of Kevin Meikle.

Henry L. Thompson, who currently is the director of the Santa Barbara Airport, will start his new job in Fresno on Monday. His appointment was announced Tuesday by Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer. The hiring follows a nationwide search that began when Meikle announced his retirement earlier this year.

Thompson has worked for the past three years heading Santa Barbara's airport, and previously spent three years as director of airports in Shreveport, Louisiana, according to his LinkedIn profile. His background in aviation spans more than 35 years and includes stints in various operations and safety positions at San Francisco International Airport and Mineta San Jose International Airport.

"I am very honored and humbled to join the Fresno team as the new director of aviation," Thompson said in a statement issued by the city's communications staff. "This is a critical time of growth and recovery, and I look forward to contributing to the good work started by the airport's team."

Thompson's arrival comes amid a flurry of projects at Fresno Yosemite International Airport as passenger travel recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

A new $29 million parking garage adding almost 700 parking stalls at the airport opened recently. Plans are also in the works for a $115 million expansion at the airport that will include the addition of an upper-level concourse with two new gates and jet bridges that can be used for both domestic and international flights; enlarging the arrival and customs area for international passengers; expanding the luggage-handling and sorting area for outbound flights; and increasing the number of Transportation Security Administration checkpoint lanes.

"Henry is the right man for this job and brings a wealth of experience to Fresno," Dyer said in a statement announcing the hiring. "His vision and goals to grow Fresno's airports and expand air service are in perfect alignment with our needs."

"As we look at plans to expand Fresno Yosemite International's terminal, (Thompson's) education, training, experience and credentials are exactly what we need for the future," Dyer added.

Thompson's predecessor, Meikle, spent a 32-year career with the city of Fresno, including the past nine years as director of aviation.

This story was originally published December 7, 2021 1:15 PM.

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