Home / Press Release / Port of Oakland Commissioners confirm appointment of Interim Director of Aviation
Port of Oakland Commissioners confirm appointment of Interim Director of Aviation
Port of Oakland Commissioners confirm appointment of Interim Director of Aviation
New leadership takes helm at San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport. Port Commissioners approve Craig Simon as the Port of Oakland’s Interim Aviation Director.
Oakland, Calif. – July 28, 2023: The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners passed a resolution confirming the appointment of Craig Simon as Interim Director of Aviation.
“I am honored to serve in this aviation role at the Port of Oakland at such a pivotal time,” said Craig Simon, Port of Oakland Interim Director of Aviation. “We are proposing to modernize San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport to better serve the traveling public as well as our airline tenants. I look forward to contributing to this planning process and running the airport efficiently to meet the needs of our traveling public.”
Craig Simon took the reins from Director of Aviation Bryant Francis, who served in the position for seven years. Mr. Simon has been in the role since May 6, 2023. The resolution formalizes Mr. Simon’s appointment to the position.
Mr. Simon joined San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport in December 2012 as an Airside Operations Superintendent. In 2020 he was appointed as an Assistant Director of Aviation, responsible for overseeing all airport operations and compliance functions. He began his career in aviation at San Jose International Airport in 2001 as a Senior Airport Operations Specialist, performing airfield inspections of taxiways and active runways. He worked his way up to the role of Airport Operations Superintendent, Airside.
Mr. Simon holds a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Operations and Aviation Maintenance Management from San Jose State University. He is also an Airport Certified Employee in both Airfield Operations and Airfield Lighting Maintenance through the American Association of Airport Executives, as well as being an instrument-rated private pilot.
Media Contact
- Robert Bernardo – Port of Oakland Communications Director
- (510) 627-1401
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Media Contact
- Marilyn Sandifur – Port of Oakland Media/PR Manager
- (510) 627-1193
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- David DeWitt – Port of Oakland Media/PR Specialist
- (510) 627-1169
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About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland generates vital economic activity, community benefits and environmental innovation, as the Port decarbonizes its operations for a cleaner and greener future. Along with its partners, the Port supports 98,000 jobs in the region. The Port oversees San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport, the Oakland Seaport and nearly 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square, and a publicly-owned utility. The Port of Oakland is Everyone’s Port!
About San Francisco Bay 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 (Bay Area Rapid Transit) air-rail, OAK enables excellent access to all the region’s business, entertainment, and tourism venues. The vision of San Francisco Bay 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 98,000 jobs in the region with more than a $174 billion economic impact.
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