The Santa Barbara City Council confirmed the appointment of Hazel Johns as Airport Director.
As Director, Ms. Johns will oversee the operations, maintenance, fiscal management, and long-term capital planning for the Santa Barbara Airport with a staff of 54 employees. Over 700,000 passengers begin or end their travel at the Airport. In addition to the airfield, the Airport’s 950 acres is comprised of 400 acres of wetlands and 95 acres of commercial/industrial property.
Ms. Johns has served as the Assistant Airport Director since 1987, managing the business and marketing services for the airport. With an $18 million operating budget, she was responsible for the fiscal management of all airport funding sources, including tenant rents, user fees, and federal funding. Under her leadership, the Airport provided property management services for 135 commercial and industrial leases. She played a significant role in the long-term planning and financing for numerous airport capital improvement projects over the last 27 years, including the recently completed Airline Terminal Improvement Project. Prior to joining the Santa Barbara Airport Johns was the Business and Property Manager for the Oklahoma City Department of Airports.
She received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma and is an accredited airport executive through the American Association of Airport Executives.
According to Jim Armstrong, “Hazel brings extensive knowledge of airport operations and finances to lead the airport. She has a good understanding of the airport’s needs and the community’s interest in improved air service options.”
