Description

Executive Director- Newport News-Williamsburg Airport (PHF)

Lead a pre-eminent aviation asset into the next phase of success!

The Position:

The Peninsula Airport Commission (PAC) is looking for a new Executive Director of the Newport News/Williamsburg Airport to lead the strategic balance of operating Patrick Henry Field in its current and expanded commercial air service while supporting emerging aviation markets and opportunities. This impactful position will play a critical leadership role in the City of Newport News, the region and the entire Commonwealth as the PAC looks to be on the forefront of aeronautical innovation through future strategic land use planning and development, continued support of general aviation (inclusive of personal and corporate GA users) and the navigation of the ever changing landscape of commercial air service. operations. The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the Peninsula Airport Commission (PAC), which is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virgina. The Commission operates the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF), a commercial airport located in Newport News, VA. Under the general oversight of the Commission and direction from the Commission Chairman, the Executive Director provides leadership, oversight, coordination, and direction of all activities at PHF. The Executive Director leads, directs and is responsible for the management of the PHF executive management team. Further, he or she is responsible for the overall business operations, administration, human resources, financial administration, marketing, community relations, business and air service development, planning, engineering, construction, maintenance, safety, and security relating to the airport facilities. They develop, oversee, and participate in the planning of goals and objectives for all departments of PHF, including the development and implementation of the strategic vision and initiatives for the airport.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership & Management

• Direct the overall operation of airport facilities and supervise the executive management team.
• Plan, integrate, and evaluate the work of all PHF departments to resolve business/operational issues and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Provide planning and direction for safe operation, maintenance, and systematic upgrading of PHF facilities.
•  Provide inspiring leadership to foster a positive, high-performing team. Negotiate agreements with airlines, tenants, vendors, etc.

Strategic Planning, Finance & Development

• Lead development of long- and short-term strategic plans aligned with Board direction.
• Oversee the FAA master plan review and update.
• Develop and approve all budgets (Operating, Capital Improvements) and financial reporting.
• Recommend and oversee expansion/improvement programs.
• Oversee, manage, and submit requests for federal aid, security, certifications.
• Collaborate with legal counsel for airport development and operational compliance.

Governance, Policy & External Affairs

• Develop a strong working relationship with the Board of Commissioners; support policy-making decisions.
• Oversee compliance with ethics codes, bylaws, master plans, and applicable laws.
• Serve as liaison with government, business, and legislative leaders.
• Promote community-aligned projects and partnerships for regional economic development.
• Participate in speaking engagements to promote PHF’s image.
• Direct analysis of legislation; influence regulatory change via intergovernmental activity.
• Participate in industry and professional organizations to monitor trends and issues.

The Airport:

PHF is located on the Virginia Peninsula in the Hampton Roads area and provides ease of access to Hampton, Newport News, York County, Smithfield, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Isle of Wight County, Williamsburg, James City County, York County and cities and counties along Interstate 64 west to Richmond. PHF serves a market, including all of coastal Virginia, with a population of 2.3 million within a 75 minute drive. With major employers, including, HII/Newport News Shipbuilding, Canon Virginia, Liebherr, Jefferson Lab, Ferguson Enterprises and Riverside Health System, all located within close proximity, and PHF being situated within miles of tourist attractions like Busch Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg, the Yorktown Battlefields and the War Memorial Museum, PHF is perfectly suited for leisure and business travelers. PHF’s passenger slogan “Easy Going” illustrates the ease of passenger travel at PHF from parking lot to gate.

PHF was created in 1946 and currently encompasses: almost 2,000 acres of land; a 179,000 square foot terminal building with 32 ticket counters, 14 gates, 2 baggage claim carousels and a Federal Inspection Station; over 2,300 parking spaces; two commercial service runways (8,003’ and 6,526’); 2 FBO’s; 55 box and t-type hangars; 2 corporate hangars; and 2 commercial hangars housing defense contractors (Aery & ATAC).

Current and planned capital improvement programming includes a jetbridge replacement, window and roof replacements to the existing terminal (built in the 1990’s), and rehabilitation of taxiway D and the GA ramp. Capital funds on hand and projected over the next six years total approximately $25 million.

The Community:

Newport News, recently named an All-America City in the summer of 2024, is located along the Hampton Roads harbor banks in southeastern Virginia. It is a major East Coast port and one of the Commonwealth’s largest cities, with a rich heritage dating back to the founding of the United States. Newport News and surrounding areas offer safe and family-friendly neighborhoods, high-quality schools, and access to many recreational and cultural opportunities, such as the Ferguson Performing Arts Center, the Virginia Living Museum, and the Noland Trail. The city is home to Christopher Newport University, a public liberal arts university with an enrollment of approximately 5,000 students. Hampton University, Old Dominion University, and Norfolk State University are in neighboring Hampton and Norfolk, and the College of William and Mary is situated just over 20 miles northeast of Williamsburg.

The city’s major industries are shipbuilding, research, and defense. Huntington Ingalls Industries is the region’s largest employer, with a workforce of nearly 24,500 in its Newport News Shipbuilding division.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, land use planning & management/development, urban planning, public administration, public service, governmental administration, aeronautical engineering or related field (graduate degree preferred).
• Minimum of six years’ experience in airport operations or management, land use planning, real estate development, economic development or governmental administration.
• Outstanding oral and written communications.

Salary and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $200,000 - $240,000 and is accompanied by a generous compensation and benefits package. Relocation assistance will be offered.

How to apply:

Interested candidates should apply by emailing a cover letter and resume to recruiting@nnva.gov 

Anticipated 1 review of applications will occur August 25, 2025.

The Peninsula Airport Commission is an equal-opportunity employer. We support diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for employees.

Requirements

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, land use planning & management/development, urban planning, public administration, public service, governmental administration, aeronautical engineering or related field (graduate degree preferred). 

Minimum of six years’ experience in airport operations or management, land use planning, real estate development, economic development or governmental administration. 

Outstanding oral and written communications.