The City of Santa Barbara Appoints Henry Thompson as Airport Director
January 1, 2019
SANTA BARBARA, CA – After conducting a nationwide recruitment
effort, the City Council confirmed the appointment of Henry L.
Thompson as Airport Director. He was selected from a pool of 55
applicants. As Airport Director, Henry will oversee the operations,
maintenance, fiscal management, and long-term capital planning for
the Santa Barbara Airport with a staff of 61 employees and a $20 million
operating budget.
Henry currently serves as the Airport Director for the Shreveport, LA
Airport where he improved the airport’s financial management and
developed new airport strategic goals. His prior experience includes various management
positions at the City and County of San Francisco Airport Commission and the San Jose Airport.
He also served as an Air Traffic Controller in the United States Air Force. Altogether, he brings
35 years of airport management experience to Santa Barbara.
He received a bachelor’s degree from the National University in San Diego and master’s degree
in Business Administration from Golden Gate University. He holds numerous certifications from
professional airport associations, including the Airports Council International, International
Airport Professional (IAP), American Association of Airport Executives (A.A.E.), Airport Security
Coordinator, and FAA Air Traffic Controller.
“I am both honored and humbled to be selected as the new Airport Director for the City of
Santa Barbara,” said Henry Thompson. “I appreciate the confidence demonstrated by the
Airport Commission and City Council throughout this appointment and confirmation process. I
look forward to joining the SBA team and building upon the airport’s many successes.”
According to City Administrator Paul Casey, “Henry is known for taking on tough issues and
effective management and mentoring of airport staff. I think he will bring a breadth of
experience in all airport operations to Santa Barbara.”
He will start his position on February 1, 2019.
Source: City of Santa Barbara