Airport Director Off to Virgina

The director of the Pensacola International Airport will be leaving soon for a job in Virginia. The city of Pensacola—which owns the airport—released a statement today announcing Director Melinda Crawford’s exit.

“Melinda has been a tremendous asset to the City of Pensacola and Pensacola International Airport,” said Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward in the statement. “She has led our airport through a period of expansion and success and I want to thank her for her leadership and dedication. I wish her the best in this new opportunity.”

Crawford will be taking a job Charolttesville, Va., as the executive director of the Charlottesville Albermarle Airport. She stay on in Pensacola until February.

“Pensacola is my hometown, and I am grateful for the opportunities I have had here,” said Crawford. “My husband and I have always loved the Blue Ridge Mountains, and I simply couldn’t turn down the position in Charlottesville. I appreciate Mayor Hayward’s confidence in me over the past several years, and I feel Pensacola International Airport is well-positioned for continued success in the years to come.”

During her time with the airport in Pensacola, Crawford has overseen the edition United Airlines and UPS cargo service, as well as new service to Chicago, Miami and Washington D.C. The director also managed the completion of an $82 million capital improvement program.

In the city’s statement, Hayward said a nationwide search for a new director would begin immediately.

“Pensacola International Airport is obviously an economic engine not just for the City, but for the region,” said Hayward. “It’s critical that we have a first-class professional leading our efforts to grow our airport and maintain its position as the busiest airport between New Orleans and Jacksonville.”