New leadership takes helm at OAK. 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 OAK 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 OAK 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.