Ventura County hires new airport director
The former Contra Costa County director of airports has been chosen to run the Ventura County-owned airports in Camarillo and Oxnard.
The decision to appoint Keith Freitas as the new director of airports was made by Ventura County Executive Officer Mike Powers, according to a news release from the county on Oct. 8. Freitas will start his new position on Nov. 8.
“I am extremely excited and appreciative of the opportunity to help lead the Ventura County Airports,” Freitas said in a statement. “Camarillo and Oxnard airports are invaluable assets to all of Ventura County, and I look forward to partnering with community members, pilots, cities of Camarillo and Oxnard, and airport businesses to develop a vision for these facilities.”
The county said the selection included a pool of 45 applicants and a hiring panel comprised of the Camarillo Airport Authority, Oxnard Airport Authority, Aviation Advisory Commission, California Airports Council, plus the assistant CEO and community lliaison.
Freitas has more than 30 years of airport management, including serving at Long Beach Municipal and Mineta San Jose International airports. He is designated by the American Association of Airport Executives as an accredited airport executive, and holds both Federal Aviation Administration Private Pilot and Remote Pilot certificates, according to a news release.
Freitas’ experience also includes leading a master plan process in Contra Costa, which is in the eastern portion of the San Francisco Bay Area.
“He also understands the importance of community engagement and building trust with the community,” Powers said in a news release. “His experience in master plan development and in strengthening partnerships and communication with all stakeholders will be a benefit for our airports and our community members.”
