The city of Fresno announced Wednesday the appointment of Mark Thorpe as its director of aviation following a nationwide search.

This comes nearly a year after the former director, Henry Thompson, died unexpectedly.

Thorpe brings more than 27 years of commercial aviation experience, including nearly two decades in executive leadership roles at Los Angeles International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Ontario International Airport.

Mark Thorpe

Most recently, he founded an aviation consulting firm advising airlines, airports, and the U.S. Department of Transportation, the city said.

Fresno City Manager Lauds Thorpe’s Experience

“Mark’s experience leading complex airport operations, expanding air service and building strong industry partnerships distinguished him throughout this process,” City Manager Georgeanne White said in a statement. “As Fresno Yosemite International Airport continues to grow and evolve, I am confident he is the right leader to guide the airport into its next chapter.”

According to the city, Thorpe has recruited new airline service to dozens of domestic and international destinations and overseen initiatives tied to passenger growth, cargo expansion, and regional economic development.

As chief executive officer of Ontario International Airport, he led efforts that doubled airline partners, expanded international service and established regional hub facilities for FedEx and Amazon Prime, while guiding recovery efforts following the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2022, Thorpe resigned his Ontario post after reportedly being a finalist for the CEO position at Orlando International Airport. Kevin Thibault, who was Florida’s transportation secretary at the time, landed the Orlando position.

At Los Angeles World Airports, Thorpe helped secure 13 new airlines and service to 32 new destinations at LAX and Ontario. At Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, he worked on expanding passenger and cargo connectivity between Asia, Latin America, and North America.

Fresno Mayor Looks Towards Expansion

Mayor Jerry Dyer said Thorpe’s experience will support the airport’s continued expansion and future international terminal plans.

“Fresno Yosemite International Airport is one of the fastest-growing airports in California and has become a powerful economic driver for our region,” Dyer said. “As we continue expanding air service and advancing plans for our future international terminal, Mark has the experience, relationships and vision to build on that momentum.”

Thorpe, who earned a law degree and MBA from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University, speaks English and Spanish and has worked in more than 40 countries, city officials said.

“I am excited by the opportunity to lead the city of Fresno’s Aviation Department into what I believe will be a very bright future,” Thorpe said. “With the new international terminal and continued strong population and economic growth in Fresno and the Central Valley, there is a tremendous opportunity for Fresno Yosemite International Airport to continue expanding connectivity throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada and Central America.”

As director of aviation, Thorpe will oversee operations at Fresno Yosemite International Airport and Fresno Chandler Executive Airport, focusing on expanding air service and improving customer experience.

He is set to begin the role on Thursday, July 9, with an annual salary of $224,000.

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