Charlene Reynolds is the new Director of John Wayne Airport

Santa Ana, Calif. –Yesterday the Board of Supervisors voted to appoint Charlene Reynolds as the Director of John Wayne Airport.

“After conducting a wide recruitment, we’re pleased to welcome Ms. Reynolds as the new director of the Orange County airport,” said Chairman Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “Her passion and commitment to aviation services will help us continue to elevate our passenger experience.”

An executive with over 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors, Charlene Reynolds is currently the Chief Commercial Officer with the Houston Airport System.

“John Wayne Airport is vital to Orange County’s economic growth and development, and I look forward to seeing JWA prosper with Ms. Reynolds at the helm,” said Vice Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Third District. “Her extensive aviation experience, plus her years of work in the public sector, will be valuable for the future of our community airport.”

Previously Ms. Reynolds worked for the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, serving as the Assistant Aviation Director and as the Interim Aviation Services Director.

“Orange County residents understand the quality of service and optimum travel experience that John Wayne Airport provides its patrons,” said Supervisor Andrew Do, First District. “Ms. Reynolds’ expertise in the aviation industry is a great addition to the John Wayne Airport team. I wish her great success as she takes on her new role as Airport Director.”

Ms. Reynolds worked for the City of Phoenix for 15 years, holding the positions of Deputy Aviation Director, Deputy Street Transportation Director and Management Assistant II.

“For the last year, I’ve served as the district representative for the airport, and recently as a member of the hiring committee,” said Supervisor Katrina Foley. “Improving the quality of both internal and external community operations remain my priority. Ms. Reynolds impressed me with her earnest responses, hard work ethic, emphasis on collaborations with stakeholders, and breadth of knowledge on environmental and sustainable practices to clean up the airport and its impacts.”

Ms. Reynolds earned a bachelor’s degree in Management from the University of Phoenix and has a Master’s in Business Administration from the Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University.

“Given Ms. Reynold’s many years of experience in the public and private sector, I am confident she will ensure our award-winning airport continues to be amongst the finest in nation,” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, whose fifth district is home to John Wayne Airport.”

Ms. Reynolds previously served as the President of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators – Phoenix Chapter and was named a “Great 48” in 2020 by Phoenix Magazine. She was a Celebration of Women Honoree in 2018 and received the 2015 Jerome E. Miller Award from the City of Phoenix in 2015.