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“Trailblazing Aviation Director Rosemary Vassiliadis to Retire After 28 Years of Service”

August 27, 2025by Ranger Tom0
Rosemary Vassiliadis, the Director of the Clark County Department of Aviation, is set to retire on September 12 after more than 28 years of public service. Appointed as the first female director of aviation in 2013, Vassiliadis has overseen numerous milestones, including three consecutive years of record-breaking passenger numbers. The airport system, which includes Harry Reid International and four general aviation facilities, has grown into a $35 billion economic engine under her leadership.

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Throughout her career, Vassiliadis has launched groundbreaking initiatives, such as a unique partnership with the TSA that made LAS the only airport in the country with an Innovation Checkpoint for testing new passenger screening technology. She has also established LAS as a leader in human trafficking prevention through employee awareness programs and multilingual signage in airport restrooms. Vassiliadis has guided the airport through significant events, including the 9/11 terror attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic, and overseen the expansion of the airport to include the D gates and Terminal 3.

Vassiliadis has also played a significant role in bringing major events to Las Vegas, including the city’s first-ever mega events, the Formula Las Vegas Grand Prix and Super Bowl LVIII. Beyond her airport role, she has served on the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco’s Los Angeles Branch Board of Directors, the Nevada Homeland Security Commission, and boards for the American Association of Airport Executives and the U.S. Travel Association. Her successor, Senior Director of Aviation James Chrisley, was approved by the Clark County Board of Commissioners on August 19.

The article also highlights some popular travel destinations accessible via nonstop flights from LAS, including San Diego, Phoenix, Santa Barbara, and Seattle. These locations offer a range of experiences, from outdoor adventures and local cuisine to cultural attractions and natural beauty.

Vassiliadis’ retirement comes at a time when the aviation industry is dealing with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, she expressed confidence in the airport system’s ability to continue serving as a critical asset for Southern Nevada’s economy, thanks to the solid foundation built and the highly-skilled leadership set to continue the mission.

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