Rosemary Vassiliadis, who has served as the Director of Clark County’s Department of Aviation since 2013, is set to retire on September 12 after a remarkable 40-year career in public service, including more than 28 years dedicated to airport leadership.
Vassiliadis reflected on her journey during a recent interview, expressing a mix of emotions about her impending retirement.
“There’s a whole ocean of feelings that go along with this,” she stated.
“You get to a point in life when you take a look back. I’ve been a public servant for 40 years starting with the City of Las Vegas in 1984. Now I’m a grandma. You know you just look back and there’s never ever a perfect time but I do feel that this is the right time. I’ve completed so many things for this airport and the airport system.”
Throughout her tenure, Vassiliadis has overseen significant developments at Harry Reid International Airport, which is a critical economic asset for Southern Nevada.
She highlighted her pride in the partnerships forged and milestones reached, stating, “Serving our community has been the honor of a lifetime. I am incredibly proud of the partnerships we’ve built, the milestones we’ve achieved, and the foundation laid for the future.”
Under her leadership, the airport achieved record-breaking passenger numbers for three consecutive years, marking its position as one of North America’s top ten commercial airports.
As the county’s first female aviation director, Vassiliadis has played a pivotal role in managing a diverse airport system that now encompasses five airports, including four general aviation facilities.
The airport system, now a $35 billion economic engine, supports over 18,000 jobs and serves as the gateway to one of the world’s premier tourist destinations.
Among her notable achievements is a groundbreaking partnership with the Transportation Security Administration, which resulted in the designation of Reid as the country’s only “Innovation Airport.” This entails serving as a testing ground for new screening technologies before they are rolled out to other airports nationwide.
Vassiliadis has also been instrumental in leading human trafficking prevention initiatives at Reid, establishing one of the airport industry’s most comprehensive programs in this regard.
Under her guidance, airport staff have received training in victim identification, partnered with law enforcement to create safe exit strategies, and instituted multilingual signage in all restrooms.
Throughout her lengthy career, she has navigated the airport system through various crises, including the 9/11 attacks and their aftermath, which necessitated the reopening of what was then known as McCarran International Airport.
Additionally, she ensured essential services continued during the COVID-19 pandemic, managed expansions that included the D Gates and Terminal 3, and coordinated the operation for high-profile events such as Super Bowl 53 and the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Clark County Manager Kevin Schiller praised her transformative leadership, stating, “For 12 years, the Department of Aviation has benefitted from Rosemary’s transformative leadership. Under her tenure, LAS has not only navigated through challenges such as a global pandemic but also incredible opportunity with mega-events, conventions, and tens of millions of passengers.”
He acknowledged her leadership in spearheading the development of the new supplemental airport as an essential aspect of her legacy, emphasizing the airport’s critical role as the front door to Clark County for many visitors.
While her retirement may come as a surprise to some, it has been anticipated since reports surfaced last year regarding her potential exit from her role.
However, Vassiliadis firmly denied those speculations back then. In March, her husband, Billy Vassiliadis, announced plans to step back from his role as CEO of R&R Partners, which may have also influenced her decision.
As she prepares to transition out of her position, Vassiliadis has been informed she will assist in selecting her successor, giving her a significant role in the future leadership of Clark County’s aviation.
Though county officials have not confirmed whether a nationwide search will be conducted for her replacement, one likely candidate is James Chrisley, the Clark County Deputy Aviation Director, who is currently heading the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport project.
Public hearings will begin shortly for the environmental assessment of the land related to the supplemental airport, covering approximately 5,752 acres east of Interstate 15, between Jean and Primm, which is nearly 30 miles south of Las Vegas.
As Vassiliadis’ time as aviation director comes to a close, her legacy of leadership and innovation will continue to impact the Clark County airport system and the greater Southern Nevada community.
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