Craig Field Airport names first Black woman as deputy director

The Craig Field Airport & Industrial Authority has appointed Myiesha Johnson as deputy director of airport operations and tenant leasing.

Johnson, who is the first woman and first African American woman to serve in the position, starts Oct. 5.

Johnson brings more than a decade of aviation operations experience to Craig Field and has worked at commercial airports in Alabama and Texas. At Craig, she will help oversee airfield operations, regulatory compliance, tenant relations and strategic development initiatives supporting Craig Field's growing aviation and industrial ecosystem.

“Craig Field is fortunate to add an aviation professional with Myiesha's depth of operational experience to our leadership team,” said James W. Thomas, executive director of the Craig Field Airport & Industrial Authority, who started last week. “Her experience in airport operations, regulatory compliance, safety and leadership will be an asset as we strengthen our operations and continue positioning Craig Field for long-term growth.”

Thomas said Johnson's appointment also reflects the authority's broader effort to build an experienced leadership team capable of supporting both the airport and its industrial tenants.

“While this appointment represents an important historic milestone for Craig Field, Myiesha was selected because of the experience, professionalism and operational knowledge she brings to this organization,” Thomas said. “She understands aviation operations, she understands regulatory requirements, and she understands the importance of building productive relationships with employees, tenants and stakeholders. I look forward to working with her as we move Craig Field forward.”

Johnson joins Craig Field after serving as airport operations supervisor at Montgomery Regional Airport, a position she held beginning in April 2022. There, she directed daily airfield and terminal operations, helped ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Administration Part 139 and Transportation Security Administration requirements, and led personnel responsible for maintaining safe, efficient and customer-focused airport operations.

Johnson also held multiple leadership roles with the Mobile Airport Authority, including airport operations supervisor and Airport Operations Specialist II. Her responsibilities included oversight of safety and security programs, staff training and operational compliance across Mobile's three airports.

A native of Wetumpka, Johnson began her aviation career in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.

She served as a communications specialist in the Airport Operations Center at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, where her responsibilities included supporting emergency response coordination, airfield communications and operational continuity.

In 2019, Johnson continued her career at Dallas Love Field, serving as an airfield operations officer and gaining additional experience in the operational demands of a high-traffic commercial airport environment.

Johnson said she looks forward to bringing that experience to Craig Field and contributing to the authority's future.

“I am honored to join the Craig Field Airport & Industrial Authority and excited about the opportunity to contribute to its continued growth,” Johnson said. “I look forward to working with the staff, tenants, board and community partners to maintain safe and efficient operations while helping identify opportunities that strengthen Craig Field's aviation and industrial future.”