Craig Field Airport & Industrial Complex Announces New Leadership
James W. Thomas Named Executive Director and Myiesha Johnson Appointed Deputy Director of Airport Operations and Tenant Leasing
SELMA, Ala. — Craig Field Airport & Industrial Complex is pleased to announce new leadership as James W. Thomas assumes the role of Executive Director and Myiesha Johnson joins the organization as Deputy Director of Airport Operations and Tenant Leasing.
Together, Thomas and Johnson bring extensive experience in airport administration, operations, regulatory compliance, economic development, tenant relations and strategic planning. Their leadership marks an important new chapter for Craig Field as the organization continues strengthening its aviation mission while expanding its role as an economic and industrial asset for Selma, Dallas County and the State of Alabama.
James W. Thomas, Executive Director
A Selma native and graduate of Selma High School, Thomas returns home with a background spanning aviation administration, business development, communications and military service.
As Executive Director, Thomas provides leadership across airport operations, aviation and industrial development, property and lease management, infrastructure and capital improvements, economic development and strategic partnerships.
Prior to joining Craig Field, Thomas served as Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director at Montgomery Regional Airport, where his responsibilities included airport administration, financial and contract oversight, lease management, procurement, capital development projects, airline coordination, regulatory compliance and stakeholder engagement.
Thomas is an active member of the American Association of Airport Executives and serves on several AAAE committees. He is also involved with the Economic Development Association of Alabama and the Alabama City/County Management Association.
Before beginning his career in airport administration, Thomas worked in communications, broadcasting and business development, including experience with CBS Radio in Detroit. He also served in the United States Marine Corps, retiring in 2005. His military service continues to shape a leadership philosophy centered on integrity, accountability, teamwork and service.
A graduate of the University of Maryland, Thomas sees his return to Selma as an opportunity to combine his professional experience with a commitment to the community that helped shape him.
Myiesha Johnson, Deputy Director of Airport Operations and Tenant Leasing
Johnson brings more than a decade of progressive aviation experience across multiple commercial airports to her new leadership role at Craig Field.
As Deputy Director of Airport Operations and Tenant Leasing, she oversees airfield operations, regulatory compliance, tenant relations and strategic development initiatives supporting Craig Field’s aviation and industrial ecosystem.
Prior to joining Craig Field, Johnson served as Airport Operations Supervisor at Montgomery Regional Airport, where she directed daily airfield and terminal operations, helped ensure compliance with FAA Part 139 and TSA requirements and led a team focused on safe and efficient airport operations.
Her aviation career also includes leadership roles with the Mobile Airport Authority, where she supported safety and security programs, operational compliance and staff training across Mobile’s three airports.
Johnson began her aviation career in the Dallas Fort Worth region, serving as a Communications Specialist in the Airport Operations Center at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport before later working as an Airfield Operations Officer at Dallas Love Field Airport.
A native of Wetumpka, Alabama, Johnson brings extensive operational knowledge, regulatory expertise and a strong commitment to aviation safety, team development and operational efficiency to Craig Field.
Building the Next Chapter at Craig Field
The addition of Thomas and Johnson strengthens Craig Field’s leadership at a time of continued opportunity for aviation, industrial development and economic growth.
Their complementary experience across airport administration, operations, safety, tenant relations, infrastructure and economic development will support Craig Field’s efforts to build strategic partnerships, pursue infrastructure investment and create new opportunities for the airport and industrial complex.
Under their leadership, Craig Field will remain focused on strengthening its aviation capabilities while further positioning the airport and surrounding industrial complex as an important economic development asset for Selma, Dallas County and the State of Alabama.
About Craig Field Airport & Industrial Complex
Craig Field Airport & Industrial Complex, located in Selma, Alabama, serves as an aviation and industrial asset supporting business, economic development and regional growth. Through strategic partnerships, infrastructure development and a commitment to operational excellence, Craig Field works to create opportunities that benefit Selma, Dallas County and the surrounding region.
Media Contact:
Craig Field Airport & Industrial Complex
Selma, Alabama
