Renowned leader Rosemary Vassiliadis has announced her retirement from the role of director of aviation for Clark County’s airport system, effective September 12. After nearly 30 years of dedicated service, she steps down having led the airport system since 2013, and previously as the deputy director for 16 years. Her departure comes at a pivotal time, as improvements to Harry Reid Airport and the construction of a proposed reliever airport in southern Nevada are underway.
Vassiliadis made history as the first woman to serve in this role, earning accolades for her commitment to community service. "Serving our community has been the honor of a lifetime," she remarked, reflecting on the partnerships built and milestones achieved during her tenure.
Harry Reid Airport, formerly known as McCarran International Airport and designated with the LAS code, ranks fifth globally in aircraft movements for the second consecutive year, according to Airports Council International. With 613,973 landings and takeoffs in 2024, this represents just a slight rise of 0.4% from the previous year yet a notable 11% increase from 2019, the last full year before the Covid-19 pandemic. The airport served a staggering 58.5 million passengers in 2024, making it the eighth busiest in the U.S. by passenger volume.
As part of its expansion plans, Harry Reid Airport will see the addition of 26 new gates in Terminal 1, a project that promises to replace the outdated satellite gate layout with a more efficient pier design, although a timeline for these changes is yet to be unveiled. Furthermore, discussions regarding a supplemental airport approximately 30 miles south and west of Reid Airport are set to progress even after Vassiliadis’ departure. Despite this new venture, Harry Reid Airport will continue to be the flagship of the airport system, projecting a bright future for air travel in Southern Nevada.
Vassiliadis has left behind a noteworthy legacy, including the TSA’s designation of the airport as the nation’s first Innovation Airport in 2019. This title positioned Harry Reid Airport as a testing site for cutting-edge screening technology, which included automated screening lanes integrated with computed tomography scanners and an advanced UV-C light sanitization system.
In addition, her commitment to social responsibility is highlighted by initiatives to combat human trafficking, with staff trained to identify victims and collaborate with law enforcement on safe exit strategies. Vassiliadis also championed the installation of multilingual signage in all restrooms, emphasizing inclusion and accessibility.
Vassiliadis played a key role in guiding the airport through critical phases, including the aftermath of 9/11 when security measures made headlines across the globe. More recently, she successfully navigated the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring essential services remained operational during unprecedented times while implementing health and safety protocols.
With her wealth of experience and dedication, Rosemary Vassiliadis will undeniably be remembered for her significant contributions to the Clark County airport system and the community of Southern Nevada. As the search for her successor commences, the future of both Harry Reid Airport and the forthcoming reliever airport looks promising, paving the way for continued growth and development in a region known for its vibrant tourism and major events.
