City Manager Pat West has named Cynthia Guidry as the city’s new director of Long Beach Airport, it was announced Tuesday.

Guidry, a Long Beach resident, has 26 years of local government experience, including 14 years in airport management. For the past five years she served as the deputy executive director for Los Angeles World Airports, the government body for Los Angeles International and Van Nuys airports.

“Ms. Guidry has a wealth of experience, having served in an airport management capacity at one of the world’s largest airports,” said West in a statement. “As an airport professional and a resident of Long Beach, she understands our community, our customers and how unique Long Beach Airport truly is.”

A licensed professional engineer, Guidry holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from UC Irvine and an MBA from Pepperdine University.

“LGB holds a special niche in the aviation community with its easy access, sustainable facilities and its welcoming feel for travelers,” Guidry said in a statement.

As director, Guidry will oversee a department of more than 105 full-time employees with a budget of more than $49 million. The airport is in the design phase of its Terminal Area Improvement Program, one of the largest projects in the airport’s 96-year history.

Guidry is replacing Jess Romo, who retired in February 2019. Claudia Lewis, who had been the interim director, will return to her role as LGB’s manager of finance and administration.

Guidry’s appointment will be effective July 29.

Tim Grobaty is a columnist and the Opinions Editor for the Long Beach Post. You can reach him at 562-714-2116, email [email protected], @grobaty on Twitter and Grobaty on Facebook.