Watsonville Municipal Airport Director Rayvon Williams will retire Dec. 30 after more than 15 years with the city, officials announced.
Williams, who joined the city in 2011, is credited with helping the airport recover financially, securing federal grants for major infrastructure projects and improving safety and business practices.
Under his leadership, the airport has strengthened its financial position and now operates without money from the city’s General Fund.
In 2025, the airport generated more than $4.3 million in revenue and handled more than 65,000 flight operations.
“Rayvon has been an incredible asset to the City of Watsonville over the past 15 years,” City Manager Tamara Vides said. “His knowledge, dedication, and commitment to public service have made a lasting impact on our airport and our community.”
Williams also oversaw long-range planning efforts and infrastructure improvements supported by grants from the Federal Aviation Administration.
His connection to the airport began long before he became its director.
Williams took his first flying lessons at Watsonville Municipal Airport in 1998, eventually earning multiple pilot certifications and becoming a flight instructor.
He returned to the airport more than a decade later to take over its operations.
An experienced pilot with more than 3,100 flight hours, Williams has also served as a command pilot with Angel Flight West, a nonprofit organization that arranges free flights for people who need to travel for medical care and other essential services.
He has completed more than 130 volunteer flights with the organization.
Williams previously served as president of the Association of California Airports, which honored him in 2023 with its Michael A. Shutt Award for his contributions to aviation safety and development.
In 2019, he oversaw a massive $1.2 million runway resealing project, which included new signage.
“Watsonville Municipal Airport has been an important part of my life for nearly three decades,” Williams stated in a press release. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, but none of it would have been possible without the dedication of our airport staff and City colleagues. It has been a privilege to work alongside such an outstanding team.”
Vides thanked Williams for his service.
“We are grateful for his many contributions, and while he will certainly be missed, we wish him all the best in this next chapter,” she said.
The city is in the process of figuring out how to fill the position, City spokeswoman Michelle Pulido said.
