Port of Oakland promotes Mansel to Assistant Director of Aviation

The Port of Oakland has officially promoted Doug Mansel to Assistant Director of Aviation for Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK). The promotion became effective last week following his nearly two years of service in the acting role. In his role as Assistant Director of Aviation, Mansel will continue leading critical airport operations, including Aviation Security, Terminal Services, Airside Operations, and Parking and Ground Transportation at OAK.

“Doug has consistently demonstrated strong leadership and deep operational expertise during his time as Acting Assistant Director of Aviation,” said Craig Simon, Director of Aviation at the Port of Oakland. “This promotion reflects his proven ability to guide essential airport functions and support OAK’s continued growth and success.”

Mansel has devoted more than two decades to the Port of Oakland, beginning his career in 2000 as an Aviation Planner in the Aviation Planning and Development Department. He later advanced to Airside Operations Superintendent, where he oversaw the airport’s day-to-day operations, including the Airport Emergency Plan. In 2010, he was promoted to Aviation Security Manager, leading efforts to maintain compliance with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations, managing the ID Badging Office, and overseeing contract law enforcement services. He has served as Acting Assistant Director of Aviation since July 2024.

“I am honored to step into this role on a permanent basis and continue supporting the incredible team at OAK,” said Doug Mansel. “Together, we remain focused on delivering safe, efficient, and high-quality service to our passengers, partners, and community.”

Mansel is a past chair of the Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) Operations and Technical Affairs Committee and the Public Safety and Security Committee. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and is a certified professional flight instructor.