Van Nuys Airport Appoints New Public and Community Relations Director

Van Nuys Airport (VNY), the world's busiest general aviation airport, has appointed Diana M. Sanchez as its new public and community relations director, responsible for overseeing the airport's community, educational and other outreach programs.

Sanchez began work for Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) -- which owns and operates Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), VNY, LA/Ontario International Airport and LA/Palmdale Regional Airport -- in 1999. During a seven-year tenure at LAX, she served as a media representative and as a liaison with surrounding communities. This community involvement included serving as vice president of the Inglewood/Airport Area Chamber of Commerce for three terms and as president of the Rotary Club of Inglewood for one year.

The programs she planned, developed and administered at LAX included the airport's Speakers Bureau, Aviation Careers Education (ACE) Academy for middle and high school students, We Fly As One (a partnership with three Chambers of Commerce to support nearby businesses) and Team LAWA (the airport's employee volunteer brigade).

"We're delighted to have Diana bring her extensive experience and skills in working with local communities and implementing outstanding community and educational programs to Van Nuys Airport and the San Fernando Valley," said VNY Manager Selena Birk.

Prior to joining LAWA, Sanchez held private industry positions including general manager/list broker, senior account executive, production manager and others.

Sanchez holds a bachelor's degree in journalism (with a public relations emphasis) from California State University, Long Beach, where she served as president of Associated Students, Inc. She plans to complete her master's degree in public administration from the same university later this year.

At VNY, Sanchez replaces Stacy Geere, who held the position of public and community relations director from 1992 until early 2007, when she left to pursue new opportunities.

About Van Nuys Airport:

The world's busiest general aviation airport, VNY serves as a valued San Fernando Valley resource, providing ongoing leadership in general aviation, business and community service.

Dedicated to noncommercial air travel, VNY averages more than 400,000 takeoffs and landings annually. More than 100 businesses are located on the 730-acre airport, including six major fixed-base operators and numerous aviation service companies.

Annually, the airport contributes approximately $1.2 billion to the Southern California economy and supports over 10,000 jobs. In addition, VNY provides programs to benefit local residents, along with educational initiatives and aviation-related career and training opportunities. For more information, visit www.lawa.org/vny.