Yakima Airport’s New Director Has National Aviation Experience

The Yakima Airport has a new leader.
Yakima City Manager Vicki Baker says she's named Christopher Hopkins the new Yakima air terminal director. Hopkins is expected to start his job as Yakima air terminal director on Monday, January 12th.

LANDING A BRIGHT FUTURE AT THE AIRPORT

Baker says "because of the significant role the airport plays in the economic health of the Yakima Valley, we were looking for someone who has extensive airport management skills." She's confident he can build relationships with tenants at the airport, the airport staff and funding partners. She says Hopkins fits well with Yakima and she's confident he'll manage operation at the airport while also planning for the future.

LOTS OF AIRPORT EXPERIENCE

According to a news release from the city of Yakima before deciding to land in Yakima he most recently served as a consultant developing Aerospace Center of Excellence locations at U.S. airports. Before that job he was assistant director of aviation at the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport. He was a vice president - aviation and government services for HSS, Inc., a provider of airport aviation security services.

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PLANS THAT COULD HELP OUR LOCAL ECONOMY

Hopkins says he's excited about the opportunities that the Yakima airport offers to grow not only "commercial air service there but also to foster new prospects that will benefit the entire Yakima Valley economy.” Hopkins is a professional member of the American Association of Airport Executives with certifications as a Certified Member (C.M.), Airport Security Coordinator (A.S.C.), and Airport Certified Employee (A.C.E.).

A NATIONWIDE SEARCH BY LOCAL OFFICIALS

Hopkins was hired after a nationwide search by the city Human Resources Department. The search started a few days after the resignation of the former airport director in October 2025.