Harry Barrett Jr | Executive Director
Palm Springs International Airport

Harry Barrett Jr is an accomplished professional with over 20 years of experience in military and civil aviation. As the Executive Director of Palm Springs International Airport, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision in driving the airport's growth and success. Harry is known for his innovative approach to airport management, leveraging new technologies and strategies to enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience.

Throughout his career, Harry has been at the forefront of embracing new technologies to improve airport operations and meet the evolving needs of the aviation industry. Harry has an incredibly diverse background: he started as a military aviator flying the E-3 AWACS before transitioning into aviation management helping to integrate the then newly developed drone program into the Air Force inventory. In his civilian career, Harry has worked across general, commercial and industrial aviation, in small hub and large hub airports. His career includes operational and executive roles at Bellingham International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and Renton Airport in Washington State. In his current role, his forward-thinking mindset has positioned Palm Springs International Airport as a leader amongst small airports. He has oversight of a growing facility which currently hosts 3.5 million annual passengers and generates revenues exceeding $70 million. His visionary foresight has resulted in PSP's ingural Strategic Plan and his airport was the first in the nation to execute a naming rights deal for an airport concourse. 

Harry is a respected figure in the aviation community, known for his collaborative approach and commitment to excellence. He is an accredited member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and sits on its board of directors. Harry holds a Bachelors of Science in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle, a Masters Degree in Public Administration with a focus in Disaster and Emergency Mangement from Park University, and a Global MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. He is a sought-after speaker and thought leader, sharing his insights and expertise at industry events such as World Aviation Festival.