Zachary Briggs, MBA
Deputy Director, Operations & Maintenance
Portland International Jetport
Zachary Briggs, Deputy Director of Operations and Maintenance at Portland International Jetport, has dedicated over a decade to advancing the airport’s goals and supporting staff.
Starting as a Communications Center Specialist, Briggs quickly moved through the ranks to become Airport Operations Supervisor and later Customer Experience Manager. In this role, he led initiatives that earned ACI/ASQ awards, underscoring his commitment to enhancing passenger experiences. Currently, as Deputy Director, Briggs coordinates closely with tenants on operational impacts, particularly during construction and winter operations, reflecting his ability to manage complex projects while ensuring smooth airport operations.
“My motivation to succeed is based on a combination of factors,” he said. “I have had a lifelong passion for aviation as long as I can remember, working in the industry has formed lifelong friendships and enabled me to work with fantastic teams on unique and creative projects to increase access, enhance safety, and elevate customer experience.”
Briggs’ contributions extend beyond his official roles. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he collaborated with state and federal partners to establish a free testing site, serving employees, passengers, and the Portland community. This initiative highlighted his dedication to public health and his community-centric approach to airport management.
Beyond his responsibilities, Briggs has shown commitment to industry development, encouraging staff participation in industry workgroups and committees, especially within customer experience sectors. With a recently acquired MBA and a pursuit of Accreditation from the American Association of Airport Executives, Briggs continues to enhance his expertise. He aims to mentor future leaders in the field, passing on the guidance he once received to ensure others reach their potential.