Ms. Komal Kumar serves as the Assistant Airport Director of John Wayne Airport (JWA), a medium-hub Part 139, Class I commercial and general aviation airport. Appointed to this role in November 2022, she works closely with the Airport Director to develop airport policies and provide strategic oversight of airport operations. Ms. Kumar leads, manages, and mentors a broad portfolio that includes Airport Operations, Public Affairs, Finance, Innovation and Technology, Quality and Compliance, Planning and Development, Maintenance, and Environmental Regulations.
Prior to her current role, Ms. Kumar served as Deputy Airport Director over the Finance Administration Division at JWA, where she oversaw all financial functions and led the development of a comprehensive five-year strategic financial plan. During her tenure in finance leadership, she successfully executed the defeasance of $60.8 million in bonds, thereby eliminating the airport’s debt and significantly strengthening the airport’s financial position. In 2024, secured funding for a transformative $711 million Capital Improvement Plan, supporting the airport’s long-term infrastructure needs and growth.
Ms. Kumar has been with John Wayne Airport since 2016 and has held multiple leadership roles, including Budget Manager, Fiscal Operations Manager, and Finance Manager. She brings 19 years of experience with the County of Orange and holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of California, Riverside. Her leadership and professional accomplishments have earned regional recognition, including being named one of the Orange County Business Journal’s “Women in Finance 2024” and receiving the “40 Under 40” award from the Greater Irvine Chamber.