Kristine Ware has been introduced as the new executive director of the California International Airshow Salinas, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the event’s decades-long history. Ware expressed her enthusiasm for the role, saying, “I am very excited to be stepping into this leadership role as executive director.”Ware, a Monterey County native, takes over as the airshow prepares for its 45th event. She emphasized the airshow’s focus on honoring its history, strengthening its nonprofit foundation, and building a sustainable future. “Our focus is clear to honor our history, to strengthen our nonprofit foundation, and build a sustainable future for the California International Airshow,” Ware said.The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are set to return this year and next, and Ware is committed to introducing new performers.”And so every year our board of directors is actively engaged in working with the executive team in creating the new headliner show,” she said.Ware previously served as executive director of Ave Maria Senior Living in Monterey, marking her first foray into the aviation field. Her leadership comes as the airshow begins to highlight the future of air taxis. The mayor of Salinas, Dennis Donohue, said the event will showcase military partners and sponsors, providing a glimpse into the future of air travel.A potential long-term challenge for the airshow is future development in the airport flight path. Jim Gattis, founder of the California International Airshow Salinas, noted, “If they build housing within the flight zone where the jets perform, then they won’t be able to perform there.”Ware succeeds Harry Wardwell, who retired last year after 25 years as executive director. She will manage a million-dollar organization that contributes millions annually to the local economy and nonprofits. Ware expressed her excitement about the opportunity, saying, “I’m really excited to be able to take my skill set and be able to build something new and to continue on with our legacy of 45 years.”Over its 45-year history, the California International Airshow has raised more than $9 million for local nonprofits and charities.

SALINAS, Calif. —

Kristine Ware has been introduced as the new executive director of the California International Airshow Salinas, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the event’s decades-long history. Ware expressed her enthusiasm for the role, saying, “I am very excited to be stepping into this leadership role as executive director.”

Ware, a Monterey County native, takes over as the airshow prepares for its 45th event. She emphasized the airshow’s focus on honoring its history, strengthening its nonprofit foundation, and building a sustainable future.

“Our focus is clear to honor our history, to strengthen our nonprofit foundation, and build a sustainable future for the California International Airshow,” Ware said.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are set to return this year and next, and Ware is committed to introducing new performers.

“And so every year our board of directors is actively engaged in working with the executive team in creating the new headliner show,” she said.

Ware previously served as executive director of Ave Maria Senior Living in Monterey, marking her first foray into the aviation field. Her leadership comes as the airshow begins to highlight the future of air taxis.

The mayor of Salinas, Dennis Donohue, said the event will showcase military partners and sponsors, providing a glimpse into the future of air travel.

A potential long-term challenge for the airshow is future development in the airport flight path.

Jim Gattis, founder of the California International Airshow Salinas, noted, “If they build housing within the flight zone where the jets perform, then they won’t be able to perform there.”

Ware succeeds Harry Wardwell, who retired last year after 25 years as executive director. She will manage a million-dollar organization that contributes millions annually to the local economy and nonprofits.

Ware expressed her excitement about the opportunity, saying, “I’m really excited to be able to take my skill set and be able to build something new and to continue on with our legacy of 45 years.”

Over its 45-year history, the California International Airshow has raised more than $9 million for local nonprofits and charities.