Ventura County airport director remembered

McNamee, who was married and had two sons, was a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and had worked for the county since 2001. He was named director of the county’s two airports in Camarillo and Oxnard in 2005, overseeing a staff of 34 employees, and a $60 million budget.

McNamee was praised as a “pilot’s pilot,” with a passion for people, and was widely known for his work in airports management.

In April 2017, Camarillo Airport hosted an AOPA Fly-In after two years of McNamee and his staff working closely with AOPA’s Outreach and Events team to plan the fly-in.

“Todd was one of the strongest leaders I know in aviation, and just an all-around fantastic fellow—full of life, enthusiasm, energy, incredible professional talent, with a great love for adventure, flying, and family,” said Chris Eads, AOPA senior director of outreach. “He became a very good friend, and we got to spend some quality time with his beautiful family. He will be sorely missed by all of us at AOPA who were privileged to know him. Thoughts and prayers for his family, his staff and co-workers, and the Ventura County community.”