SAN ANTONIO (February 2, 2026) — The City of San Antonio Aviation Department has appointed three new staff members to its team as part of its continued focus on operational excellence and long-term growth.
Samuel (Sam) Rodriguez, Deputy Director
Samuel (Sam) Rodriguez, P.E., CM, cfm, assumed the role of Aviation Deputy Director and is responsible for overseeing airport operations, enhancing the passenger and terminal experience and ensuring airport safety and security. In his previous position as Chief Development Officer, Rodriguez led the capital improvement team for the department, encompassing the planning, environmental, design and construction divisions, including the upcoming Terminal A expansion, scheduled to open this year.
“Sam’s contributions to the Aviation department are nothing short of remarkable,” said Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports, City of San Antonio Aviation Department. “With our continued strong growth, we are thrilled Sam is leading the charge to deliver San Antonio and our surrounding communities a world-class travel experience.”
Before coming to San Antonio, Rodriguez spent nearly 18 years with the City of El Paso, including four years as aviation director. In addition to managing El Paso International Airport (ELP), Rodriguez oversaw multiple departments, including Capital Improvement and Planning and Inspections, and was a key member of the city’s executive management team.
Rodriguez holds a Professional Engineer license in Texas and California. He is a certified floodplain manager and a Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).
Jeffrey S. Tripp, Stinson Municipal Airport Manager
Jeffrey S. Tripp, A.A.E., ACE, has been appointed Stinson Municipal Airport Manager, overseeing day-to-day operations and ensuring the safe, efficient use of airport facilities. Additionally, he will manage staff, budgets and contracts while supporting long-term airport planning and community engagement.
“Jeffrey brings significant experience to the Aviation department,” said Sam Rodriguez, Aviation Deputy Director, City of San Antonio Aviation Department. “With a strong aviation background and a proven record of guiding teams across varying operational settings, Jeffrey’s leadership and expertise will support the continued safety, efficiency and growth at Stinson.”
Tripp previously served as airport director for the La Crosse Regional Airport in Wisconsin. His career, which began in 1995, spans leadership roles across multiple states and diverse airport environments. In 2014, he was named Arizona’s Airport Executive of the Year by the Arizona Airports Association, while Prescott Airport received the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Airport of the Year award under his management. In 2022, Cottonwood Municipal Airport also earned Airport of the Year honors during his tenure as manager.
Tripp holds dual degrees, a Master of Aeronautical Science in Aviation/Aerospace Safety Systems and a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Business Administration, from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Ana Flores, Senior Public Information Officer
Ana Flores recently joined SAT as Senior Public Information Officer. In this role, Flores will serve as primary contact for media, create news releases, pitch story ideas and content, edit SAT’s in-house newsletter and attend community events.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ana to our airport team and know her experience and knowledge will be an asset to our organization,” noted Tonya Hope, Public Relations Manager, City of San Antonio Aviation Department. “We look forward to working alongside her as we continue to serve the community.”
Flores brings expertise in strategic communications, digital marketing, writing, content creation and media relations across various sectors, with bylines in both print and digital platforms.
Flores proudly serves as President-Elect and VP of Awards for the San Antonio chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and on the board of the Friends of the San Antonio Public Library. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication arts with a concentration in journalism from the University of the Incarnate Word.
