Following a nationwide search, Venice Municipal Airport Manager Nicholas “Nick” Dumas has been selected as the City’s new Airport Director.

Prior to coming to the City of Venice, Nicholas worked for the Department of Aviation for the City of Philadelphia, Pa., serving as an Airport Operations Duty Supervisor at Philadelphia International Airport for almost 13 years.

Nicholas joined the COV in June 2024 as Airport Manager. His duties included overseeing airport operations, maintenance, safety, security, and emergency management, while ensuring full compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and other federal, state, and local regulatory requirements. He has supervised and coordinated operations, maintenance, and administrative staff; established priorities; and ensured that day-to-day activities aligned with the airport’s long-term strategic objectives. Nicholas has also been responsible for budget development and financial oversight, capital improvement planning, and supporting grant-funded projects.

He holds an Associate of Air Traffic Control from Community College of Beaver County, a Bachelor of Aviation Management from Delaware State University, and a Master of Public Administration specializing in Emergency Management from Columbia Southern University. He has earned a private pilot license, control tower operator’s certificate, and ground security coordinator certificate from the FAA. 

Nicholas replaces former Airport Director Mark Cervasio, who retired Dec. 1 after more than 9 years with the City.

“Nick has been a pleasure to work with and has already made a positive impact on airport operations, safety, and facilities,” said City Manager James Clinch. “He brings significant aviation experience, a steady leadership style, and a collaborative approach that fits right into our organization and community. I am confident Nick will continue to strengthen the Venice Municipal Airport as an important community and economic resource by working closely with all stakeholders and meeting the challenges ahead.”

“I hope to bring a combination of operational credibility, strategic leadership, and a steady, collaborative management style to the Airport Director role,” Nicholas said. “From an operational standpoint, I bring more than 20 years of hands-on aviation experience, including service as an Airport Manager here, senior operations leadership at a large-hub commercial service airport, and prior experience as an FAA air traffic controller. This background enables me to make informed, practical decisions that prioritize safety, regulatory compliance, and continuity of operations.

“Strategically, I will bring a strong focus on alignment and execution, ensuring that operations, maintenance, planning, finance, and projects are all working toward a common set of goals. I believe the Director’s role is to set a clear direction, remove obstacles, and empower high-performing leaders, while maintaining accountability and transparency with elected officials, regulators, tenants, and the community.”

After being in Venice for 2 years, he added, “I have found the friendliness and get-it-done attitude of the residents and my coworkers refreshing; and the beauty, the history, and the cleanliness of the City and the downtown area to be amazing.”

Nick and his wife Lela have two grown children and are awaiting a new Doberman pinscher puppy.