The Columbus Regional Airport Authority Board of Directors has selected Daren Griffin as its new president and CEO, overseeing John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH). He replaces outgoing president and CEO Joe Nardone, who is retiring. Griffin will start in the role on February 2, 2026.
Griffin is currently the president and CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, which operates Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and general aviation Reno-Stead Airport (RTS). He held that position for five years. Prior to that, Griffin served for 16 years at the Port of Portland, Oregon.
Griffin takes the helm of CRAA at a critical time for the organization, as it is in the midst of construction of a new passenger terminal that will offer annual passenger capacity of 13 million with 36 hyper-efficient gates, including two international gates with onsite customs facilities, expanded shopping and concessions, spacious gate waiting areas, and numerous additional passenger amenities.
“I am honored to be named the next president and CEO of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority at such a pivotal moment,” said Griffin. “Having spent my career leading teams through transformations, I recognize the magnitude of the opportunity before us, while acknowledging the hard work that led us here.
“The CMH Next terminal project isn’t just an investment in concrete and steel, it is a commitment to the future of Columbus,” he continued. “I am eager to leverage my experience to ensure we deliver a first-class passenger experience with expanded nonstop service, drive economic growth, and continue connecting Ohio with the world.”
In Griffin’s current role, he launched and is leading the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority’s MoreRNO initiative, a transformative $1-billion capital improvement plan that is modernizing the terminal facilities, constructing a new ground transportation center through the airport’s first-ever public-private partnership, and building a state-of-the-art police and airport authority headquarters.
The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) thanked Griffin for his contribution to the airport and region. “For the last five years, Daren brought energy, thoughtfulness and a strong sense of purpose to the RTAA,” said RTAA board chairperson Shaun Carey. “On behalf of the entire Board of Trustees, I want to thank him for his leadership and wish him the very best in the next phase of his professional journey.”
As part of the succession process, the RTAA said its Board of Trustees will meet soon to appoint an interim CEO to lead the organization while a permanent successor is identified.
