Airport Experience News has selected Charlene Reynolds as its Director of the Year in the medium airports category. Reynolds, airport director for John Wayne Airport (SNA), took the helm in May 2022 after many years of focus on commercial activities at both Houston Airport System and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
Over the past four years, Reynolds has made her mark on SNA, most notably leading an ongoing $700 million renovation that touches nearly every part of the airport complex, including a recently completed concessions refresh.
“In a challenging and highly competitive market, Charlene Reynolds has raised the bar on airport efficiency and memorable airport experiences,” said Amy Hornby, brand director and publisher of Airport Experience News. “AXN is thrilled to honor Charlene in recognition of her ongoing positive impact on SNA and the North American airport industry.”
Beyond SNA, Reynolds an active member of Airport Council International – North America (ACI-NA), Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) and the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).
“I’m deeply honored to receive this recognition from Airport Experience News and incredibly proud of what our team and partners have accomplished at John Wayne Airport,” Reynolds said. “Together, we have created a distinctly Orange County experience for every traveler: welcoming, efficient, and infused with local flavor. Beyond modernizing facilities, our ongoing redevelopment reflects the commitment of our employees and the collaboration of county leadership, airline partners, concessionaires, and aviation industry colleagues. I’m grateful to work alongside such committed professionals, and this recognition inspires me to keep finding new ways to make every traveler’s experience at John Wayne Airport a memorable one.”
Reynolds is the second of three directors of the year to be named by AXN for 2026. Last week, AXN announced the selection of Sam Samaddar of Kelowna International Airport as the Director of the Year, Small Airports Division. The selection for large airport category will be revealed in the coming weeks. All will be featured in a special Leadership Issue of Airport Experience News and will be honored at the 2027 Airport Experience Conference.
