COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Daren Griffin as the new president & CEO. Griffin is currently the president & CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, which operates passenger- and cargo-focused Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), and general aviation Reno-Stead Airport (RTS). He will start in the role on February 2, 2026. Griffin’s appointment comes after a comprehensive nationwide search to replace outgoing President & CEO Joe Nardone, who is retiring January 2, 2026, after eight years in the role. The CRAA Board of Directors today unanimously passed a resolution confirming his appointment.
“I am honored to be named the next president & 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. 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.
Prior to serving as president & CEO in Reno-Tahoe, Griffin served for 16 years at the Port of Portland, Oregon, in various roles, most recently leading Portland International Airport’s terminal expansion and modernization program as Director of the PDXNext Program Operations. PDX serves a metropolitan area of 3.5 million residents, is a major hub for Alaska Airlines, and offers nonstop service to numerous destinations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Germany, the Netherlands, Iceland, and the U.K. Griffin also served as the State Airports Manager for the State of 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.
“What stood out about Daren was his deep and extensive knowledge of airport management and his track record of expanding air service and delivering major capital projects on-time and on-budget,” said Ramon Jones, the chair of the special committee that oversaw the search for the new president & CEO.
“We appreciate Daren’s extensive experience leading world-class airport teams through periods of growth and expansion. We are confident that his people-first approach will continue to build trust and strong relationships across the community we serve,” said CRAA Board Chair Elizabeth P. Kessler.
Airports Council International – North America, the trade association representing commercial service airports in the United States and Canada, named Griffin a 2025 Excellence in Visionary Leadership Award winner. A U.S. Army veteran, Griffin received his bachelor’s degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He holds the Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) certification from the American Association of Airport Executives.
CRAA’s current President & CEO, Joseph R. Nardone, announced his retirement in June.
“Joe’s leadership has truly transformed the Columbus Regional Airport Authority. We are especially grateful to him for advancing CMH Next, our $2 billion new terminal project – the most significant capital project in our history,” said Kessler. “Just as importantly, he fostered a culture where our employees are valued and empowered. He leaves the organization strong and prepared for its future. We thank Joe for his vision and wish him all the best in his retirement.”