COLUMBUS, Ohio —The Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA) today announced the appointment of two seasoned professionals to its executive leadership team. Onnie Jacque will join CRAA as General Counsel and John McClelland will assume the role of Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer.
These strategic leadership appointments come at a transformative, historic moment for CRAA as it advances major capital developments, including the $2 billion CMH Next, John Glenn Columbus International Airport’s new terminal construction project, and major infrastructure improvements at Rickenbacker International Airport.
“We welcome Onnie and John to our executive leadership team,” said Daren A. Griffin, CRAA President & CEO. “Their expertise during this transformative time for our airports will be invaluable. Onnie’s exceptional corporate and aviation legal background, paired with John’s extensive career in strategic public affairs and stakeholder engagement, gives me complete confidence in their ability to help guide our strategic initiatives forward. Their leadership will reinforce our commitment to operational excellence, transparency, and economic development.”
As General Counsel, Jacque will lead CRAA’s legal strategy, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance and provide strategic counsel on real estate and major commercial transactions. She brings specialized expertise in aviation governance, having previously served as General Counsel for the Wayne County Airport Authority, alongside deep corporate knowledge from her recent executive tenure in the energy and professional services sectors.
In his role as Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer, McClelland will oversee the enterprise-wide marketing, internal and external communications, government relations, customer experience, and community engagement portfolios. With more than 20 years of experience managing complex public policy, broadcast journalism, and corporate affairs, McClelland will spearhead the narrative of CRAA’s regional economic impact, capital modernizations, and global connectivity improvements.