RENO — The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) announced December 16 that President and CEO Daren Griffin will leave the organization to become President/CEO of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority.
His last day in Reno will be January 31, 2026.
Griffin said being part of the RTAA team and the broader Reno-Tahoe community has been “incredibly rewarding.”
“This decision was not easy to make – my family has truly loved building a life here, but this opportunity prompted some meaningful reflection about what I want in the next chapter of my career and it was one I couldn’t pass up,” said Griffin.
Griffin, who joined the RTAA in August 2020 from the Port of Portland, led the authority through a period of significant transformation. Under his leadership, the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) became one of the fastest airports in the nation to return to pre-pandemic passenger levels.
He also oversaw the launch of the RTAA’s $1 billion-plus infrastructure program, which has modernized terminals, expanded passenger capacity, and improved regional connectivity.
The RTAA Board of Trustees will soon appoint an interim CEO to guide the authority while a permanent successor is selected.
“For the last five years, Daren brought energy, thoughtfulness, and a strong sense of purpose to the RTAA,” said RTAA Board Chair 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.”
RTAA is funded through airport operations
The RTAA operates both Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and Reno-Stead Airport (RTS), two critical economic drivers for the region.
The authority is financially self-sufficient, funded through airport operations rather than state or local taxes, and supports 11 airlines offering nonstop service to multiple destinations across the United States and Mexico.
The airports have been central to regional tourism, commerce, and economic growth, making leadership continuity a high priority for the RTAA.
