Daren Griffin became President and CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) on August 3, 2020, following a nationwide search. With an annual operating budget of nearly $74 million, he leads Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and Reno-Stead Airport (RTS), overseeing strategic growth, infrastructure investment and operational excellence to support northern Nevada’s expanding economy.
Under Daren’s leadership, RTAA launched the MoreRNO Infrastructure Program, the largest transformation in the airport’s history. This multi-year, $1+ billion initiative includes expanding and modernizing RNO’s terminal facilities, constructing a new Ground Transportation Center (GTC) through the airport’s first-ever public-private partnership (P3) and building a state-of-the-art Police and Airport Authority Headquarters to support long-term operational needs. Backed by a $238 million bond issuance, MoreRNO is designed to enhance the passenger experience, streamline operations and position RNO for the region’s continued growth.
Daren has also focused on strengthening RTS as a hub for general aviation, military operations and aviation innovation, ensuring it remains a vital asset within RTAA’s long-term strategy. Before joining RTAA, Daren spent 16 years at the Port of Portland, where he led the PDXNext Program, a large-scale redevelopment of Portland International Airport. He also served in various leadership roles, including Interim Director of Business Properties, Director of Operations and General Aviation Manager. Prior to that, he was the State Airports Manager for Oregon and the Deputy Director of Yuma International Airport in Arizona.
A U.S. Army veteran, Daren holds a bachelor’s degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Arizona and is an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.). He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and is Vice President of the Nevada Airports Association (NVAA), reflecting his strong commitment to advancing the airport industry. Now rooted in Reno, he enjoys cheering on his three children in college and spending quality time exploring northern Nevada with his wife
