CEO Insights: Daren Griffin, Columbus Regional Airport Authority
November 18 @ 7:30 am – 9:30 am
CEO Insights | Exclusive Interviews with Central Ohio Leaders
The Columbus Chamber of Commerce created CEO Insights in 2013 with the goal of sharing localized ideas, trends and best practices in critical areas including leadership, management, innovation, and others. CEO Insights offers a rare opportunity to engage in candid, thought-provoking conversations with regional leaders in an intimate, focused setting. The atmosphere is professional yet conversational—designed to foster meaningful dialogue, exchange real-world insights, and spark ideas that resonate beyond the room. It’s where leadership meets authenticity, and strategy meets storytelling.
CEO Insights is hosted by Colleen Marshall, anchor of NBC4 at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.
CEO Insights: Daren Griffin, A.A.E., President & CEO
Join us for a conversation with Daren Griffin at our November CEO Insights program.
Daren Griffin, A.A.E, became President & CEO of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA) in February 2026 following a nationwide search. Here, he provides overall leadership and strategic direction for the authority overseeing three diverse airports, including passenger-focused John Glenn Columbus International, service-centered Rickenbacker International, and general aviation airport, Bolton Field. In his new role, he will execute CMH Next, the $2 billion new terminal project to provide Central Ohio with a first-class airport experience designed to meet our region’s growth.
Prior to arriving in Ohio, Daren spent more than 5 years as the President & CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA). With an annual operating budget of nearly $74 million, he led the 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, the RTAA launched the MoreRNO Infrastructure Program, the largest transformation in the airport’s history. This multi-year, $1+ billion initiative included 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. Backed by a $238 million bond issuance, MoreRNO was designed to enhance the passenger experience and position RNO for the region’s continued growth.
Before joining the RTAA, Daren spent 16 years at the Port of Portland, where he led the PDXNext Program Operations, a large-scale $2.5B redevelopment of Portland International Airport. He also served in various leadership roles there, including Director of Airport Operations, General Aviation Manager and Interim Director of Business & Properties. Prior to his time in Portland, he was the State Airports Manager for the Oregon Department of Aviation 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 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). He was a 2025 recipient of the Airport Council International – North America’s Excellence in Visionary Leadership Award.
Daren Griffin, A.A.E., President & CEO
IN-PERSON EVENT
Networking: 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
Program: 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Ticket Pricing
Chamber Members: $40
Non-Members: $65
Are you a member? Look up your company here!
FREE PARKING
A parking lot is available on-site with access off of Dublin Road or Richmond Avenue.
*Registration is required. Day-of registration is not encouraged.*
Registration fees are considered non-refundable. This is a ticketless event. Reminder communications and further details will be sent in the days prior to the event.
The Columbus Chamber reserves the right to cancel or reschedule this event in the case of severe or unsafe weather conditions. Registrants will be notified via email in the event of a cancellation.
Registration Questions – Contact Events – events@columbus.org
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