RELEASE – Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Announces Interim CEO Appointment

Experienced Airport Leader Cris Jensen to Serve as Interim CEO as National Search Launches 

RENO, Nev. (Dec. 29, 2025) – The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) announced today that Cris Jensen, RTAA Chief Operations and Public Safety Officer, has been appointed interim President/CEO while the RTAA Board of Trustees conducts a national search for the organization’s new permanent leader. Jensen’s appointment will begin Feb. 1, 2026. 

“Cris brings decades of aviation experience to this role and will ensure the continued, effective operation of RNO and RTS, while also maintaining the momentum of critical programs like MoreRNO,” said Shaun Carey, chair of the RTAA Board of Trustees. “The board has begun a national search for a new President/CEO and will focus on identifying the right leader to ensure Reno-Tahoe has the aviation infrastructure it needs now and in the future.” 

Jensen is a graduate of the prestigious Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where he studied aeronautics and business. He began his career in aviation at Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) in 1992 as an Airport Operations Officer. In 1997, he joined the Elko Regional Airport and spent nearly eight years as Airport Director. He then served as Airport Director for the Missoula International Airport for almost 16 years before returning to the RTAA in 2020. He is an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.), a certification from American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) that reflects a comprehensive understanding of airport operations and management and proven expertise in airport leadership.  

“Returning to the airport I started my career at has been incredibly rewarding,” Jensen said. “The whole RTAA team remains focused on maintaining momentum in air service development and delivering the infrastructure projects our community depends on.” 

Current RTAA President/CEO Daren Griffin announced his departure earlier this month. His last day is Jan. 31, after which he will assume the role of President/CEO of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority. 

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The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) operates two of the most important economic drivers for our region–the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and the Reno-Stead Airport (RTS). The RTAA is financially self-sufficient, meaning it is funded through airport operations and not state or local taxes. Eleven airlines serve RNO, flying to multiple nonstop destinations throughout the United States and Mexico. For more details, visit www.renoairport.com.