The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) has selected Cris Jensen to be its new president and CEO of the agency.
In a statement, the board says contract negotiations are underway.
“It is my honor to announce the Board has chosen Cris Jensen to serve as the next president and CEO, and his contract negotiations are currently underway,” said Carey. “Jensen is a native Nevadan and long-standing airport leader who has served our community exceptionally well in his current role as interim president and CEO of RTAA and before that as the chief operations and public safety officer. After conducting a national search, the Board is confident he is the right choice to position the organization for continued success in the years ahead.”
Jensen began his career in aviation at Reno-Tahoe International Airport 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 2021.
“I look forward to continuing to lead RTAA and further strengthening the air service we provide for travelers and our region’s expanding businesses,” Jensen said. “Having returned to the airport where I started my career, I’ve seen our community grow into a dynamic and exciting place to be. It is an immense privilege to be selected for this leadership role where I’ll work alongside employees and community partners to help shape the future of aviation for our region.”
ORIGINAL STORY:
The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) has appointed Cris Jensen as interim president/CEO while a national search continues for a permanent leader.
Jensen is currently RTAA Chief Operations and Public Safety Officer.
Jensen’s appointment will begin Feb. 1, 2026.
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.
(Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority contributed to this report.)
