CRAA Strategic Leadership Team

In collaboration with the Board of Directors and numerous private and public sector partners, the Columbus Regional Airport Authority’s strategic leadership team is dedicated to finding smarter and easier ways to connect Ohio with the world. Every day we arrive to facilitate the flow of passengers and cargo through the strategic operation of our airports.

 

 

Joseph R. Nardone, C.M.

President & CEO

Joe oversees the strategic operation and management of CRAA’s three airports. Leading all aspects of the organization, he is specifically tasked with advancing air service development and creating strong partnerships to benefit the Columbus Region.

Experience

  • CEO of Wayne County Airport Authority, an independent governmental entity that manages and operates Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Willow Run Airport, Michigan’s busiest airport system and one of the world’s leading transportation hubs
  • Vice President of Business Development & Real Estate for WCAA
  • Vice President of Huron Valley Steel Corporation and Fritz Enterprises
  • Director of Southgate Properties, a nonprofit with multimillion dollar real estate transactions
  • Economic Development Director for the City of Taylor, Michigan
  • Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University

Casey Denny, A.A.E.

Chief Operations Officer

Casey’s leadership of many CRAA divisions ensures that our airport facilities and other assets function efficiently while presenting a positive image of the community. A distinguished aviation professional with three decades of experience, he provides strategic direction for CRAA-owned and operated assets including facilities, grounds, pavement and equipment.

Experience

  • Deputy Director of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport
  • Aviation Planner, Arizona Department of Transportation
  • Past President, Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives
  • Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Technology: Airway Science Management from Arizona State University

Fabio Spino, MBA

Chief Financial Officer

Fabio leads our accounting and finance team at CRAA. He plays a pivotal role in formulating and executing financial strategies, ensuring sound financial decision-making, and maintaining the financial health of the organization. His leadership skills and knowledge of financial operations make him a vital asset, contributing to overall success and sustainable growth.

Education

  • Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer - Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority
  • Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer - Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust
  • 20+ years of experience in accounting and finance
  • Master of Business Administration, Norwich University

Shannon Fitzpatrick, SPHR

Chief People Officer

Shannon leads CRAA’s Human Resources department which encompasses diversity, equity and inclusion; talent acquisition; compensation; professional development; employee benefits; and labor and employee relations. She also champions and implements programs to support an empowered and talented workforce.

Experience

  • Senior Director of Human Resources, ProQuest
  • Chief Human Resources Officer, New York State Information Technology Services
  • Certification in Change Management, Prosci
  • Senior Certified Professional, Society for Human Resource Management
  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Western New England University

Tom McCarthy, C.M.

Chief Planning & Engineering Officer

Tom provides strategic direction and leadership for CRAA’s Planning and Engineering, Energy and Environment and Capital Improvement Planning departments. With experience in airport design/construction and operations, including budget and schedule maintenance, he coordinates with federal and local government agencies and has extensive knowledge of airside and landside planning and well-honed client/vendor relations.

Experience

  • Aviation Planner for Detroit Metro Airport, planning DTW’s midfield terminal project and providing architectural and construction support for DTW’s hub terminal project
  • Vice President of Facilities, Design & Construction, Wayne County Airport Authority, leading the airport’s north terminal development project
  • Senior Managing Director for consulting firm AvAirPros, representing air carriers’ interests in planning and design of Kansas City International Airport’s terminal modernization program
  • Led the team responsible for all capital projects at DTW and Willow Run airports, as well as capital improvement program and master plan updates at these airports
  • Degree in Art and Environmental Design from California State University

Charles Goodwin, A.A.E., MBOE

Chief Business Development Officer

Charlie oversees air service development, concessions, real estate, parking and ground transportation, and Rickenbacker's cargo development and fixed-base operation which provides fueling and ground handling services.

Experience

  • Previously served as CRAA's Director of Operations
  • Airport Director for the Terre Haute International Airport Authority
  • Electronic warfare operator on a US Navy P-3 Orion aircraft, accumulating nearly 3,000 flight hours
  • Retired Navy Reserves Chief Petty Officer, serving as an Enlisted Leadership Facilitator and Midwest Region Operations Chief with the Center for Naval Leadership, providing leadership training to sailors
  • Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
  • FAA Private Pilot Certificate
  • Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Technology from Indiana State University
  • Master’s degree in Business Operational Excellence from The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business

Nicole Loucks, J.D.

General Counsel

Nicole leads CRAA’s Legal Department and is responsible for all aspects of CRAA’s legal, risk, and compliance functions. She also works closely with the CRAA Board of Directors on governance matters and serves as CRAA’s liaison with the Board.

Experience

  • General Counsel, EXXCEL Project Management
  • Firm Counsel, NBBJ
  • Senior Attorney, Dinsmore & Shohl
  • Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology
  • Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The Ohio State University

Kristen Easterday, A.A.E.

Director of Communications & Public Affairs

Kristen provides strategic guidance for CRAA’s communications, customer experience and government relations functions with a focus on developing trust and confidence with passengers and community partners.

Experience

  • Vice President of Government Relations, Columbus Chamber of Commerce
  • Executive Director, Ohio Department of Agriculture, Office of Farmland Preservation
  • Bachelor of Specialized Studies, cum laude, from Ohio University with a concentration in journalism
  • Master of Public Administration from The George Washington University

Richard Jones

Director of Technology

Richard provides the strategic direction for implementing the organization’s goals in conjunction with CRAA’s Technology Services division, collaborating with the team to develop ideas using new technologies. Driving innovation to propel CRAA forward in technology, development, culture, service and business, Richard guides the organization as it seeks to stand out as a visionary leader in the industry.

Experience

  • Senior Designer, HNTB
  • Senior Software Engineer, Syneren Technologies Corporation
  • Traffic Safety Analysis Systems & Services, Inc., DBA/ADBA
  • Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering from The Ohio State University
  • Studied Engineering Technology at Rose State College
  • Associate of Science, Information Technology from Community College of the Air Force

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