Chief Operations & Public Safety Officer (Reno)

Chief Operations & Public Safety Officer

The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority

Job Posting Jul. 10, 2026

The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority is seeking a Chief Operations & Public Safety Officer to serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to the President/CEO and providing strategic leadership for all airport operations and public safety functions at Reno-Tahoe International Airport and Reno-Stead General Aviation Airport. This executive oversees the Airport Authority’s operations, public safety, security, and general aviation divisions, ensuring safe, secure, and efficient airport operations that support the organization’s strategic priorities. The position plays a critical role in advancing operational excellence, organizational performance, and long-term planning while fostering collaboration across the Authority and with regional, state, and federal partners.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead strategic direction for airport operations, public safety, security, and general aviation functions.
• Oversee divisional planning, performance, budgets, policies, and operational priorities.
• Direct safe, secure, and efficient airport operations while ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Guide long-range operational planning, capital improvement initiatives, and resource allocation.
• Develop and mentor a high-performing leadership team that fosters collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Represent the Airport Authority with airlines, government agencies, industry organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Utilize operational data and performance metrics to support informed decision-making and organizational improvement.
• Champion innovation, emergency preparedness, and enterprise-wide operational excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Airport/Aviation Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible leadership experience in commercial airport operations and/or aviation public safety.
• Demonstrated success leading complex operational organizations and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of FAA regulations, airport operations, aviation public safety, and emergency management.
• Experience with strategic planning, financial management, capital planning, and labor management collaboration.
• Valid driver’s license with the ability to obtain and maintain airport security credentials.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $183,475 – 234,930. A possible annual performance bonus may be included. For instructions on how to apply, click here to see the recruitment brochure or visit the searches tab at