ADK Consulting & Executive Search Seeking New CEO for the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority
March 27, 2026 – ADK Consulting & Executive Search has been retained by the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Rod Dinger is leading the assignment. RTAA seeks an innovative, forward-thinking president and CEO who will be a champion for growth and development of the region, Reno-Tahoe International Airport and Reno-Stead Airport. The president and CEO will be someone who embraces the value of collaboration, is transparent, values multidimensional perspectives, inspires, and empowers others.
This leader will take initiative in identifying opportunities, finding solutions, and executing on programs that improve the quality of service, financial stability and sustainability, and the organization’s benefit to the region. This executive provides strategic leadership and oversight of all airport operations, including aeronautical activities and the commercial and industrial development of non-aeronautical properties. Reporting to the RTAA board, the CEO ensures the airport’s regulatory compliance, while advancing economic growth and operational excellence.
Those applying must have strong financial acumen and experience in budgeting, capital planning, and revenue generation. They should have a bachelor’s degree in aviation management, business administration, public administration, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
Candidates must have extensive executive-level experience in airport management, transportation, or economic development as well as a deep understanding of FAA regulations, commercial aviation, and public-sector administration. In addition, those applying will have a proven track record in business and economic development, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement.
The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority owns and operates two regional airports: Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), a commercial airport, and Reno-Stead Airport (RTS), a general aviation facility. The authority is responsible for managing airport infrastructure, operations, safety, and development, and operates similarly to a municipal organization with services such as security, maintenance, engineering, and customer support.
Founded in 2003, Atlantic Beach, FL-based ADK specializes exclusively in talent searches for the airport management community. The firm is led by founder and president Doug Kuelpman, who has a history of over 40 years in aviation. ADK’s services include retained executive search, interim management, organizational consulting, and leadership development.
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Mr. Dinger, senior project manager, has extensive experience in the public sector. Prior to his retirement from full-time public service in 2015, he had direct oversight of six internal City of Redding divisions that included airports, solid waste, information technology, fleet, building maintenance and purchasing. Mr. Dinger had managed the city of Redding’s two airports in some capacity from 1991 until 2015. Since joining ADK in 2016, he has served as interim airport manager for five different airports (MVY, ACV, RDD, VCB and CIC). In each case, filling a temporary need while the airport operator was completing their search for a permanent airport manager. Mr. Dinger has also been the lead project manager on numerous senior executive level searches and organizational development projects.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority Search
ADK recently assisted in the recruitment of Carlos Ruiz as chief commercial officer of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority in Grand Rapids, MI. The search was led by Barry Bratton and Christine Santiago. In his new position, Mr. Ruiz will help elevate the guest experience and support the airport’s strategic goals. “We are delighted to welcome Carlos Ruiz to the Airport Authority’s leadership team,” said Tory Richardson, Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority president and CEO. “Carlos brings a strong track record and collaborative approach that will help foster innovation, strengthen partnerships and position the airport for continued growth. We look forward to the perspective he will bring to support the airport’s mission.”
Mr. Ruiz most recently served as the director of commercial management at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), responsible for a diverse commercial portfolio of over $90 million in annual revenue including parking, ground transportation, rental cars, concessions, and advertising. He oversaw the implementation of CVG’s parking reservation and smart shuttle tracking technology, as well as the completion of major food and beverage concessions redevelopment. Mr. Ruiz is an accredited airport executive (AAE) with the American Association of Airport Executives.
Related: ADK Consulting & Executive Search Recruits Executive Director for Lincoln Airport
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
