RENO, Nev. – Today, the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) has sworn in three board members and one reappointed board member. The new trustees, two appointed by the City of Reno and one from Washoe County, will serve on the RTAA Board of Trustees that oversees both the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and Reno-Stead Airport (RTS). The newest trustees were appointed to serve through June 20, 2027 and will replace three members who have served for the maximum term of eight years. Trustee Shaun Carey was also reappointed by the City of Sparks for his second, four-year term.
“It’s a bittersweet day for the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Board of Trustees, as we happily welcome the three newly appointed board members, but also say goodbye to the three outgoing board members,” said Adam Kramer, outgoing Chair of the RTAA Board. “Trustees Lisa Gianoli, Jenifer Rose, and Jessica Sferrazza have brought immense commitment, unique perspective and passion that has greatly served both the RTAA and the Reno-Tahoe community for their entire eight-year terms. We thank them for their service, and they will always be part of the RTAA family.”
The newly appointed trustees bring a mix of important professional qualifications that will benefit the RTAA Board of Trustees during this exciting and critical time as the airport embarks on the MoreRNO Infrastructure Program that will include substantial investment aimed at modernizing RNO for decades to come.
The three new trustees include:
Joel Grace, appointed by the City of Reno, is the CEO of Locus Development Group and brings 20 years of strong northern Nevada commercial real estate and business development experience to the board. Joel has served on several boards such as the YMCA, Junior Achievement, and The Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation and he currently serves as the President of the Board for the Greater Reno Community Ice Skating Association (GRCISA) and was a strong advocate for bringing in Reno’s first Community Ice Arena.
Kitty Jung, appointed by the City of Reno, was a member of the Washoe County Commission from 2007-2021, including serving as chair, and was involved with many key issues like public safety, environmental sustainability and public health. In 2019, Kitty was selected as a Sun Valley General Improvement District Community Services Award Recipient which recognizes individuals, businesses, and organizations whose efforts contribute significantly to the Sun Valley community.
Cortney Young, appointed by Washoe County, is both an arbitrator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and a mediator for ADR Partners. Cortney is a graduate from the University of Nevada, Reno in Paralegal Studies, Mediation and Conflict Resolution. Cortney also founded the Children’s Cancer Classic, a charity basketball game that benefits the Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation, participated as Vice Chair of the City of Reno Human Rights Commission and volunteered for local organizations like GROW Sierra Arts Foundation and K9s for Warriors.
Additionally, the Board of Trustees unanimously elected Carol Chaplin as the Chair of the Board, Richard Jay as Vice-Chair, Jennifer Cunningham as Treasurer and Adam Kramer as Secretary for this fiscal year.
“I am delighted to welcome our three new trustees and I’m looking forward to working with such an esteemed group of individuals that represent the RTAA Board of Trustees in this upcoming year,” said Daren Griffin, President and CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority. “It’s an inspiring time as we continue with the MoreRNO Infrastructure Program and begin to see results of the hard work and perseverance from our board members and employees.”
The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Board of Trustees consists of nine members appointed by the City of Reno, City of Sparks, Washoe County, and the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority. Each Trustee brings a commitment to public service and a wide range of business expertise.
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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 (RTS) Airport. Together, they generate $3.1 billion in economic impact annually. The RTAA is financially self-sufficient, meaning it is funded through airport operations and not local taxes. Eleven airlines serve RNO, flying to multiple nonstop destinations throughout the United States and Mexico. For more details, visit www.renoairport.com.