FAA Leader Shannetta Griffin Heads BWI
Former FAA Associate Administrator of Airports Shannetta Griffin has been appointed the new executive director and CEO of the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA), taking immediate charge of Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Griffin’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the airport, which handled 27.1 million passengers in 2024—an increase of 3.3% year-over-year—while also managing significant cargo volumes despite a slight decline. Her new role positions her to build on her extensive experience in airport regulation, planning, and development to drive both safety and economic growth at BWI and the broader Maryland aviation network.
Griffin, who has spent the last four years in a lead position at the Federal Aviation Administration overseeing U.S. airport regulation, brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. Prior to joining the FAA, she served as Chief Commercial Officer and later chief development officer at John Glenn International Airport in Columbus, Ohio. She also held an executive position at Indianapolis International Airport in Indiana, where she played a key role in developing strategies that enhanced operational efficiency and passenger experience. At John Glenn International Airport, Griffin led the planning and execution of a $2 billion capital development program, which included the construction of a new passenger terminal, a consolidated rental car facility, and a hotel, demonstrating her ability to manage complex projects and drive substantial improvements in airport infrastructure.
In her new role at BWI, Griffin is tasked with further strengthening the airport’s position as an economic gateway not only for Maryland but for the entire region. Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld praised her appointment, highlighting her leadership and commitment to promoting safety and fostering economic growth during her tenure at the FAA. Under her stewardship, BWI is expected to build upon its existing relationships with the community and airline partners, notably with Southwest Airlines, which holds a 70% market share at this predominantly domestic-focused airport. Although BWI currently operates fewer than 20 international routes, Griffin’s experience and strategic vision may pave the way for future expansions that improve connectivity and enhance the airport’s global standing.
Speaking about her appointment, Griffin expressed her enthusiasm to join the MAA team and her determination to advance BWI’s role as a vital transportation hub. “I am pleased to join the team and will build upon our relationships with our community and airline partners,” she said. “Our focus is on advancing BWI and our smaller, general-aviation-focused Martin State Airport as economic gateways to our region and the world.” Her vision is to leverage her extensive background in airport planning and capital development to implement innovative solutions that address both current operational challenges and future growth opportunities.
As BWI continues to evolve, Griffin’s appointment signals a renewed focus on sustainable development, enhanced connectivity, and improved passenger experiences. With her proven track record of managing complex projects and her deep understanding of the regulatory landscape, Shannetta Griffin is well positioned to lead BWI into a new era of excellence and resilience in the dynamic world of aviation.
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