November/December 2023 - 22

Hometown:
Nashville, TN
Alma Mater:
Middle Tennessee
State University
Age: 34
Number of years in
the industry: 10
Ricky D. Griffin Jr., LEED, PE, PhD
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Assistant Vice President
As the Assistant Vice President at Dallas Fort Worth
International Airport (DFW), Ricky D. Griffin, Jr. began
his journey within the organization as a guest relations
coordinator. He rapidly ascended to roles such as Customer
Experience Coordinator, Experience Hub Manager
and IOC Bridge Manager. Notably, his leadership in the
Experience Hub, focused on data analytics to enhance
customer experience, garnered attention in USA Today for
ensuring a seamless experience for passengers.
In his previous role as the IOC Bridge Manager, Griffin
played a crucial role in process improvement and stakeholder
engagement, working tirelessly to introduce
innovative technologies that enhance daily operations.
His leadership and knowledge were pivotal in transforming
a strategic initiative into a fully operational Integrated
Operations Center.
Griffin played a pivotal role in establishing the Integrated
Operations Center (IOC) at DFW Airport. The IOC, a
cutting-edge facility designed to enhance operational
efficiency, stands as a testament to his ability to lead
high-visibility initiatives successfully. From concept to
implementation, he contributed significantly to the development
of the IOC, ensuring its seamless integration
of technology for a coordinated response to disruptions
in the airport environment.
One of Griffin's key accomplishments includes spearheading
the implementation of a real-time airport dashboard,
providing users with crucial data on airport performance
and forecasting future impacts. His innate ability to swiftly
identify and address challenges has positioned him as
a " super-user " across various technologies, facilitating
effective problem-solving and collaboration with vendors.
Griffin was also credited with bringing the Therapy Dog
Program (K9 Crew) to DFW Airport, an accomplishment
he is most proud of.
Looking to the future, Griffin said " I want to be known
as a leader in the industry with the ability to shape and
guide diverse teams, work cross-functionally, and drive
innovation. "
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Chris Groh
Senior Project Manager, Kutchins & Groh, LLC and Newhouse & Associates
A senior project manager at Kutchins & Groh, LLC, Chris
Groh likes financial puzzles.
Hometown:
New Orleans, LA
Alma Mater:
University of
Louisiana at Lafayette
Age: 35
Number of years in
the industry: 10
He has developed complex funding plans for new terminal
and major capital programs consisting of dozens
of federal, state and local funding sources.
" It ends up being a big spreadsheet puzzle, and it all
makes sense at the end, " said Groh, describing what
he enjoys most about his work.
He also leads financial negotiations with airlines, rental
car companies and concessionaires and helps create
multi-year capital development plans.
He is known for researching business tactics, technology
and communication, and policy, then sharing this
information with other business leaders.
In Louisiana, he worked to help pass a state law legalizing
design-build as a construction delivery method for
air traffic control tower and hangar projects. The law
introduced in 2023 could be especially helpful to get
airport assets up and running quicker after a hurricane.
He also offers consultation through Newhouse and
Associates and is member of AAAE and TRB, where he
has moderated several panels involving topics such as
accessible universal design at airports, industry workforce
development, and exploring additional funding
opportunities outside traditional grants. During the 2024
TRB annual meeting, Groh will also moderate a panel
focused on hydrogen development at airports.
Airports must diversify their funding strategies, they're
not going to get what they need from federal funds alone,
he said, adding, " It's just not feasible. There are other
sources out there that airports could potentially tap -
even outside of transportation. Not all airports realize
that. Their existence in the community is a lot bigger
than serving airplanes and there's economic impact
attached to it. There's also future growth, which all tie
to a bigger role for airports other than just a place where
planes land. "
That, he said goes back to the puzzle of it all.
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22 \ AIRPORT BUSINESS / NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023
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November/December 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of November/December 2023
