After a global search for its next leader, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport announced last week that it found its top candidate close to home.
The airport’s board of directors has unanimously appointed Chris McLaughlin, DFW’s executive vice president of operations, as its next CEO. McLaughlin will succeed Sean Donohue, who is retiring after more than a decade leading the airport’s transformation into one of the world’s busiest and most connected hubs. McLaughlin officially steps into the role on May 19.
Donohue praised the choice, calling McLaughlin “the right person to lead the airport into its next exciting chapter of growth,” and citing his “experience, leadership and expertise” as critical assets as DFW accelerates its expansion plans.
“Chris brings a wealth of experience that will benefit the airport as it enters a period of accelerated transformation,” Donohue said in a statement. McLaughlin, a veteran of both the public and private sectors, has spent his career tackling complex transportation and infrastructure challenges, integrating new technologies, and forging partnerships across all levels of government—skills that align closely with DFW’s long-term global strategy.
In a statement, McLaughlin said he was honored to be chosen and excited to help shape DFW’s future.
“DFW Airport has an extraordinary history, is recognized globally, and has a critical role to play in the region’s future growth,” he said. He added that he is “inheriting one of the best teams in the business,” surrounded by a supportive community that his own family proudly calls home.
“Working together with our Board, our employees, the community and our stakeholders, we’ll continue to transform travel for our region and the world,” McLaughlin continued.
Steering the region’s economic engine
McLaughlin has led DFW’s largest division—Operations—since 2021, overseeing Airfield Operations, the Department of Public Safety, Airline Relations, Environmental Affairs, the Integrated Operations Center, and Cargo. Before joining DFW, McLaughlin served as executive vice president and chief operating officer at Denver International Airport.
Earlier, he directed the TSA’s Office of Security Operations, where he helped launch the now-ubiquitous TSA PreCheck program. His aviation and technology background also includes leadership roles at Air Wisconsin Airlines and Frontier Airlines. Local leaders across Dallas-Fort Worth quickly endorsed the choice. Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson said DFW is a “cornerstone of Dallas’ economic strength and global connectivity” and called McLaughlin’s appointment a move that would continue to drive “innovation, investment, and opportunity” for the city.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker called DFW “the center of this economic engine” and said McLaughlin’s leadership will be key to advancing Fort Worth’s role in global commerce. DeMetris Sampson, chair of the DFW board, said McLaughlin emerged as the clear choice among an international pool of candidates.
“Chris stood out in a global pool of exceptional candidates as a forward-thinking, inclusive leader who understands both the scale and the impact of our mission,” Sampson said. “We are confident that Chris will guide DFW through its next exciting chapter as we expand the airport, create jobs and opportunities for the community, and help power global commerce.”
The airport said it is continuing to execute its multi-billion-dollar capital improvement program, advancing sustainability initiatives, expanding global route networks, and enhancing the travel experience for nearly 90 million customers annually. As incoming CEO, McLaughlin will help guide DFW through this next phase of transformational growth.
Quincy Preston contributed to this report.
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