Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport CEO Candace McGraw announced her intention to step down during a Kenton County Airport Board meeting on Tuesday.
“It’s a bittersweet decision for me,” McGraw said during the meeting.
McGraw will remain CEO until June 30, 2025, said Kenton County Airport Board Chair Lisa Sauer. McGraw was first hired as CEO in 2011. Prior to that, she served as the the airport’s chief administrative officer.
Consulting firm Korn Ferry was approved by the board to oversee the search process for McGraw’s successor.
“It will be the shoes to fill,” said Michael Bell, senior partner at Korn Ferry’s civil aviation practice. “Candace has an incredible reputation across this industry, but by partnering with you, we will make sure that we follow a thorough, disciplined, rigorous, yet innovative process to get you there.”
Sauer said she expects the search process to begin immediately, with the intent to name McGraw’s successor toward the end of this year.
“We expect we may have internal candidates as well as — obviously, we expect to have external candidates,” Sauer said.
As CEO, McGraw helped facilitate CVG’s transition into one of the United States top cargo airports. Last week, CVG released its annual economic impact report that found the airport increased their annual economic impact from $3.5 billion in 2012 to $9.3 billion in 2023 — a $6 billion increase.
In addition, the airport has undergone extensive developments during her tenue, including the expansion of both DHL Express’ North American superhub and Amazon Air’s North American hub.
“I know you will do a wonderful job in picking a successor and I do appreciate the thoughtful deliberation and intentionality of it,” McGraw said.
