Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld has named Shannetta R. Griffin, P.E. as the Executive Director and CEO of the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA), overseeing the management, operations and maintenance to ensure the safety of Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Thurgood Marshall Airport, Martin State Airport and the state’s regional aviation assistance program. She has more than 40 years of experience as a professional engineer within the transportation industry with an emphasis on aviation and aerospace. Executive Director and CEO Griffin began her new position today, April 7.
“I have full confidence in Shannetta to lead MAA and help grow BWI Marshall Airport, one of Maryland’s most significant economic engines,” said Secretary Wiedefeld. “Her proven leadership and commitment to promoting safety, fostering economic growth and providing premiere customer service ensures BWI Marshall remains one of the top airports in the region.”
Prior to joining the Maryland Aviation Administration, Executive Director and CEO Griffin served as Associate Administrator of Airports for the Federal Aviation Administration from 2021 to 2025. In that capacity, she led a team of more than 700 employees nationwide and administered national airport safety and standards, planning, engineering, federal compliance and financial assistance programs to provide complex solutions for more than 3,300 public-use airports across the country.
“I am pleased to join the Maryland Aviation Administration team as the Executive Director and CEO for BWI Marshall Airport and Martin State Airport,” said Executive Director and CEO Griffin. “I am thankful to Governor Moore and Secretary Wiedefeld for the confidence they have entrusted in me to serve the citizens of Maryland and continue the success of the busiest airport in the Washington/Baltimore region. I will build upon relationships with our community and airline partners, and the very capable and dedicated staff to advance the airports as economic gateways to our region and the world.”
Before joining the FAA, Executive Director Griffin served in executive leadership roles for the Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) and the Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA). At IAA she was responsible for the management, engineering, planning, construction, environmental and supplier diversity program for multimillion capital and operating budgets for the Indianapolis International Airport and five reliever airports.
As the Chief Commercial Officer at CRAA, Executive Director and CEO Griffin maximized revenue in real estate and land development, air service and cargo development, concession management and parking/ground transportation, increasing concession revenue growth and achieving record breaking passenger growth. Subsequently as the Chief Development Officer, Executive Director and CEO Griffin led the planning and execution of the Authority’s largest capital development program, a $2 billion project consisting of a new passenger terminal, consolidated rental car facility and hotel.
Executive Director and CEO Griffin received her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Toledo and has earned numerous accolades and awards for her leadership in the engineering and aviation industries and her commitment to the community. She is the proud mother of two children and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
BWI Marshall Airport generates a total economic impact of $11.3 billion. The airport and visitors produce and support more than 107,000 jobs throughout Maryland and the region. The airport offers nearly 300 daily nonstop departures to about 90 domestic and international destinations.
Martin State Airport is a public use airport located about 10 miles northeast of downtown Baltimore. It primarily serves general aviation, including corporate, private, law enforcement and military aircraft, along with flight schools and other aviation-related services. Martin State creates and supports about 2,300 jobs throughout the region. It is a federally designated reliever airport, helping to divert noncommercial air traffic from BWI Marshall Airport.
