Mrs. Candace McGraw
Candace McGraw is an aviation professional with more than 30 yearsof operational and legalexpertise who has led the transformation ofthe Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) into athriving enterprise, which has been recognized by Skytrax as the “Best Regional Airport in North America” for eight years since 2011.
Candace is proud to lead a team that has positioned the airport forcontinued future success by navigating a once-in-a-generation pandemic; completing a 2050 Master Plan Study; consolidating operations into a renovated and expanded terminal; diversifying revenues through targeted cargo, land, and concessions improvements; finalizing modernized Use Agreements with air carriers; introducing low-cost air carriers to the airport; expanding the airport’s international passenger air service; and growing startup businesses to support the airport ecosystem and Cincinnati region.
CVG has been positioned to become the epicenter of e-commerce for the United States. Currently the 7th largest cargo operation in North America, CVG is home to the Amazon Air mega cargo hub, its largest operation in the world, as well as DHL’s Global Super Hub for the Americas, its second largest operation in the world.
Candace is a globally recognized leader in the airport industry. She is the incoming Chair of the World Board of Airports Council International, which represents 90% of all commercial airports throughout the world. Candace was appointed to serve on two U.S. Department of Transportation boards: the Women in Aviation Advisory Board and the NextGen Advisory Committee, charged with providing counsel and recommendations to the Federal Aviation Administration as to operational capabilities and technology that affect the future of the national air traffic system.
In addition to serving on numerous local and state boards, Candace serves as Chair of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. She is on the board of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System and is a member of the Kentucky Economic Development Partnership Board, which oversees the strategic plan and goals for the Commonwealth’s Cabinet for Economic Development. She also serves on the Advisory Board for Fifth Third Bank.
Candace is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Duquesne University.
