Ep.21 – AMAC 360: Texas Big—McLaughlin Leads DFW Through Significant Terminal Upgrades
In April 2025, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) announced that Chris McLaughlin would be its next CEO. Thankfully, McLaughlin—barely a year into his tenure—is no stranger to DFW or the aviation industry. His experience in the private and public sectors is now applied to running one of the busiest airports in the world, and a major economic engine and contributor to North Texas. It also means using that experience to lead several Texas-sized projects. DFW is undergoing renovations, expansions and terminal construction, all while serving its travelers.
Join us to discuss the impact of DFW terminal upgrades, its position in the aviation industry and the road to hosting the FIFA World Cup!
About the Guest Speaker
Chris McLaughlin serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). He oversees the management, operations, planning, and development of the third-busiest commercial airport in the world.
Located between the owner cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW offers nonstop service to over 250 destinations across five continents and is consistently recognized for exceptional customer service. The airport drives an annual economic impact of $78 billion in gross product, supports more than 680,000 direct and indirect jobs with a payroll of $48 billion, generates $18 billion in visitor spending, and contributes $8 billion in state and local tax revenue each year.
Mr. McLaughlin has decades of leadership experience in both the public and private sectors. He most recently served as DFW’s Executive Vice President of Operations since 2021, managing the airport’s largest division. Before joining DFW, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Denver International Airport. Prior to his career in airport management, Mr. McLaughlin directed the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Office of Security Operations, where he played a key role in establishing the TSA PreCheck program. He began his aviation career with Air Wisconsin Airlines and Frontier Airlines.
Mr. McLaughlin graduated with honors from Connecticut College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and Spanish. He currently serves on the boards of the Dallas Citizens Council, Dallas Regional Chamber, Fort Worth Chamber, United Way of Tarrant County and Marlee’s Smile.
