ONT Executive

Karen Kavanagh, Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy & Performance. Karen Kavanagh served Ontario International Airport in a variety of roles before becoming Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy & Performance in February 2025. Reporting directly to the CEO, Karen plays a pivotal role in positioning ONT for future growth and influencing the airport's operational success, financial performance and overall reputation in the industry. She’s responsible for overseeing the airport’s strategic direction, ensuring the CEO’s goals are met and working across the organization to lead execution of key initiatives while providing guidance to the entire Executive Team.

During an aviation career that has spanned several decades, Karen has been involved in all elements and phases of airport planning and development. She has pivoted between consulting roles and being on airport staff, including serving as Vice President of Planning at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. As a key member of the Love Field Modernization Program Management Team, she was instrumental in the redevelopment of Dallas Love Field Airport, from the initial planning through design, construction and implementation. She's provided strategic consulting services to airports across the country through her own advisory firm, KavPlan, which Karen founded in 2010. She’s led multiple project teams focused on airport master planning, future airport development, land use and environmental studies for airports ranging in size from general aviation to large air carrier hubs. Her ability to combine strategic planning with tactical execution has been instrumental in developing and implementing innovative solutions to airport project challenges, including here at ONT since she started serving as a consultant and strategic advisor in 2019.

Karen earned her MBA from the University of Dallas and her bachelor’s degree in industrial management with a minor in air transportation engineering from Purdue University. While she was studying for those degrees, Karen also earned her private, commercial and instrument pilot licenses.

With deep roots in Texas, where they raised their son and daughter, Karen and her husband are now happily soaking up all that Southern California has to offer.