2025 Airport Business Top 40 Under 40: Ryan Tenny, C.M.

• Hometown: Lynchburg, VA
• Alma Mater: Florida Institute of Technology
• What’s one airport that inspires you? IND

Ryan Tenny has built his career on a simple principle: airports are more than gateways for aircraft—they are the heart of human connection. With nearly two decades of experience across airlines and airports, Tenny has become a trusted leader in terminal operations, customer service, and security, bringing both technical expertise and a deep commitment to the passenger experience.

Tenny’s aviation journey began in high school, when a scholarship from the Virginia Department of Aviation enabled him to earn his private pilot’s license at Lynchburg Regional Airport. That experience sparked a passion that carried him through degrees in aviation management and management from Florida Institute of Technology, early airline and airport operations roles, and eventually into leadership at the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA).

Today, as Senior Manager of Customer Experience and Terminal Operations at Bradley International Airport, Tenny leads a portfolio that spans day-to-day terminal management, stakeholder partnerships, and customer engagement. He has introduced CLEAR, GoodMaps, mobile food ordering, and a concierge program unique among U.S. airports, while expanding music and art offerings that turn the terminal into a welcoming space. He also oversees ADA compliance, Title VI responsibilities, and ACDBE initiatives, ensuring that every passenger’s journey is accessible and inclusive.

“The diversity of my role is what keeps me coming back,” Tenny said. “Every day is different, from coordinating with airlines and concessionaires to hearing stories from passengers. Taking the time to listen to travelers about their journey is always a highlight.”

With a focus on both innovation and empathy, Tenny continues to shape Bradley’s growth while building experiences that remind passengers that airports are places of connection, possibility, and, often, joy.