John Wayne Airport Director Charlene Reynolds will deliver the keynote address during the 2025 Greater Irvine Chamber Women of Influence event held on Thursday, March 13, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., at the Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel, 4500 MacArthur Blvd., in Newport Beach.
Reynolds will share her perspective on “Leading Through a Different Lens,” the theme of the 2025 event.
Reynolds manages all activities related to John Wayne Airport’s operation and is directly responsible for its six divisions, including business development, finance, maintenance, operations, and public affairs.
She formerly served as chief commercial officer for the Houston Airport System. Reynolds led the negotiation team for Southwest Airlines seven-gate expansion at William P. Hobby Airport, worked with Spirit Airlines to bring their newest maintenance hub to George Bush Intercontinental Airport, and brought new concepts to the Houston Airport System concessions program.
Previously, Reynolds served as the assistant aviation director for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. There, she created award-winning programs that provided more opportunities for small and local businesses at the airport. During the pandemic, Reynolds led Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport as the interim aviation services director.
Reynolds is an active member of Airport Council International, Airport Minority Advisory Council, and the American Association of Airport Executives, and served as president-elect for the local chapter of National Forum for Black Public Administrators. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University.
A dynamic speaker and respected business leader in the community and her industry, Danni Remington Smithson, executive vice president and regional manager of California Bank of Commerce Irvine Regional Office, will serve as master of ceremonies and moderator of a panel of women who discuss finding success in leadership roles.
In addition to inspirational presentations by accomplished women who lead in their industry, ample opportunity to network with professional women (and men) from diverse industries, and a plated lunch, the program will include a presentation of awards recognizing the Women of Influence Innovator of the Year, Executive of the Year, Advocate of the Year, Game Changer of the Year, and International Women’s Day Lifetime Achievement.
City of Hope Orange County, the diamond-level Leaders Circle partner of the Greater Irvine Chamber, is the presenting sponsor for the 2025 Women of Influence event.
For more information and sponsorship opportunities, contact Courtney Nakagawa.
