Marquez Griffin, A.A.E., ACE
Age: 38
Assistant Director of Airport Operations – Airfield
Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
- Alma Mater: Harrison College; Florida Institute of Technology; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Fun fact about yourself: I was born and raised on the island of Barbados
- Favorite book: None
- Favorite TV show: None
- Favorite movie: None
- Favorite hobby(s): motorsports, sports (notably basketball and soccer)
Marquez Griffin’s love affair with aviation began when he was only 9 years old.
“I had the opportunity to ride on a CariCargo Boeing 707 freighter from Barbados to Miami via Grenada, Trinidad and Guyana. It was back in the time where passengers could still ride up front and being a cargo airline and there were just five passengers. We got to interact up close with the pilot, co-pilot and engineer,” he recalled. “I had a bird’s-eye view of piloting an aircraft and from there, I was sold on aviation. All my schooling then leaned toward aviation, with lots of math, physics and geography, and all of my degrees are aviation-related.”
Griffin has a big job -- overseeing the department responsible for the certification of the Orlando International Airport (MCO). In his job, he manages personnel requirements, work assignments, evaluations, budget development and execution and departmental coordination. “I think what I enjoy most is the vast array of ‘’business’ out there, which makes each day unique,” he said. “From new FAA regulations to unique weather experiences to tenant affairs to internal operations matters, all makes for a fun and interesting day.”
Historically, airports, especially airports in the Western Hemisphere, have always trailed in technology and aesthetic upgrades, mostly due to funding, said Griffin. “Now, the airport concept has evolved from being a simple means of providing air transport to a multi-modal hub of activity. From the traditional dining and shopping, the airport experience is being refined to a more interactive experience,” he said. “Seeing airports evolve and remain competitive with the examples of airports we see in, for example, the Middle East, would be something I would like.”
Outside of his myriad airport duties, Griffin serves as an adjunct professor of aviation at Everglades University. He is an Accredited Airport Executive, which is a distinction only 10 percent of those in airport management can claim and is an Airport Certified Employee in Operations.
Aviation has always been Griffin’s passion. “When you work where your passion lies, it stops being work and starts being fun. Aviation has always been a fun time for me.”
Griffin’s nominator noted that he is respected by his colleagues, tenants and stakeholders. “He represents all the qualities it takes to effectively carry the next generation of aviation leaders. I have no doubt that we will be hearing of Marquez Griffin for quite some time in the future.”
