2023-2024 Board of Directors

Gladys Diva Brown, C.M., C.A.E. is the Airport Director at Yuma International Airport. Yuma International Airport is co-located with the MCAS Yuma and is a Shared Use airport with a Joint Use Operating Agreement. Ms. Brown’s primary function is to operate the airport in compliance with applicable FAA regulations and state law, as well as, to maintain the positive relationship with Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, and to promote Commercial Air Service and General Aviation in a safe and secure manner. Yuma International Airport was the 2015 Arizona Airport of Year recipient, which is awarded and recognized by the Arizona Department of Transportation Aeronautics Group. Gladys was the Southwest American Association of Airport Executives (SWAAAE) 2017 Executive of the Year, the Arizona Airports Association (AzAA) 2017 Airport Executive of the Year, recognized as one of aviation’s best and featured as one of the brightest in the 2017 Airport Business 40 Under 40, the 2017 Yuma Chamber of Commerce Athena International Award recipient, received the California Maritime Academy 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award and featured in Cal State University “Made in the CSU” as one of the notable CSU Alumnus in the Aerospace and Aviation Sector. Prior to becoming the Airport Director, Ms. Brown was the Deputy Airport Director and originally joined Yuma International Airport in March 2009 as the Director of Operations. In addition to the duties of the positions she has held, Ms. Brown was the airport project manager overseeing all engineering, cost estimating and construction at the airport. Ms. Brown worked previously in various capacities as a Civil Engineer, Mechanical & Electrical Integrity Consultant and a High School Math Teacher. She earned her Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the California Maritime Academy accompanied with a USCG Third Assistant Engineer License. Ms. Brown obtained her AAAE Certified Member (C.M.) designation, is an active member of the Southwest AAAE chapter and is recognized as a Certified Airport Executive (C.A.E.). Ms. Brown is a Past President of the Arizona Airports Association and continues to support the one voice approach for key issues in aerospace and aeronautics for the State of Arizona, and previously served on the Board of Directors for the Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (SWAAAE). On a national level, Ms. Brown is the vice-chair on the Industrial Aviation and Military Relations committee of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). Ms. Brown volunteers in the STEM/AVID curriculum, recently elected to the Cal State Maritime Academy Foundation (CMAF) Board of Directors and is the CMAF External Relations Committee Chairman, serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation, Vice-Chair for Visit Yuma, Yuma 50 Board Member, United Way of Yuma County, participates in the Expect More Arizona and on the Yuma County Education Advisory Council, President of the National Society of Professional Engineers Yuma Chapter leading the annual competitive mathlete competition MathCounts, participates assisting in various youth sport teams, and officiates basketball. Ms. Brown has a strong commitment to her community, believes in mentoring to help build leadership for tomorrow and leads to inspire through passionate forward movement.

Corinne has been employed in the airport management profession for over 35 years. She is the Airport Director at Falcon Field Airport in Mesa, Arizona, which is home to over 800 based aircraft and over 120 businesses. Corinne previously served as the Airport Manager in Grand Junction, Colorado. She has served as the president of both the Arizona Airports Association and the Colorado Airport Operators Association, as well as serving on various community-related boards. In 2002, she was appointed by the Governor of Colorado to serve as the Airports Representative on the Colorado Aeronautical Board and served in this capacity until accepting her current position in Arizona. Corinne is an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) and earned a bachelor of science degree in business management from the University of Colorado with emphases in human resources and transportation management. Corinne’s favorite activities include snow skiing and high altitude mountain hiking.

Michael Hill has been a member of Southwest Chapter of American Association of Airport Executives (SWAAAE) for approximately 17 years and a member of Arizona Airports Association (AzAA) for approximately 18 years. He served two terms as the Corporate Director on the AzAA board and is now serving as the Corporate Director on the SWAAAE Board.

Michael has been in the commercial construction industry for over 35 years and built a career with Sundt Construction for over 20 years “KAPBCS”. Sundt Construction is recognized as the Top Ranked Contractor by ENR across the Southwest. Sundt’s Mission is to be the most skilled builder in America. Most of that time supporting the aviation industry. With his time at Sundt he has had the opportunity to work on numerous aviation projects ranging in size from a few million dollars to San Diego Airport Landside project. Sundt Construction itself has an extensive aviation history including the launch pad for the Apollo missions.

He earned his degree in Construction Management from Colorado State University and worked his way thru high school and college as a certified welder, heavy equipment operator and carpenter. He has been exposed to all facets of the industry and understands how it relates to the aviation industry.

During Michael’s tenure as Director, he has served on the Conference Committee, the Conference Program Committee, Chair of the Sponsorship and Exhibitor Committee, Vice-Chair of the Education and Engagement Committee, the Nomination Committee and supports the Legislative Committee.

He lives in Phoenix Arizona enjoys spending time with his family, boating, camping, and supporting his grandsons football aspirations.

Judy M. Ross, A.A.E., C.A.E., is the Assistant Director of Aviation for Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) since April 2018. She served as Interim Assistant Director of Aviation since 2017 and Deputy Director of Aviation – Planning and Development at Silicon Valley’s airport since 2015. This experience has included managing the administrative functions of the Airport Director’s Office as well as the five Airport divisions: operations, facilities and engineering, finance, planning and development, and business development.

Judy’s vast knowledge of the aviation industry and steady management approach was developed through her three years at SJC as well as at other U.S. airports. She served as Deputy Aviation Director at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport for seven years; Director of Airport Planning and Development at Little Rock National Airport for two years; and while at San Diego International Airport for 10 years, she was Manager of Program Controls, as well as holding other positions.

Judy earned a Master’s degree in Aviation Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of North Dakota. She is also an Accredited Airport Executive through the American Association of Airport Executives. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors of the Southwest Chapter of AAAE, where she is also a Certified Airport Executive.