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Featured Member

Are you interested in being the featured member? Click here to complete the questionnaire. 

David Sperling

Senior Aviation Planner
C&S Companies, Inc.




When did you join SWAAAE and what motivated you to do so?

I joined SWAAAE in 2000 to connect with the airport and consultant community when I moved back to the Phoenix area.

What is your professional background?


I have been an airport consultant for 23 years; 18 years with a large multi-national firm, and the past 5 years at C&S. I have also taught the airport management and planning curriculum at Arizona State University for the past 7 years, and served on the Chandler Airport Commission for 7 years and am serving my third term as Chair.

Who was the greatest influence in your aviation career?


I had a professor in college for several courses whose passion for aviation affirmed that this was the field for me. Also, my first boss allowed me to grow by giving me responsibilities and project management assignments beyond what I expected.

Do you have any favorite past times or hobbies, and/or would you like to share about your family or pets?

Outside of work, I spend my time with family. My wife, Lee Ann, and I celebrated our 20 year anniversary earlier this year. We have two daughters, Amelia (16) and Sophie (13) who are active student-athletes, and we spend a lot of time at the soccer field and volleyball court. Our golden-mix, Ruby, and Stella the cat seem to get a lot of our attention, also.

What is your favorite seat in an airplane?


I recently switched from window to aisle.

Past Featured Members

Jennifer Maples, A.A.E., C.A.E., A.C.E.



Aviation Superintendent 
City of Phoenix Aviation Department


Read more about Jennifer

When did you join SWAAAE and what motivated you to do so?

I joined SWAAAE in 1997 when PHX was hosting the Summer Conference, and my boss, Debbie Klein, was the conference chair… and I’ve been grateful for it ever since!

What is your professional background?

I’ve been with PHX my entire airport career - 23 years and counting! I am currently the Facilities & Services Planning Superintendent overseeing several airport maintenance, operational readiness, capital planning, and asset management functions.

Prior to PHX, I worked for Evergreen Airlines, Cutter Aviation, American Express, and my favorite – as a station manager for Papillon Helicopters in Hawaii!

I have a B.S. in Aviation Business Administration with a Certificate of Emphasis in Aviation Safety from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and became an Accredited Airport Executive in 2007.

Who was the greatest influence in your aviation career?

Two important people instilled a love for aviation in me at a young age. My father worked in the industry my entire life, first as an A&P at North American Rockwell at LAX, and then he moved on to management at Hughes Airwest, then Republic, then Northwest Airlines. Later, a dear friend of mine from high school, David Santo, had his pilot’s license before he could drive! He flew gliders at Turf Soaring School, and I was a benefactor, getting to fly with him. He was the one who convinced me to go to Embry Riddle, and the rest is history!

Do you have any favorite past times or hobbies, and/or would you like to share about your family or pets?

I love to travel and explore new places! I also really enjoy hiking, photography, and believe it or not, I am a quilter. I’ve made several dozen quilts and never kept one – they were all gifted to others.

What is your favorite seat in an airplane?

First Class! But more often than not, I have to settle for a window seat.


William J Critchfield, A.A.E., C.A.E.



Retired

TOA, Los Angeles County Airports (5 Airports), KKIA Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, San Bernardino County (7 Airports), FAA Airports Safety
Read more about William

When did you join SWAAAE and what motivated you to do so?

I recall it was 1959, the original California Association of Airports - professional relations and information exchange.

What is your professional background?

Airport Operations and Safety (USMC Combat Engineer), Business Administration (BA)

Who was the greatest influence in your aviation career?

My first boss, Jack Egan, A.A.E.

Do you have any favorite past times or hobbies, and/or would you like to share about your family or pets?

Golf, sports, shooting

What is your favorite seat in an airplane?

Jump seat (can't do that anymore), a seat near the rear (aft of the wing).


Patrick Murphy



Environmental Graphic Designer/Owner
115 DEGREES WEST
Read more about Patrick

When did you join SWAAAE and what motivated you to do so?

Member since 2013. I joined SWAAAE as as result of attending AZaa conferences and AAAE conferences. I found out many of the same great people I had met were also SWAAAE members and I wanted more opportunities to interact with those people.

What is your professional background?

I have an Industrial Design Degree and Economics Minor from the University of Cincinnati. I began designing signage and wayfinding for Marriott Corporation in 1988 and continued on that track until designing for ATL and their complete signage redo prior to the 1996 Olympic Games. Although I did work on projects for the Olympic Games after ATL, it was the ATL project which created the foundation for a career in Aviation Signage and Wayfinding.

Who was the greatest influence in your aviation career?

Jennifer Maples of PHX has been the greatest influence in my aviation career; first by emphasizing the need for signage design to prioritize the long term maintenance parameters of signs and building in the flexibility needed in the airport environment. Secondly, Mrs. Maples encouraged me to become more involved in organizations such as SWAAAE.

Do you have any favorite past times or hobbies, and/or would you like to share about your family or pets?

Well of course Design, all types of Design, interests me on a daily basis whether as a professional, consumer or admirer. Playing Golf and supporting the Vegas Golden Knights as well as the Dallas Cowboys provides competitive and emotional outlets. Finally, I would be happy to share my dogs with you.; just let me know where you want me to send them.

What is your favorite seat in an airplane?

Window seat either at the front of the plane or in about row 8; the first row for the second flight attendant to collect my drink ticket.


Sean Moran, C.M., ACE



Assistant Airport Manager
City of Livermore - Livermore Municipal Airport

Read more about Sean

When did you join SWAAAE and what motivated you to do so?

I joined in 2010 as an Academic Member, attending California State University - Los Angeles.

What is your professional background?

When I was attending college, I started out as a Passenger Services Agent for Hallmark Aviation Services at LAX, working for both Emirates & Spirit Airlines. I participated in two internships with the City of Los Angeles in the Van Nuys Airport Noise O􀂨ce, and in the Airport Operations Department for the John Wayne Airport. My 􀂦rst full-time job was working as an Airport Operations O􀂨cer for the Ventura County Department of Airports, where I was fortunate enough to "wear many different hats" and I credit my time there to the experiences & lessons learned. I moved back home to the SF Bay Area, and spent a few years working for the City of Hayward as an Airport Operations & Noise Specialist. Before working for the City of Livermore, I spent 2 years at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport as an Airport Duty Manager.

Who was the greatest influence in your aviation career?

My biggest in􀂧uence has de􀂦nitely been Mr. Curt Castagna, President/CEO of The Aeroplex-Aerolease Group. Mr. Castagna has provided invaluable advice & mentorship through just about every step of my journey so far. Before I made any job change, I have sought out his advice and guidance. I am humbly grateful for all of the support he has given to me, and many of his other students.

Do you have any favorite past times or hobbies, and/or would you like to share about your family or pets?

I am a very active person. Over the past few years I have become "addicted" to Obstacle Course Racing (Spartan, Tough Mudder, Etc....) and I consider this sport to be a metaphor to life. During everyone's journey, we meet obstacles along the way. When we meet these obstacles, we can either give up, exit the course, and go home, or conquer that obstacle, and push forward towards the finish line.

What is your favorite seat in an airplane?

If anyone wants to get me a Christmas Gift, I'm a size "Business Class" in airplane tickets.


Wayne Armoogam



President
Luminous Egress

Read more about Wayne

When did you join SWAAAE and what motivated you to do so?

Mid 2019 - was told by another member that it would be the best organization to expose our luminous technology.

What is your professional background?

BSE Arizona State University, Executive Education Program at W P Carey School of Business at ASU.

Do you have any favorite past times or hobbies, and/or would you like to share about your family or pets?

Golf. Travel. I have a wife and two teenage daughters.

What is your favorite seat in an airplane?

Window


Danette Bewley, A.A.E.



Vice President of Operations/COO
Tucson Airport Authority 


Read more about Danette

When did you join SWAAAE and what motivated you to do so?

I joined both AAAE and SWAAAE in the early 1990’s to learn from my peers and network within the industry. With the exception of a few years I spent in Jacksonville, FL, I have been a member of SWAAAE for the better part of 30 years.

What is your professional background?

My airport management career began in 1989 and has spanned 30 years.

  • 1989 – 2003:
    • I worked at San Diego International Airport in a variety of progressively responsible positions that provided me the opportunity to grow (operated by the Port of San Diego through 2002, then airport ownership transferred to the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority).
  • 2003 – 2006:
    • I worked for the Jacksonville Aviation Authority as the Director of Jacksonville International Airport.
  • 2006 – 2011:
    • I worked for the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, operator of Reno-Tahoe International Airport and Reno Stead Airport, where I managed large capital programs and economic development, respectively.
  • 2012 – Present:
    • I joined the Tucson Airport Authority, operator of Tucson International Airport and Ryan Airfield. I serve as the Vice President of Operations/COO, and oversee Airside Operations, Communications, Safety Programs, Police, Fire, Airport Security, Maintenance and Custodial Services, Grant Programs and Regulatory Compliance.
Certifications and Education:
  • Accredited Airport Executive, 1994
  • Certified Airport Executive, 1995
  • Private Pilot, 1987
  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Aviation Management, 1986
  • Master of Arts in Management, 1988
  • Master of Public Administration degree, 2006

Who was the greatest influence in your aviation career?

My Dad, Jack Bewley. I am from San Diego, CA, where my passion for aviation began. My Dad was a decorated Navy fighter pilot, stationed at NAS Miramar, and later became a commercial airline pilot. This upbringing fueled my interest to pursue an aviation-related career path.

Do you have any favorite past times or hobbies, and/or would you like to share about your family or pets?

I love dogs! I am the proud “Dog Mom” of Hana, a German Short-haired Pointer, and retired Police K-9 (bomb dog). She medically retired 2 years ago, with a little bit of arthritis, and is now 8 years old. When I’m not working, I just want to be with Hana! She is an absolute joy!

What is your favorite seat in an airplane?

Over the wing. Stable!

Photo: Carson City Airport
Carson City, NV

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