SWAAAE 2022 Hybrid winter Conference  

Bayram Annakov, Chief Executive Officer & Founder: Bayram Annakov created App in the Air with one mission – to seamlessly transform travel for frequent fliers everywhere. After watching Up in the Air, the famed 2009 George Clooney film, inspiration struck and Bayram set out to address the issues of a very specific group, the million-miler traveler – hence, App in the Air’s concept (and name) were born. Since establishing the app in 2012, Bayram and the app’s talented, global team have grown App in the Air’s userbase to over five million travelers, creating a devoted community of frequent fliers around the world. As he looks to the future of air travel, he is driven to create an AI-led travel revolution by leveraging data, to advocate for the underserved flier and make the process efficient and enjoyable.

Prior to launching his app, Bayram was a software developer for one of the world's largest software outsourcing companies and became a senior manager responsible for managing large scale software projects, with teams of 60 developers and consultants and budgets greater than $10M. He holds a MS degree from Moscow State Tech University, and an MA degree in management from Moscow State University. Not limited to one destination, Bayram’s favorite place to visit is any city that hosts an App in the Air user meetup, where he interacts with the app’s global community and listens to the insightful feedback from top users. It’s this distinct human element to App in the Air, a rare personalization of travel tech, that continues to motivate Bayram and brings him all around the world, from Moscow to New York City, to hear how App in the Air has advanced the travel process.

Lori has been a partner with the firm of Gatzke Dillon & Ballance since 1995, devotes her practice to public sector airport clients on airport land use commission policies and regulations, airport land use compatibility planning and litigation, CEQA, NEPA, air quality, lease and contract issues, and state and federal airport-related regulations. This practice area includes assisting clients in connection with the preparation of airport land use compatibility plans, environmental impact reports and environmental impact statements for complex or controversial projects arising under the California State Aeronautics Act, CEQA and NEPA, and representing clients in connection with the litigation that often arises from the project approval process. Ms. Ballance is general counsel for the Ontario International Airport Authority and is outside counsel for John Wayne Airport, Orange County, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, San Jose International Airport, Monterey Regional Airport, and a number of other regional airports in California and Hawaii.

Alice is a Special Projects Administrator in the Facilities and Services Division for the City of Phoenix Aviation Department at Sky Harbor International Airport. She has been with the Aviation Department for more than 20 years, working in several different areas including Public Relations, Capital Management, Design and Construction, the Business Office, the Director’s Office and Human Resources. Before joining the city, Alice worked for 13 years in private and non-profit organizations.

Alice has a Master of Arts degree from Ottawa University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marquette University. She has completed the Certificate of Airport Management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. She is an Airport Certified Employee in Airfield Operations and an Accredited Airport Executive through the American Association of Airport Executives.

Curt Castagna has a diverse background in general aviation and more than 40 years of expertise in all aspects of airport development, aviation consulting, and management services.

He is the President and CEO of the Aerolease and Aeroplex business entities, which includes general aviation and business aircraft centers, located at the Long Beach, Van Nuys Airports and have a project underway at Dallas Love Airport. Curt’s firm also oversees the majority of the management of the City of Santa Monica’s aviation real estate and leasing. Castagna is the immediate past Board Chair of the board of directors for the National Air Transportation Association, serves as a member of the Los Angeles County Aviation Commission and he is a certified member of the American Association of Airport Executives. He is a certified private and instrument-rated pilot.

Devoted to mentoring future aviation professionals, he has over 27 years of experience as an adjunct professor, teaching various classes in the Aviation Administration Bachelor of Science program at California State University, Los Angeles and the Associate Degree program at Cypress Community College.

T. J. joined Sacramento County Department of Airports in 2015 as the Department’s Chief Administrative Officer/Deputy Director for Planning and Development. T.J. embarked on his airports career more than 20 years ago as an airport engineering intern with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In the 20 plus year span, T.J. held various project engineering, program management and leadership positions in both public and private sectors and in the US and abroad and had the opportunity to establish a joint-venture company in China.

T.J. received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Civil Engineering from San Jose State University and is a licensed civil engineer in the State of California. T.J. also served in the US Marine Corps Reserves and is a graduate of FAA’s Program for Emerging Leaders.

Anita Cobb is a social sustainability analyst and advisor in her role as a Program Manager for Mead & Hunt’s Employee Resource Group (ERG), a unit that oversees the diversity and inclusion efforts of the organization. Anita focuses both internally and externally on issues faced by specific demographic populations, develops strategies for discovering and executing diversity programs, and facilitates collaboration between leadership, departmental employees, and client contacts. She also provides strategies for optimizing diverse and inclusive practices in the company’s handling of projects with focuses on public engagement, DBE/ACDBE participation, and impacts to disadvantaged communities. She has a passion for and specializes in matters related to community collaboration, youth education, family empowerment, and mentorship.

Anita is also an aviation environmental planner with experience as a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) practitioner. Anita holds a Master of Business Administration degree, a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and an Associate of Science in Chemistry which brings a multifaceted approach to environmental and planning projects. Professional and educational experience has provided Anita with an understanding of the processing requirements under NEPA, agency coordination, and public involvement, leading to consistent production of efficient and effective planning documents. Anita loves traveling, rollercoasters, and all things food. She lives with her three kids and partner near Lansing, Michigan.

Alberto Cruz serves as FAA’s Airport Design and Construction Branch Manager (AAS-110). He started this role on April 25, 2021.

Alberto has had an extensive career spanning over twenty-five years in aviation, which he began as a project manager at San Francisco International Airport in 1996. In 2006, he worked as an airport engineering consultant, helping airports with planning, design and construction projects. He has worked in different business capacities with extensive knowledge in Consultant Business Development; Office, Staff, and Airport Client Management; as well as stakeholder engagement.

He joined the FAA’s Western Pacific Region (AWP) in May of 2016 serving as the Regional Lead Engineer. In this capacity, he served as the subject matter expert for airport design, pavement, and construction standards. In October of 2019, he joined the San Francisco Airports District Office (ADO) and served as the Assistant ADO Manager.

Alberto is a California Registered Professional Civil Engineer and Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives. He was a director at-large for the Los Angeles American Society of Civil Engineer’s (ASCE’s) Air Transportation Technical Group.

Alberto has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Santa Clara University where he also played collegiate NCAA Division I soccer. He has close to twenty years of coaching youth soccer; he also supports (and watches) MLS and European soccer matches. Being born and raised in the San Francisco Bay area as an avid sports fan, he supports the San Francisco Giants, 49ers, and the Golden State Warriors.

Mr. D’Acosta has worked in leadership positions in the oil & gas industry for over 35 years. He began his career as a consultant serving major international clients including Shell, Amoco, Diamond Shamrock, Pemex and YPF working in US, Europe and Latin America. In 1996, he joined Koch Industries in Wichita Kansas serving in various senior positions responsible for Operations Reengineering, Regulatory Compliance Auditing, and Mergers, Acquisitions & Divestitures. Following its acquisition from Dupont, he led the Global Logistics, Procurement & Supply Chain operation for INVISTA, Koch’s wholly-owned international petrochemical business.

In 2012, D’Acosta was appointed CEO of Swift Fuels - a privately held research and development company located in the Purdue Research Park. Under his leadership, Swift has become a global leader in the development of next generation fuels and process technologies. The company has developed proprietary processes for producing premium gasoline blendstocks and diesel fuels from light gases. The company is also a leader in testing and commercialization of new high-octane piston-engine gasolines marketed on a global scale. In addition to his work at Swift, D’Acosta serves as an industry advisor for a chemicals research consortium called CISTAR, and he serves on the Industrial Advisory Board for the Purdue University Chemical Engineering Department. He is co-inventor on 7 US patents. He is also the chairman of global missions at his local church.

D’Acosta was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. He graduated with a BS Industrial Engineering from Texas Tech University in 1980. He has a wife Elisa and two sons Christopher (20) & Daniel (18).

Angi Daus has served as the Marketing Coordinator for the Santa Barbara Airport for the past 2 years. Although this is her first “airport gig,” is very familiar with the on-goings and management of government organizations. Angi has her MPA from Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, Minnesota and her BA from the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh. Prior to joining SBA, Angi founded LL Bird Consulting, an organizational development consulting practice. She also services on the Board of Directors for A Different Point of View, The Arts Fund of Santa Barbara and Channel Islands Restoration, all nonprofit organizations Angi has great passion for. Angi grew up in Wisconsin but has been grateful to call beautiful California her home since 2014. It serves her needs to be outside running, hiking, backpacking, walking her dog and read in the sunshine.

A lifelong aviation aficionado, Dan has gained experience in professional motorsports, entertainment production, as well as being an instrument rated private pilot and aircraft owner. His primary flight instruction was achieved using unleaded fuel and he continues to study and learn about the unleaded fuel transition. Dan has flown out of San Carlos airport since 1995 and has operated Rabbit Aviation since 2003. Rabbit was the first FBO in the State of California to offer an unleaded fuel option at San Carlos in 2012 and has been a Swift Fuel’s distributor since 2015.

Chris formed CommuniQuest in May 1982. CommuniQuest specializes in dispute resolution, community outreach, facilitation and mediation services. CommuniQuest has provided public outreach services to more than 40 airports as well as Fortune 500 companies including Toyota USA, Sikorsky Aircraft, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Castle & Cooke. She is a mediator for Ventura County Superior Court and Ventura County Dispute Settlement. She has mediated hundreds of cases including Quiet Title disputes, environmental cases, tenant disputes, contract disputes, and personal injury cases.

Chris was a key consultant to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as part of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, developing and coordinating the public outreach program. In addition, CommuniQuest has been a contractor to the Federal Aviation Administration to teach community involvement and conflict management to agency management and staff.

Chris is a graduate of Ohio State University and received her Master’s in Dispute Resolution from Pepperdine University’s School of Law. Her military active duty included being the Officer in Charge of the airfreight and military air passenger operations into and out of Korea for the Army and Navy. She is also a graduate of the US Army’s Command and General Staff College. Ms. Eberhard holds a private certificate in rotorcraft.

Bryan O. Elliott, AAE, has over 30 years of public-sector senior leadership experience, in addition to over 10 years of airport consulting experience in the private sector. His background includes strategic planning, negotiating airline use agreements and rental car concession contracts, performing rates and charges modeling, preparing bond feasibility studies, and developing/administering passenger facility charge programs. Mr. Elliott has extensive experience with airport master planning, benchmarking analyses, general aviation business planning, lease negotiations, strategic business plan development, and financial analyses in support of airport capital improvement plans. Prior to joining Ricondo, Mr. Elliot spent 23 years in airport management and seven years of senior-level management with a county government in Virginia.

Dave Full is a Vice President at RS&H and serves as the Environmental Planning Service Group Leader for aviation-related environmental projects. He is responsible for the completion of environmental review and analyses and has prepared numerous CATEXes, EAs, EISs, and Part 150 Studies for airports throughout the United States. Dave has worked in every region of the FAA and has provided NEPA documentation for airports of all sizes in 37 states – from large hub airports to small general aviation facilities.

Faviola (Favi) Garcia is the Supervisory Senior Advisor to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Regional Administrator, Western-Pacific Region (AWP) in the Office of National Engagement and Regional Administration under the office of Policy, International Affairs and Environment. She has 35 years of federal experience working at the FAA in various organizations.

Ms. Garcia began her career in the FAA Office of the AWP Regional Counsel, later she worked in the Security Division and eventually found her way to the Regional Administrator’s Office, where she has held various positions and worked on numerous high profile projects. In her current position as Supervisory Senior Advisor, Ms. Garcia oversees a team of employees whose focus is to work on internal and external outreach programs. She has oversight responsibility for community outreach efforts and all communications with congressional offices, federal, state and local elected officials, aviation state directors, airlines and industry partners, and members of the community at large. In early 2021, she was awarded Manager of the Year by the FAA’s Office of Policy, International Affairs and Environment.

Prior to being selected as Senior Advisor, Favi worked as Special Programs Program Manager. Her work experience involves many projects that cross organizational boundaries where she has provided leadership and horizontal integration services. Under the direction of the Regional Administrator, Ms. Garcia stood up various governance councils to include the AWP Runway Safety Governance Council and the FAA/Los Angeles International Airport Construction Projects Governance Council. Both of which are three tiered and include team members ranking from highly technical boots on ground to the Executive level. Her 35 years of FAA experience have been the catalyst to her success in building effective, collaborative, and successful teams from ground up. Her recent work experience also includes serving as community involvement co-lead for the Las Vegas Metroplex outreach efforts and she continually assists the agency in developing strategic initiatives as they relate to community engagement or customer focused activities.

Previously, Ms. Garcia managed the Micronesia Technical Assistance program for nearly 8 years before the agency realignment to the International Office. Ms. Garcia established a robust communications plan for the entire team that included FAA subject matter experts from various disciplines, as well as high level international officials, consultants and contractors, airlines and industry partners, and established frequent and open lines of communications with the team members of the three remote island nations that operated six international airports. Ms. Garcia has been an active member of the National Hispanic Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees for over 20 years and served as National President from October 2017 through September 2019.

She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from California State University of Dominguez Hills and is the proud mother of three children, Alexia, Anthony and Julya, of which two are proud Air Traffic Controllers at the FAA.

Cole is an Airport Planner with the Sacramento County Department of Airports. He received his B.S. of Economics from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and had previously been an Airport Planner for various consulting firms across the country for five and a half years until he arrived in Sacramento four and a half years ago. Today, he works with every division of the Department of Airports to coordinate planning efforts and the implementation of the Airport Master Plan at SMF through the SMF Forward initiative, which he is heavily involved in. Cole swears he loves the other three airports in their system just as much as SMF, but most of his time is now spent working with various teams to move large and small capital projects to design and implementation at SMF. Cole is currently the “Technical Director” of the SWAAAE conferences leading the Visual and Audio Production Committee to bring the conferences to life both in-person and virtually. While not working, Cole spends time going on adventures with his partner, video gaming, and taking long walks with his beloved dog Stella. If you’d like to reach out to Cole, you can find him at hartfielc@saccounty.gov.

In his current position as General Manager of the Santa Maria Public Airport, he oversees the daily operations, budget, and capital improvements of the more than 2,500 acre facility. The District leases more than 200 small hangars, 85 unit mobile home park, and several agriculture and commercial leases. Near term projects include the Airport Business Park and continued marketing to attract better airline service.

Prior to joining the Santa Maria Airport team, he served in the US Army from 1991–1996 (Aviation Operations) and worked his way up from an Operations Officer to Deputy Director for the Ventura County Department of Airports overseeing the operations at both Oxnard and Camarillo Airports from 1997 until 2008. He is also past president of the Santa Maria Breakfast Rotary Club and current board member of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Association of California Airports.

When not enjoying the view from above as private pilot since 2002, he also enjoys camping and offroad driving with Kathy, his wife of 22 years, and sons Riley (17) and Colin (15).

Kimberlie Hiltachk is the founder of Hiltachk Marketing Group, a full-service advertising agency serving clients across many industries including aviation, tourism, cyber security and trade association industries.

Past and present clients include Amtrak California, California Dental Association, California Farm Bureau, California State Railroad Museum Foundation, Cyber Defense Labs, Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Ontario International Airport Authority, Sacramento County Department of Airports, Santa Barbara Airport, Visit California, and more.

Kim received her B.A. in Communications from Sacramento State University and completed the 4A’s Agency Management Development Program in New York City. She is a member of the AAF Sacramento Advertising Club and Sacramento Metro Chamber, and a sustaining member of the Sacramento Junior League. In 2013, Kim was recognized on the Sacramento Business Journal’s 40 under 40 list.

She also serves as a board member for Saint John’s Program for Real Change, an organization that moves women and children from homelessness and crisis to self-sufficiency and into healthy, supportive communities.

Chuck Houser has over three decades of experience in the earth science industry. He is a registered geologist, certified engineering geologist, and certified hydrogeologist with experience conducting investigations on lithological formations. His experience includes environmental site assessments, groundwater monitoring, fault and landslide investigations, groundwater resource studies, geological mapping, and geotechnical investigations. He has assessed and remediated underground storage tanks and obtained reimbursement for cleanup costs from the California Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund. Mr. Houser’s scientific knowledge of geology and experience in the earth science industry enables him to prepare useful hydrogeological research, accurate environmental assessments, and appropriate remediation approaches.

Candace Huff is a professional engineer who has been working with the City of Phoenix Aviation Department for over twenty-three years. She is currently the Deputy Aviation Director for the Design and Services Division. She oversees and manages the implementation of the Capital Improvement Program and the Airport Capital Improvement Program which encompasses grant funded projects, Job Order Contracting and Tenant Improvement efforts for the division, and Terminal 4 S1 Concourse ensuring thorough and effective execution for the Aviation Department as well as the overall management of the division. She has worked on several key airport development projects for Sky Harbor (PHX), Goodyear (GYR) and Deer Valley (DVT) Airports and has managed projects such as the reconstruction of the north and center runways as well as the new construction of the south runway for PHX.

Candace began her career in engineering more than 30 years ago as a Transportation Engineer working on floating bridges. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Washington. She is also a Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives.

Candace finds her time occupied with her greatest accomplishment, her daughter who graduated from the University of Arizona and her son who plays baseball for the Texas Rangers. She also finds time to run for exercise so she can cook Greek food with her husband and family.

Pawan is the Acting Deputy Aviation Director for Financial Management at the City of Phoenix Aviation Department, which operates Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix Deer Valley Airport, and Phoenix Goodyear Airport.

Pawan has more than 18 years of experience in business development and finance strategy. He joined the city of Phoenix Aviation Department in 2016, serving as a Special Projects Administrator where he acted as a key contributor to the development of the airport’s business strategy, managing the capital improvement program team, leading the aviation real estate information strategy and more.

Prior to working for the city of Phoenix, he wore several hats at IBM as a Business Development Leader, Marketing Executive, Managing and Senior Strategy Consultant, along with working nine years as an Adjunct Faculty Professor and four years as a Program Director at Carnegie Mellon University. At the start of his career, he worked as a Management Trainee working his way up to Business Development Officer at Reliance Industries Limited.

Pawan has a bachelor’s in engineering from Punjab University, a Master of Information Systems Management, and a Master of Business Administration from Carnegie Mellon University.

Peter J. Kirsch is a partner with the law firm of Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell. He splits his time between the firm’s Denver and Washington, DC offices. Peter grew up near Washington D.C., attended Oberlin College and the University of Chicago law school and has been practicing airport law for nearly 30 years. He is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia, Colorado, Maryland, and Washington State, as well as many federal district and appellate courts and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Peter long ago stopped counting the number of airports or projects but he has worked on airport projects in at least 35 states in his career. He spends a lot of his time translating technical airport law for airport sponsors on topics such as airspace, noise, airport development (both aeronautical and non-aeronautical) and relations with airport neighbors. Increasingly, he has recently been working on efforts to grow private sector investment in airports (known as public-private partnerships or P3 projects). He has represented clients in precedent-setting litigation relating to the powers of airport sponsors, control of airport noise, and preventing encroachment of incompatible land uses. Peter spends a lot of time at FAA Headquarters and walking the halls of Congress helping clients ensure that federal policy makers understand the concerns of airports and local governments.

Peter is a frequent speaker at AAAE and ACI-NA conferences and co-chairs the annual Basics of Airport Law Workshop where he teaches airport law to lawyers and senior airport executives.

John is a young aviation professional currently acting as an embedded staff member of the City of Phoenix Aviation Department Design and Construction Services Division as a Sr. Aviation Project Manager with a specialty in AIP Grant funded work. John is currently a nominee of the 40 under 40 Consulting Engineers.

The City of Phoenix Aviation Department, which operates Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix Deer Valley Airport, and Phoenix Goodyear Airport has recently been featured for some of its larger Alternative Delivery Projects in combination over the past 5 years, especially pioneering the delivery method with the FAA on recent project.

John has more than 15 years of experience in civil engineering and aviation project management and construction. He joined his current Role at Red Brick Consulting in 2018 serving as supplemental staff for AIP Grant funded projects as an Owner’s project manager. Prior to Red Brick John work in the construction industry for 10 years implementing heavy civil and aviation projects specializing in Part 139 airports and military work for the Army Corps of Engineers. Prior to construction John spent 4 years working as a Civil Aviation Designer for a local Phoenix engineering firm. In his tenure working around and with aviation projects John has constructed and implemented over 5 million square yards of high-quality aircraft pavement.

John’s Project Highlights over his career include the reconstruction of two runways at sky harbor, multiple runways, and taxiways for the United States Air Force in new Mexico, Texas, and Arizona, Reconstruction of aprons of terminals 2, 3, and 4 at PHX, and most recently the relocation of the famous Paul Coze Mural at Terminal 2 at Sky Harbor. John has also constructed multiple freeway systems throughout the southwest with an emphasis on alternative delivery and value engineering in conjunction with Federal Highway Administration

John received a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Arizona State University after transfer from the University of Wisconsin. He currently holds certification as an Envision Sustainability Professional and as a registered professional engineer in multiple states including Arizona.

Sjohnna Knack is the Program Manager with the Planning & Environmental Affairs Department at the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. She oversees all aspects of aircraft noise related to the San Diego International Airport aircraft operations. Ms. Knack is responsible for oversight of one of the largest remaining airport sound attenuation programs, the Quieter Home and Quieter Non-Residential Programs. She provides technical support for the Airport Noise Advisory Committee and Curfew Violation Review Panel. She ensures adherence to many regulatory requirements including State of California Title 21 requirements. She manages a team of staff who conduct analysis with the Airport’s noise and operations monitoring system. Ms. Knack works closely with industry stakeholders including the FAA, air carrier operators, elected officials and other interested community members.

Ms. Knack has a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management from St. Cloud State University. She is currently the Noise Working Group Chair for ACI-NA’s Environmental Committee.

Lawrence J. Krauter currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Spokane International Airport, Felts Field and Airport Business Park, collectively referred to as Spokane Airports.

Before joining Spokane Airports, he served as the Interim Executive Director of the Lehigh Northampton Airport Authority (Pennsylvania) and also served as the Deputy Executive Director and as the Director of Planning & Engineering. Prior to working for the Lehigh Northampton Airport Authority, Larry held the position of Airport Planner at the City of Columbus (Ohio) Division of Airports. He started his career as an Engineer Assistant with the Ohio Department of Transportation working on bridge and highway projects in northeast Ohio.

Larry is a graduate of The Ohio State University.

He is a Past President of the Aviation Council of Pennsylvania and was appointed by Governor Ed Rendell to serve two terms on the Governor’s Aviation Advisory Committee. Larry is an Accredited Airport Executive credentialed through the American Association of Airport Executives and he is a Member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, the professional credentialing institute of the American Planning Association. Larry also earned multiple professional certifications from the Construction Specifications Institute. Larry is an elected Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Larry served for 9-years as an appointed member and then Chairman of the City of Bethlehem (PA) Planning Commission, where he was involved in the largest brownfield redevelopment project in the country.

Larry is a Past President of the Northwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). Larry is also a Past Chairman of the AAAE Operations/Safety/Planning/Emergency Management Committee. Larry is a member of the AAAE U.S. Contract Tower Association Policy Board and served as Vice-Chairman of the 2018 AAAE National Airports Conference. In December 2018, Larry was elected to the Executive Committee of the American Association of Airport Executives and is currently serving as Chairman.

Larry is a single-engine land (SEL) and single-engine seaplane (SES) rated pilot. Larry has received the Leadership Award from the Washington Airport Management Association; Airport Executive of the Year Award from the Northwest Chapter/AAAE, National Airport Director of the Year from Airport Revenue News magazine and Business Leader of the Year Award from the West Plains Chamber of Commerce.

In his community, Larry serves on multiple boards including the Spokane Regional Transportation Council; West Plains/Airport Area Public Development Authority; Gonzaga University School of Business, Spokane Good Roads Association and the Seattle Branch Council of the Royal Aeronautical Society. Larry is a member of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, United States Seaplane Pilots Association, Washington Pilots Association and Washington Seaplane Pilots Association.

At the state level, Larry is an appointed member of the Governor’s New Mid-Market Aircraft Executive Council, charged with recruitment of future Boeing aircraft manufacturing programs as well as an appointed member of the Washington State Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission, charged with developing aviation system capacity recommendations to address long-term growth challenges.

He resides in Spokane, WA with his wife and daughter.

Jeff Leonard joined Mead & Hunt in 2000 while completing his engineering studies at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering with an Emphasis in Construction Management. Since making the move to Santa Rosa in 2004, Jeff has concentrated his energies on California’s airports, designing some of the firm’s most complex projects.

Jeff is a registered professional engineer in the states of California, Oregon, Arizona, Nevada and Hawaii. He has substantial experience in program and project management, and specializes in pavement design, EMAS installations, lighting systems, hangar and building layout, and cost estimating. Jeff directs many of Mead & Hunt’s most complex airport improvement projects, frequently including multi-year timelines involving multiple contracts and numerous contractors. Jeff’s principle for a successful project is establishing strong team communication from the start and using proactive resolutions to issues, before they become problems.

The last decade has been especially busy for Jeff. In 2013, he became Mead & Hunt’s Associate Practice Leader for Aviation Services. In 2014, Jeff was honored as one of the “Top 40 under 40” aviation professionals from Airport Business Magazine. This annual award celebrates outstanding up and coming individuals in the aviation industry. After serving as a Corporate Director for SWAAAE, Jeff received the President’s Award in 2019. That same year, Jeff was selected as Mead & Hunt’s Business Unit Leader for Southwest Aviation Services. He leads a group of more than 60 aviation professionals covering the states of California, Oregon, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, as well as the Pacific Islands.

Jeff lives in Windsor, CA with his wife, Melissa and their four children. In his spare time he can be found enjoying the outdoors and traveling with his family.

Elisha Luyeho is an Equal Opportunity Compliance Specialist working principally with the Airport Disability Compliance Program. He is responsible for overseeing compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act at airports within the FAA Southern and Eastern Regions, covering 15 states, including the District of Columbia. He also has T-VI oversight for airports in the state of Utah. His responsibilities include providing accessibility technical assistance and training, investigating complaints of discrimination based on disability. In addition, he leads the nationwide airport disability compliance review program.

Mr. Luyeho has a Master of Science degree in Aviation and Transportation. He has been involved in the aviation industry for about 15 years, including working with the FAA Air Traffic Organization Runway Safety Program Office. Mr. Luyeho previously served as Acting Team Lead for the Airport Disability Compliance Program and as an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Specialist in the FAA EEO program, providing guidance to managers and employees on Title-VII matters related to employment.

Melissa McCaffrey is currently responsible for government affairs and state advocacy issues affecting general aviation for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the world’s largest aviation membership association in AOPAs Western Pacific Region. AOPA represents 330,000 members nationwide, with over 50,000 members residing in the Western Pacific Region. She is responsible for general aviation state advocacy, legislative and regulatory issues affecting general aviation in Arizona, California, Guam, Hawai’i, the Mariana Islands and Nevada. Melissa leads AOPAs initiatives in the region, including advocating for the general aviation position on legislation at the state level and representing AOPA as a subject matter expert in the areas of government and airport policy. She also manages AOPAs Airport Support Network in the Western Pacific Region, which includes over 250 volunteers.

Melissa has been with AOPA since 2012, initially serving as a Senior Government Analyst responsible for managing issues in the technical fields of airspace, air traffic services, instrument flight procedures, charting, weather, and other related policies within AOPA’s Government Affairs Division. During that time, she served as a subject matter expert and AOPA representative on several regional and national committees, notably as the co-chair of the RTCA Tactical Operations Committee, Class B Airspace Designation Design and Evaluation Task force in 2015 and was awarded an achievement of excellence for her leadership on the committee.

Melissa became involved in aviation at a young age and attended her high school aviation program in New York. She than attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Air Traffic Management. Melissa has been a licensed pilot since 2002, she resides in Southern California.

Mark leads the FAA’s Office of Airports, Western Pacific Region (AWP). Mark’s team provides support the planning and safe development of the 640 airports that are part of the National Plan of Integrated Airport System (NPIAS). These airports are located in:

• Four states (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada),

• Three United States Territories (America Samoa, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands), and

• Three foreign countries (Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau).

Mark joined the FAA in 1991 after spending almost five years in the private sector as a Structural Engineer for a prominent Architecture and Engineering firm located in Detroit, Michigan. Mark began his FAA career in the Great Lakes Regions’ Chicago Airports District Office (ADO). Mark later worked as the Great Lakes Region’s Manager of its Planning and Programming Branch where he provided support and oversite over the region’s environmental, planning, and financial programs. In August 2003, Mark was promoted to his current position as Director for the Western Pacific Region. Mark has a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University.

A 24-year veteran of the U.S. aviation industry, Justin rejoined the Kansas City Aviation Department in April 2014. As the Deputy Director of Aviation – Marketing and Air Service Development he leads the marketing, communications and customer service efforts for the Kansas City Aviation Department’s two airports. Additionally, Justin works with airline planners to increase flights and add new routes from Kansas City International Airport (MCI). Justin has been actively involved in the planning for Build KCI, the $1.5B new single terminal at Kansas City International Airport, where he advocates for the customer experience to be one of high accessibility and inclusiveness.

Jeff Moak has more than 33 years of program/project management experience in the aviation industry. Jeff has extensive experience managing large airport programs and projects at major airports including PHX, ATL, SFO, SAN, ONT and LAX. His experience includes all types of airside, landside and ancillary projects, and he is an expert in alternate delivery methods including Design Build, CMAR and PPP. Jeff is currently the JV Managing Principal and Program Manager for City of Phoenix Program Management Support Services, providing staff augmentation to the City of Phoenix. Jeff began his career in the Oil & Gas Industry on major lump sum turnkey delivery of major refinery and chemical plant programs. Jeff transitioned to the aviation industry working for large international engineering and project management firms in multiple roles. He is currently the Group President for PM/CM services at Red Brick Consulting, Inc., which is a woman owned program management, project management, construction management, risk management, construction/design consulting, project controls (schedule, cost, estimating) and claims services to the aviation industry and other market sectors. We serve as trusted advisers to owners, contractors, consultants, and other stakeholders who are building, funding or managing complex construction.

Ken began his aviation journey as an Army air traffic controller serving in Kentucky, South Korea, and Alabama from 1977-1981. In 1982, Ken was hired as an air traffic controller with the Federal Aviation Administration while earning BS Professional Aeronautics and Aviation Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Following retirement from the FAA in 2009, Ken spent a year at Baghdad International Airport training Iraqi controllers and supporting US Military operations with Washington Consulting Group. Ken began his civilian airport career in 2011 at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport advancing through airport operations and administration. Ken completed his AAE airport management accreditation in July 2016. In 2018, Ken assumed the airport manager position at the Carson City Airport (CXP) until retiring in March 2021. In April 2021, Ken was hired by Armstrong Consultants as a Special Projects Manager and Airport Planner. Ken has been married to Denise for 38 years…in a row! Ken is a father of two and grandpa of one.

Sean is the Airport Manager at the Livermore Municipal Airport, a General Aviation Airport in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mr. Moran is responsible for overseeing the daily operations and maintenance of a vibrant airport with over 150,000 annual operations, and 2 parallel runways. Prior to joining the Livermore team, Mr. Moran spent 2 years as an Airport Duty manager at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, where he was responsible for the daily operations at the 4th busiest airport in California. Mr. Moran holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Aviation Administration from California State University, Los Angeles. He is active with the Southwest Chapter of AAAE, participating as Co-Chair of the Annual Conference Committee and the Academic Relations Committee. In his spare time, Mr. Moran can be found at the gym, or competing in various trail & Spartan Races.

Scott Murrell is Director of Commercial Airport Services for Applied Research Associates (ARA), joining the firm in September of 2015. Scott is currently the lead Civil Engineer for the Pavement Consulting Contract supporting the FAA’s Airport Technology Research and Development Division. The scope of this support includes:

o Analysis of full scale accelerated test and laboratory test data, including using Artificial Intelligence.

o Updating FAA pavement related software (FAARFIELD, PAVEAIR, BAKFAA, ProFAA and ProGroove).

o NDT data collection, research, and data analysis.

o Test pavement design including instrumentation. Quality Assurance during construction.

o Extension of runway life from 20 to 40 years, including field data collection (PCI, HWD, Profiles, GPR, texture).

Prior to joining ARA, he was the Chief Civil Engineer the Port Authority of NY & NJ (PANYNJ). During his 33-year career with PANYNJ he led the engineering of numerous airport pavement, evaluation and design projects. Notable projects included:

o Development of the $500 million seven-year paving program for Port Authority airports, using pavement management systems

o Design of the +$300 million Reconstruction of Runway 13R-31L at JFK

o Design of the +$300 million Reconstruction of Runway 4L-22R at JFK

o Extension of Runway 4L-22R at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Timothy R. Obitts was named President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) in January of 2020. NATA is a founding member of the Business Aviation Coalition for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and the Council on Sustainable Fuels Accountability, of which Obitts serves as Chairman of the Steering Committee and as Board Chairman, respectively. Obitts was appointed to serve on the DOT Safety Oversight and Certification Advisory Committee (SOCAC). The SOCAC was created by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 to advise the Secretary of Transportation on issues facing the aviation community related to FAA safety oversight and certification programs.

Obitts most recently served as the Association’s Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the day-to-day operation of NATA.

Prior to joining NATA in November 2014, Obitts served as the managing partner of Gammon & Grange, P.C., a national practice law firm specializing in nonprofit and communications law. During Obitts' 18 years at Gammon & Grange, he served as corporate counsel and general counsel for many nonprofits and trade associations, handling a wide array of issues that affect their day-to-day activities and also lobbied Capitol Hill and federal agencies.

Obitts earned a Juris Doctorate, cum laude, from California Western School of Law and a Bachelor’s Degree, double major Philosophy and History, from Gordon College, where he also was named All-New England in Tennis, NAIA. Obitts is licensed to practice law in California, Colorado, the District of Columbia and Virginia, as well as numerous federal and appellate courts, and the U.S Supreme Court. Obitts co-founded several nonprofit organizations and serves on several nonprofit boards. Obitts and his wife of 22 years, Krista, have five children, ranging in age from eight to eighteen.

After graduating from Long Beach State with a B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1983, Mr. Owens started his career working for the Port of Los Angeles (1983 – 1987) as a project engineer preparing specifications, legal descriptions for Port leases and civil design for container backlands. Prior to flying over to the LAX, he became a registered Professional Engineer! The Department of Airports, City of LA (Now LAWA) (1988 – 2006); performing project engineering and project management for airport landside and airside projects at ONT and projects at LAX; Resigned from LAWA (City of Los Angeles) and went to Western Municipal Water District (WMWD) in Riverside, CA (2006 – 2010) as their Development Services Manager. Keith managed Developers in engineering, design and construction of WMWD’s water and sewer system infrastructure. He joined Burns & McDonnell in 2011 as an Aviation Project Manager (seller/doer) and spent 6 years as a private engineering consultant.

On boarded with the OIAA in July 2017 as their Engineering Manager for 14 months and then promoted to Director of Program Management in September 2018. As a Director, Keith is responsible for “all things” engineering, design and construction of the ONT CIP and major repair projects and programs for the OIAA!

Adrienne Patterson advises Solano County’s Nut Tree Airport in her capacity as a Deputy County Counsel for Solano County’s Office of County Counsel. Adrienne’s counseling involves a wide range of airport matters, including review of financial matters, drafting and negotiating use and lease agreements, and, most recently, advising on coping with the Covid-19 pandemic.

As a certified mediator, Adrienne is experienced with contract negotiating and regulatory compliance.

Prior to joining Solano County Counsel’s Office, Adrienne worked as a district representative to former Solano County Board Supervisor, Skip Thomson.

Angel has over 22 years of experience in Aviation, both in the public and private sector. Currently, he is a Senior Aviation Project Manager for AECOM. Prior to joining consulting, he held the Assistant Airport Director – Planning & Engineering position at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, making him responsible for the Airport Capital Improvement Program, Airport Development, and compliance. He enjoys everything aviation has to offer, including the opportunity to mentor and inspire Junior High students in the Future City Competition and careers in STEM. Angel has also been a chair/panelist/speaker for multiple aviation organizations such as TRB-ACRP and AAAE. Angel in an Accredited Airport Executive by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez, and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University.

As Vice President in the HMMH Aviation Environmental Services Group, Gene Reindel oversees a wide range of aviation noise consulting projects, offers industry experience to those projects and provides technical support to airport community noise forums throughout the U.S. His professional experience includes environmental projects, including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and state equivalents in California, Oregon and Washington; Airport Noise Compatibility Planning studies (Part 150); Airport Noise and Access Restriction projects (Part 161); airport ground noise studies, residential sound insulation projects, and noise modeling of aircraft operations. He is often involved in preparing for and directing major field measurement programs and advising on the acquisition and analysis of data. Mr. Reindel is a trained facilitator and leads public outreach programs associated with controversial noise studies and programs.

Graham Ritz is an Airport Operations Supervisor at the Mineta San Jose International Airport. He was born and raised in Indiana and graduated from Lewis University in 2015 with a B.S. in Aviation Administration. While at Lewis, he was a member of the university’s baseball team and enjoyed playing in intramural sports (football, basketball, you name it). During his college summers, Graham was fortunate to have experienced 4 separate internships (Indianapolis Intl. Airport {2 summers}, Put-in-Bay Airport, & Washington Dulles Intl. Airport). Throughout those internships, he found my “calling” within Airport Operations. The day following graduation, Graham began his Ops career as an Airport Operations Supervisor at the Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI) where he managed the day-to-day operations of the airport. In October 2016, Graham made the drive west to San Jose after accepting a position as an Airport Operations Supervisor at SJC! He began as an Airport Manager-on-Duty overseeing the day-to-day operations of the facility and later transitioned to where he is presently within Terminal Management.

Outside of his professional life, Graham enjoy the outdoors, going on hikes, playing sports, and spending time with friends and family. When time allows, he enjoy utilizing his private pilot skills and flying friends around the Bay area. Graham enthusiastically enjoys showing the Bay’s beautiful attractions from the air versus the ground (via car). He and his girlfriend reside with their pet in Gilroy, CA.

Jorge Rubio, A.A.E., C.A.E. is the Airports Deputy Director for the City of San Diego Division of Airports where he is responsible the overall operations, maintenance, and development of the Montgomery Gibbs Executive and Brown Field Municipal Airports. Jorge has also held several positions at County of Ventura Department of Airports and with AvPorts at the Tweed New Haven Regional Airport. Jorge has a BS degree in Aviation Administration from the State University of New York at Farmingdale. In 2013 he was honored with the “40 under 40” Award by Airport Business Magazine, in 2015 with the Aviation Excellence Award by SWAAAE, and in 2019 received the President’s award from SWAAAE. He enjoys the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

Robin Sobotta, Ph.D., A.A.E., has 18 years of experience at four commercial service and two GA airports, and was the School of Business Founding Chair at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Prescott. In 2019, Robin was selected as “Woman of the Year” (Prescott Area Leadership) and “Airport Executive of the Year” (Arizona Airports Association). Under her leadership, PRC was named FAA Western-Pacific Region’s “Outstanding Airport” in 2019, and ADOT’s Airport of the Year” in 2020.

Dr. Sobotta worked with NASA as a business/technical consultant, and served on two Arizona Aerospace and Defense Commissions as well as four Transportation Research Board – Airport Cooperative Research Panels [airport terminal design (chair), common use passenger processing systems, and airport social media use]. She coauthored The Administration of Public Airports, 5th ed., and holds an MBA/A from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Ph.D. in Public Administration from Arizona State University (dissertation focus: aviation noise and community impact).

Jeff Stempihar has 17 years of pavement engineering and research experience; including projects related to materials, design, evaluation, forensic analysis, and sustainability measures. He has authored numerous technical specifications, test procedures, and technical reports as well as industry publications. In addition, he is active in local industry groups supporting technology transfer and training efforts for practicing engineers, co-developed technical workshops, and created and taught a graduate-level airport design course at Arizona State University.

Jon Stout, has over 28 years’ experience in airport management with strong credentials in the areas of airport development, properties, air service development, governmental affairs, operations and marketing.

Mr. Stout is responsible for the daily management and long-term development of Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport (STS) - a rapidly growing, non-hub commercial air service facility supporting four airlines, an industrial park, 385 based aircraft, 26 commercial tenants and 4 rental car agencies. He oversees a staff of 23 employees.

Mr. Stout has initiated and managed many projects since taking over the reins at STS in 2002. The resumption of air service in 2007 marked a new age of development which resulted in the $55 million RSA Improvement Project completed five years ago. Construction included runway extensions at both ends of two runways enabling larger, regional jet service with additional destinations.

In the fall of 2020, the modernization and improvement project for the Airport’s terminal building commenced. This $35 million project includes the expansion of the gate 2 Sprung structure and relocation of TSA, renovation and improvements to the original 8,000 square feet of terminal and the construction of an additional 33,000 square feet which includes a new gate, rental car counter area, new bag claim, new concession space and an outdoor patio area. This project will open up the ability to add more carriers once it is completed at the end of 2022.

Mr. Stout grew up in Sonoma County, but left to attend the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks, graduating with a Bachelors in Airport Administration in 1990. He then went on to earn his Masters in Business Administration at Northwest Missouri State University in 1992. While in school he interned at two airports, South Lake Tahoe and Minneapolis / St. Paul. Before returning to his hometown of Santa Rosa, he served as Airport Manager at Grosse Ile Municipal Airport near Detroit.

Jon is an active member in the American Association of Airport Executives, Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives and the California Airports Council. He is a licensed private pilot.

Jon lives on 40 acres in Ukiah with his wife and two children.

Robert (Bob) Trimborn has approximately 39 years of aviation, airport management, operations, planning, leadership and consulting experience including approximately 30 years of experience as airport manager at several high profile general aviation reliever airports including Santa Monica Airport, Reno Stead Airport, and Hawthorne Municipal Airport.

He is past president and Certified Airport Executive of the Southwest Chapter American Association of Airport Executives and is a Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives.

Bob has a commercial pilot license with instrument ratings and is a Certified Flight Instructor. He has been actively involved in aviation since 1965. Bob is currently employed as a Consultant for AMCG based in Centennial Colorado. AMCG provides a wide range of aviation management consulting services to airports, aviation businesses, aircraft operators, and others having an interest in the aviation industry.

Francis Tsang serves as Strategic Communications Advisor in the External Affairs Division of the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Francis operates at a tactical, strategic and operational level working with the executive and senior management team of the Airport to advance key strategic initiatives, communications and relationships. Francis is responsible for leading key multi-divisional projects; managing and tracking strategic initiatives; and supporting the Airport Director in relations with the Mayor and Board of Supervisors, the media, and developing key Airport strategic internal and external messaging.

Before working at SFO, Francis served as Deputy Chief of Staff for the late San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee. He was also the Deputy Press Secretary for then Mayor Gavin Newsom, and also served as Mayor Newsom’s State Liaison and Liaison to the Asian American Community.

Before working at City Hall, Francis worked at the UCSF Medical Center, researching improvement of quality of patient care, and was a certified Emergency Medical Technician.

Born and raised in San Francisco, Francis holds a Bachelor’s degree from University of California at Berkeley in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and a Master’s degree from Columbia University in Public Health.

As Watsonville Municipal’s Airport Director Mr. Williams leads a staff of twelve City employees and oversees the daily operations of the City’s Municipal airport, the only airport within Santa Cruz County. With over 59,000 annual operations, the 330 acre federally obligated regional airport has over 300 based aircraft, 218 hangars and over thirty commercial leaseholds. The annual airport budget is effectively a small business with 2021 revenues of over $3.5 million.

Mr. Williams reports directly to the City Manager and his duties include ensuring compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, negotiating municipal airport contracts/ leases and responsibility for managing a profitable Airport Enterprise fund. Additionally, Mr. Williams establishes policy and guidance regarding airport operations, safety, security, planning, emergency airlift operations, construction development, equipment procurement, and budgetary development/execution and tenant/ community relations.

Prior to joining the City of Watsonville Mr. Williams served in a variety of executive sales, business development and marketing positions at Hewlett Packard, Compaq and Tandem Computers. Mr. Williams has a unique perspective relative to taking on the role as leader of the Municipal Airport. In 1998, Mr. Williams began flying lessons at Watsonville and went on to earn his private pilot certificate, instrument rating, multi-engine rating, commercial rating and both ground and flight instructor/ instrument instructor ratings.

With over 2,800 flight hours, over 475 of those are as an instructor; Mr. Williams has a pilot and a “tenant” perspective. In 2003 Mr. Williams purchased an aircraft that has been based at Watsonville since 1972 and with that aircraft has flown over 130 Angel Flight “mercy missions” throughout California and Nevada.

Mr. Williams is a Certified Member (C.M.) of the American Association of Airport Executives, a Certified Airport Executive (C.A.E) and currently serves as past president of the Association of California Airports, a professional industry group representing over 120 California Airports. He holds an Aviation/Aerospace Safety Systems Master of Science (M.S.) from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Matthew Wright is a graduate of the University of San Diego (BBA ‘91) and University of Nebraska College of Law (JD ‘00). Presently the Vice President and General Manager of Monterey Fuel Company at the Monterey Regional Airport, he has managed FBOs in Jackson Hole, Anchorage, Scottsdale and Phoenix. Mr. Wright sits on the business industry advisory board for Embry Riddle Aeronautical University – Prescott and is actively involved with Sean Tucker’s Bob Hoover Academy.