64th Annual AIRPORT MANAGEMENT Short course

Nyika A. Allen, C.M., is the Senior Director of Global Operational Excellence at Vantage Airport Group, where she spearheads the advancement of operational and guest service excellence across the Vantage airport network. Previously, Nyika led as the Assistant Director of Aviation at the Port of Oakland, overseeing strategic planning and revenue generation at Oakland International Airport. Prior to her time in the San Francisco Bay Area, Mrs. Allen’s achievements also include a transformative tenure as Director of Aviation for the City of Albuquerque, where she managed the Albuquerque International Sunport and Double Eagle II Airports. Notably, Nyika oversaw significant initiatives, from a major terminal renovation to securing partnerships for sustainability projects and earning the airport top ratings and awards for its acclaimed service quality and distinguished art program. With a robust background, Nyika has garnered numerous accolades, including recognition on the "Tri-Valley 20 Under 40" list, the Airport Business Top 40 Under 40, Women of Influence and Most Influential 40 Under 40 for the class of 2016. Beyond aviation, Mrs. Allen was President & CEO of the New Mexico Technology Council, contributing expertise as a technology news commentator and serving on various boards and advisory councils. Nyika Allen holds a BBA in International Management, graduated with honors, and brings a wealth of international experience from over 20 countries to her diverse leadership roles.

Lori Ballance devotes a substantial part of her practice to airport-related environmental planning and litigation, including issues related to airport master plans, airport layout plans, and federal, state, and local regulations regarding air quality, endangered species, hazardous waste laws and regulations, water quality, noise, funding sources and related FAA rules and regulations. Her representation of airports includes work involving FAA compliance, noise issues including variance issues, greenhouse gas emissions standards and regulations, general conformity regulations, national and state ambient air quality standards, federal and state implementation plans, CEQA, NEPA, the Hawaii Environmental Policy Act, airport land use commission matters, and related laws and regulations.

Rosemary Barnes, A.A.E., is the owner and principal of PRoComms, a woman-owned public relations agency located in the Bay Area. PRoComms specializes in promoting airports and government agencies to the communities they serve.

Her aviation industry and municipal expertise comes from having served in airline, public information, operations and property management roles at airports across the U.S., including San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Orange County and Binghamton.

Rosemary served as the spokesperson for San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) and Oakland International Airport (OAK) for a combined 20 years.

Current and recent PRoComms clients include Aviatrix Communications, where Rosemary is the Public Relations Director, City of Santa Clara Firefighters Local 1171, and the City of San Jose.

Rosemary holds a master's degree in Mass Communications and a bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Operations, both from San Jose State University. She is an Accredited Airport Executive through the American Association of Airport Executives.

A dual national of Ireland and the U.S., Rosemary has lived in both countries. She enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, baking, volunteering, studying Spanish language, spending time with family and friends, and is currently renovating her 100+ year-old home.

Since joining the consulting sector, Kirsten has transitioned to diversity and inclusion efforts of the organization. She specializes in strategies for optimizing diverse and inclusive practices in the company’s handling of projects with focuses on impacts to disadvantaged communities, stakeholder engagement, and DBE participation. Kirsten has had great success with the development of the Equity Learning Series for the San Luis Obispo Airport where she developed three separate training programs focused on equity-based topics chosen through survey results from stakeholders of the airport. These trainings included outside “subject matter experts”, as well as interactive group activities to enhance understanding of the topics discussed.

Alice Bimrose, A.A.E., CAE, ACE, is Executive Program Director at PSM Squared, Inc., a woman-owned small business providing strategic communications and guest experience services during capital development. Prior to joining PSM², Alice spent 25 years at America’s Friendliest Airport®, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Her PHX experience included capital projects and budgets, airline affairs, public relations, stakeholder outreach, event planning, employee and organizational development, process improvement, and maintenance management. She chairs the SWAAAE Leadership Development Committee and is a member of the Membership Committee. Alice received the 2023 SWAAAE President’s Award and the 2022 Arizona Airports Association President’s Award, which recognize her service to the Associations and the industry.

Jami Blocker has served as an Assistant Municipal Counselor for the City of Oklahoma City for the last 29 years and has exclusively represented the Oklahoma City Airport Trust as its General Counsel for the last 15 years. The Airport Trust is an Oklahoma public trust that leases, operates, and manages the state of Oklahoma’s largest commercial passenger airport and two general aviation airports for the exclusive benefit of the City of Oklahoma City. Jami also serves on the ACI Legal Steering Committee and other ACI committees. Prior to serving in her General Counsel role for the airports, Jami had an extensive litigation background for OKC in both criminal and civil matters in municipal, state, and federal courts as well as in various environmental litigation and administrative agency matters. Jami currently focuses on aeronautical and non-aeronautical business and real estate development, concessions, legislative, oil and gas, and environmental matters.

Cathryn joined the Western Pacific Region as the Manager for the Airports District Office in November 2020. In this position, she works with a well-informed technical staff overseeing the Airport Improvement Program and the Passenger Facility Program. Prior to taking this position, Cathryn worked as the Lead Compliance Specialist in the Office of Airports in Washington, DC. During that time she had temporary assignments to the San Francisco Airports District Office as the Acting Assistant Manager, Southern Region as a Special Assistant, and the Los Angeles Airports District Office as the Acting Manager. Cathryn served in the Office of the Chief Counsel in policy division in Washington DC and in enforcement in Oklahoma City.

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.

Anita Cobb, MBA, is Mead & Hunt’s Market Leader for Aviation Equity Strategies. Though her title reflects the core of her work, she also has created equity-based programming and trained professionals in the Transportation, Architecture, and Water Resources fields, as well as many other service lines in the AEC industry. She has a passion for and specializes in matters related to environmental justice, community collaboration, youth education, family empowerment, and mentorship. She supports and shares creative strategies focused on advocacy, transparency, and resource literacy for individuals that are marginalized and facing undue hardship. Anita’s recent activities include collaborating with academics to explore neurodiversity in planning and engineering, developing targeted universalism approaches for disadvantaged and underserved communities, and producing strategies to optimize DBE training, development, and significant project participation. She is also involved in the production of equity best practice documentation that addresses systemic inequalities in the aviation industry.

James Cullison began his path in aviation by pursuing his Private Pilot’s License in San Diego, California, while simultaneously working as a Facilities Assistant at Gillespie Field in El Cajon, California. After becoming a Private Pilot, James wished to expand his passion for aviation by joining SWAAAE in 2021. With help from Rosemary Barnes, he began volunteering on the Z00 Audio and Visual Crew for SWAAAE, which is where he met Cole Hartfiel. James’ initial plans were to become a commercial airline pilot, but Cole shared stories of airport planning, which led James to join Cole in Sacramento as a Technical Planner for the Sacramento County Department of Airports. In addition, James also became a Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives in 2023.

James is an Associate Vice President and the Aviation Discipline lead for STV, Inc. a leader in providing architectural, engineering, planning, environmental, program and construction management, and advisory services for transportation systems and infrastructure, water, and social infrastructure. James “fell into” aviation immediately upon graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin when the firm he was working for asked him to help design the new east runway at what would become Austin Bergstrom International Airport. He is a career aviation professional with 29 years of experience in planning, programming, design, construction, and operation of airport projects including airfield, terminal, landside, and utilities at commercial service, general aviation, and military airports. James leads STV’s airport civil engineering and construction management teams while coordinating between disciplines to support STV’s aviation projects across the United States. James is a licensed civil engineer in Texas, California, Oklahoma, Virginia, and North Carolina. A highly respected civil engineer with a broad airport planning and design background, James applies this experience to lead and mentor teams to deliver high quality solutions that meet each client’s specific needs. He has been a member of SWAAAE since 2011.

Rob has held the position of Director – Security, Emergency Management & Communications at the San Francisco International Airport since 2012.

Matt Friedman is the Chief of the Office of Aviation Planning in the Caltrans Aeronautics Program. He is a native of Burlingame, CA. and has earned degrees from Macalester College (Biology, Anthropology) the University of North Carolina (Masters in Regional Planning) and Hebrew Union College (MAHL, rabbinic ordination and Honorary Doctor of Divinity.)

As Office Chief, Friedman oversees statewide airport area land use planning that includes, providing guidance to airport land use commissions and local agencies. He oversees review and response to local notifications of intent to overrule ALUC determinations. Current projects include revising the California Airport Land Use Planning Handbook and the California Aviation System Plan. He participates in activities related to Advanced Air Mobility, research projects pertaining to assessing locations of potential vertiport sites.

Prior to joining Aeronautics, he was a Senior Transportation Planner in the Traffic Operations . He also served in d other positions within Caltrans.

Before working at Caltrans, Friedman he was an appointed member of an Airport Commission (Hot Springs, AR), Planning Commission (St. Joseph, MO) and participated in numerous civic organizations including Rotary Clubs and historic preservation organizations.

Currently, Friedman is a chaplain in the California State Guard and holds the rank of Major. He is assigned to the 195th Support Wing and Joint Forces Headquarters. He also served as the rabbi of congregations in Arkansas, Missouri and California.

Friedman was an instructor at the University of Phoenix for 10 years and has taught at Sacramento State University as well as Missouri Western State College.

Friedman was elected to two terms as a member of the Center Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees and served two years as board president.

He is married to Mary Friedman, a teacher at Jesuit High School in Sacramento. The Friedmans are the extremely proud parents of Talia, a Junior at Seattle University.

Brian Gallucci joined PFM in 2005 and is a leader of PFM’s Airport Group. Brian has extensive experience providing technical analysis and strategic financial advice for municipal airports and seaports, as well as other municipal issuers. He assists airports with longterm financial planning, the structuring of debt and other financing solutions, transaction execution, and developing comprehensive credit strategies for rating agency and investor outreach.

Brian’s clients include large, international gateways such as the San Francisco International Airport and Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, and consolidated port entities such as the Massachusetts Port Authority (Boston-Logan International Airport) and Port of Portland, OR (Portland International Airport). Brian also works with a diverse group of large, medium and small, and non-hub airports exploring financing options for critical capital improvements programs.

In his career, Brian helped clients plan, structure and issue debt to fund prominent aviation and maritime projects including airport and seaport terminal development, runway and airfield projects, rental car facilities, fuel systems, multimodal transportation facilities and other unique capital projects. He has advised clients on the use of a variety of debt structures, including publicly offered and privately placed bonds; fixed-rate, variable-rate and synthetic debt;interim financing vehicles; and other creative structures and mechanisms.

Joshua Gillin is Senior Manager of Communications at Tampa International Airport and the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority. He is in charge of public messaging on Planning & Development and construction projects, Concessions and Parking, General Aviation, Air Service Development and more. He also oversees the Authority’s social media program and other special projects. Before joining the aviation industry, he earned a degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has worked for several print and digital media outlets, including the Savannah Morning News, The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Tampa Bay Times and PolitiFact.com. He lives with his wife and daughter in Dunedin, Fla., where he regularly wears a kilt, builds furniture, trains in martial arts and goes cycling to avoid making the latest home repairs.

Employed with Sundt for over 22years, been involved with SWAAAE for over 18 years.

Peter J. Kirsch is a founding partner with the law firm of Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell, dividing his time between the firm’s offices in Denver, Colorado and Washington, DC. For nearly 35 years, Mr. Kirsch has concentrated his practice on airport development. He has represented scores of airports on land use, regulatory and environmental issues that arise in connection with airport operations and development. Mr. Kirsch regularly advises airports on federal legislation and regulations, and airport financial issues and has represented clients in precedent-setting litigation regarding the powers of airport proprietors. Mr. Kirsch has been involved dozens of airport expansions, redevelopment projects and commercial development projects and frequently advises both airports and investors in airport-related partnerships. He has assisted airports large and small in preparation of environmental documentation and litigation over environmental impacts from airport projects. He actively advises many airport proprietors on governance issues, from drafting rules, standards and policies to helping governing boards become more effective decision makers. He regularly advises a number of nonprofit organizations on governance issues.

He is a frequent speaker at conferences on airport law worldwide and has contributed to many TRB Airport Cooperative Research Program publications. He is a graduate of Oberlin College and the University of Chicago Law School.

Holly Luna has 25+ years in various financial and accounting roles in both the public and private sectors. Prior to her service with the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA), she operated in diverse business environments including financial analyst and manager positions in defense contracting, manufacturing, and high-tech before shifting to a CFO role in public education (K-12). In her current position with the RTAA, she’s been responsible for overhauling the airport’s solicitation and contracting processes as well as implementing a new financial ERP system. She has a passion for creating effective and efficient processes which is reflected in her most recent endeavor of writing a Contracts & Procurement policy and procedural manual. Although she may be a bit biased – ok, a lot biased! - she ranks the RTAA as the #1 airport to work at and looks forward to her continued participation in the on-going transformational capital program called “MoreRNO.”

Tom Luria is the Associate General Counsel for the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA). Mr. Luria has been with the RTAA for six years, initially serving as a Contract Specialist I, before being promoted to Contract Specialist II, Contracts Manager and finally Associate General Counsel. Mr. Luria holds a BS in Broadcast News from West Virginia University and a JD from the William S. Body School of Law at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Prior to joining the RTAA, Mr. Luria served as a law clerk for the Hon. William G. Rogers at the Third Judicial District Court in Lyon County, Nevada, worked as an associate attorney for Mark Mausert, Esq., and as a Staff Attorney for Nevada Legal Services. Mr. Luria has been admitted to practice law in Nevada since 2012.

Gus Maimis, LEED AP BD+C, is a senior vice president at STV and business development director of its construction management practice, in the Eastern Region. His profound commitment to our industry is evidenced in his more than 35 years of experience as a construction management professional and as an educator.

Throughout his career, Maimis has been responsible for providing management oversight on a variety of complex assignments for commercial, aviation, higher education, healthcare, nonprofit, and public agency clients. His notable projects include the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, One World Trade Center, the LaGuardia Airport redevelopment, the Jacob Javits Convention Center expansion, and an array of assignments for Columbia University and New York University as well as for the New York City Economic Development Corporation.

Maimis earned a Master of Business Administration from the S.C. Johnson School of Management at Cornell University and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the NYU Tandon School of Engineering (formerly the Polytechnic Institute of New York). He is currently a visiting professor at the Pratt Institute in the greater New York City Area.

Kelly McAllister is a Director of Cooperative Contracts at Sourcewell with over 13 years of experience in contract administration, helping government agencies fulfill their purchasing needs. As a public servant, he leads a team of administrators responsible for contract compliance and support to public agencies utilizing cooperative purchasing contracts through Sourcewell. The team specializes in construction equipment, roads, and airport categories.

While serving in his role at Sourcewell he has had the unique opportunity to gain experience in the industries he manages. Over the years, he has garnered knowledge in industries including public works, fleet, fire, rental, auction, airports, and other related industry categories. Kelly has put his knowledge to effective use by leveraging his industry knowledge to ensure agencies are receiving the best solutions for their purchasing needs.

Kelly has publicly presented the benefits of cooperative purchasing in the public sector throughout the U.S. and Canada for fleet and public works associations as well as numerous national sales meetings and safety conferences. He enjoys the opportunity to interact with fellow purchasing officials to share challenges and best practices related to public procurement and processes throughout North America.

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.

Steven Osit represents public entities throughout the United States with respect to the development and operation of airports. Having previously served multiple posts within the U.S. Department of Transportation, Steven counsels’ clients on a wide range of federal regulatory matters and the negotiation of complex airport transactions. He frequently represents clients in administrative and judicial litigation arising from regulatory compliance, contract disputes, accident investigations, and the review of federal agency actions and rulemakings. Steven has served as the Chair of the Federal Bar Association’s Transportation Section and on the Airports Council International-North America Legal Affairs Committee’s Steering Group, and currently serves on the Editorial Board of the American Bar Association's Air and Space Lawyer. Steven is a certificated private pilot. Steven graduated cum laude from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and subsequently obtained his Master of Science in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Barry has an extensive background in aviation management and an impressive history of transformational and visionary leadership. He has a sharp focus on creating an environment of teamwork and excellence, helping an organization innovate, thrive and grow through clear vision and strategic development. He prides himself on building lasting partnerships, ensuring that guests, tenants and policy leaders receive the best possible product.

Barry currently serves as the Transportation Development Director for Arora Engineers and brings more than three decades of experience in the airport and transportation industry. Most recently, he was Airport Director for the John Wayne Airport, Orange County, which ranked highest in Customer Satisfaction among Large Airports by J.D. Power in 2017 and 2018, and #2 in 2020 during his tenure. He oversaw all aspects of the day-to-day management of the Airport and was responsible for managing a $242.2 million annual budget. He also diligently navigated a pandemic that nearly crippled airport travel worldwide by responding quickly to minimize impacts. Under his leadership and prudent financial strategy, the airport was able to recover successfully while protecting the jobs of hundreds of JWA employees.

Barry has held increasingly responsible management positions in transportation and airport operations with Los Angeles County, the City of Lompoc, the Santa Maria Public Airport District, San Joaquin County, Sacramento County, and the City of Los Angeles as the Director of Operations for LAX. He is an Accredited Airport Executive as awarded by the American Association of Airport Executives and served on its Board of Directors. He is past President of the Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (SWAAAE) and is a Certified Airport Executive as conferred by SWAAAE. Barry also proudly served the Airports Council International – North America on its Policy Council and as Vice Chair of the Medium Hub Airport Committee. Other career highlights include an Associate of Science degree in Commercial Aviation from Mount San Antonio College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Administration from California State University, Los Angeles. He holds a commercial pilot license and has logged hundreds of hours of high performance and supersonic multi-engine jet time.

Erik Ross is a Deputy City Attorney for The City of Los Angeles advising its proprietary Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) through all elements of procurement, construction contract drafting, contract implementation, and dispute resolution for its capital improvement projects, which include large alternative delivery design-build, construction management at-risk, and public-private partnership (P3) projects.  Prior to joining the Office of the City Attorney Erik Ross practiced construction law in private practice.  Erik obtained a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Miami and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Miami School of Law.  During his free time Erik serves on the Board of Directors for the Romanian-Armenian Cultural Association.

Carlos Salas is the Assistant Manager of the FAA's Honolulu Airports District Office (ADO) located on the island of Oahu. Serves as the front-line supervisor of the ADO and responsible for ensuring the implementation of overall FAA's AIP grants, BIL funding, ACIP’s and compliance programs at numerous airports in Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and the entire Micronesia (Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and the Marshall Islands).

Prior to joining the FAA, he served as the Executive Director of the CNMI's ports authority and later as the Executive Manager of the Guam International Airport Authority. He also served as the GM of Guam's port authority to oversee the successful completion of the port’s modernization plan. He served as a senior program manager of an engineering firm in Guam responsible for the firm's operations on Guam and in the Pacific Region.

EDUCATION

BA in Political Science with emphasis in business administration, Chaminade University, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Award

Received FAA‘s first award of the Herman Bliss Airports Partnership Award (July 2005) from the FAA Western Pacific Region.

Alex Smith, A.A.E., C.A.E., is an Economic Development & Real Estate Project Manager with the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority (PMGAA). Prior to his current role, he served in numerous, progressively responsible positions within PMGAA’s Operations Department over the last eleven years, most recently as the Terminal Operations Manager. Alex holds both a bachelor’s degree in air traffic management and a master’s degree in criminal justice from Arizona State University. He is an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) through the American Association of Airport Executives and a Certified Airport Executive (C.A.E.) through the Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (SWAAAE). Additionally, Alex currently serves on the SWAAAE Board of Directors representing the State of Arizona.

Corbett Smith has more than 18 years of experience as an Aviation Planner and Project Manager with Mead & Hunt. He has played a key role in developing planning documents for airports ranging in size from air carriers to smaller GA facilities. Corbett serves as a project manager or lead planner for many of Mead & Hunt’s Master Plan and Airport Layout Plan (ALP) projects. He also manages land use compatibility projects, noise studies, and other technical aviation studies including helipad design for on and off airport projects.

With over 35 years in the aviation industry, Chris has experience in projects ranging in size from general aviation paving projects to billion-dollar terminal redevelopment programs at major U.S. airports including managing the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport’s $1B program for the last 10 years. As the National Aviation Director at Burns & McDonnell he is responsible for leading and growing our team of aviation professionals throughout the country.

As a leader, Chris is committed to the growth and career development of each team member within Burns & McDonnell’s aviation practice. He works directly with each individual to provide guidance and insight in the development of strong client relationships, the delivery of quality projects and the appreciation of a complex, expanding industry. In this way, Chris is working to prepare the next generation of aviation industry professionals to effectively design and build tomorrow’s airport infrastructure.

Prior to joining Burns & McDonnell, he was the national aviation director at other major consulting firms. He has worked on projects at major commercial airports across the U.S as well as in Egypt and Taiwan.

Chris received his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Kansas State University.

Brian Stack is a Deputy County Counsel for the County of San Luis Obispo, specializing in land use and airport related matters. Brian is an instrument rated private pilot and received his B.A. from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and J.D. from Loyola Law School.

Jon Stout has over 30 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 three airlines, an industrial park, 385 based aircraft, 26 commercial tenants and 6 rental car agencies. He oversees a staff of 23 employees.

Laurie Suttmeier is the Planning and Programming Branch manager for the FAA’s Western Pacific Region. Laurie has had an extensive career in Aviation, and more particularly with the FAA’s Airports organization. Laurie began her career in airport management, spending the first 14 years of her career managing general aviation and commercial service airports in both Alaska and Wyoming.

The Honorable Alan D. Wapner has been a member of the Ontario City Council for 30 years. Alan is probably most proud of his leadership in regaining local control of the Ontario International Airport. As President of the Airport Authority, he has  overseen an unprecedented successful turn-around of business at the airport, and a huge economic impact in the city and region. Alan is recognized as an expert on transportation policy and represents Ontario on many regional boards:

Ian Whitlock is the Chief Legal Officer for the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority. Mr. Whitlock came to his current position after a long career in environmental and natural resources law. Mr. Whitlock holds a BA in Environmental Studies, and received both an MS in Environmental Sciences and his JD from the University of Texas. He was in private practice in Denver and Portland, then worked as an Assistant Attorney General in Oregon’s Department of Justice. He joined the Port of Portland’s in-house legal team to focus on environmental compliance, later assuming a broader portfolio. He eventually served as both Deputy and Acting General Counsel. Mr. Whitlock is a member of the Texas, Colorado, and Oregon bars, and practices as in-house counsel in Nevada under SCR 49.1(1)(h).

Mike Williams represents the Federal Aviation Administration as the Manager of the Phoenix Airports District Office. In 2012, Mike was selected as the Assistant Manager of the Phoenix Field Office and charged with establishing this new remote field office for the Agency and leading the office transition to the Phoenix Airports District Office. Mike was selected as the Manager in 2013 and the Phoenix Airports District Office was established in May of 2014. The ADO serves airports in the States of Arizona and Nevada.

Prior to joining the FAA, Mr. Williams served as the Director of Airports for the County of San Bernardino, (CA), where he oversaw a system of six (6) general aviation airports. Prior to that, Mr Williams was employed as the Development Manager for the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport Authority. Mr Williams began his airport management career in 1992 with the City of Palm Springs, California, serving in various capacities with the Palm Springs International Airport. Ultimately, Mr Williams served as the Deputy Director of Aviation – Operations where he had oversight for operations, maintenance, security and capital development for the Airport.

Mr. Williams is a 1990 graduate of Arizona State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Management Technology: Airway Science Management. Mike is an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.), having received this distinction in 1998 from the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). Mike is a Certified Airport Executive (C.A.E.) from the Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (SWAAAE). Mike is a past member of the Arizona Airports Association and SWAAAE. Mike is a past Board Member of SWAAAE and the AAAE Board of Examiners.

Mark Witsoe, A.A.A.E./CAE is the Airport Manager for Napa, California bringing vision, strategy, and implementation to a diverse and growing community. Napa County Airport is an active general aviation airport. He leads the organization to realize Napa County Airport’s grand vision for achieving its potential to serve as the ‘Skyport to the Wine Country'.

Mark is a member of the Board of Directors for AAAE, a Past President and active committee volunteer of SWAAAE, and a member of WRAPm.

Doug Yakel is the Public Information Officer at the San Francisco International Airport. In this position, he serves as SFO’s primary spokesperson for internal and external communications, represents the Airport at various community outreach forums, and develops content and programs for the Airport’s social media outlets. Doug also created a YouTube video series, titled “Inside SFO”, which takes viewers behind the scenes to profile the people and events happening at the San Francisco International Airport.

Doug led the airport’s public communication activities in the wake of the Asiana Airlines Flight 214 accident in July 2013, and has spoken extensively on the experience in aviation industry forums around the world.

Doug brings 30 years of airline/airport operational experience to his role, having served in a variety of leadership positions with United Airlines at the airline’s corporate headquarters in Chicago as well as at SFO and LAX airports. He also was part of the team which launched Virgin America in 2007, serving as the first Station Manager at SFO, before joining the San Francisco International Airport in 2010 as an Airport Duty Manager, with responsibility for the day-to-day operations of all airport functions at SFO.

Doug holds a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology from Purdue University.

As President and Owner of DY Consultants, Dennis brings nearly 40 years of invaluable experience as a Project Executive, Lead Planner, and Designer in the aviation industry. His unwavering dedication, marked by a personal investment in clients' airport visions, ensures exceptional service and successful project delivery. Throughout his career, Dennis has been representing airport owners, providing practical solutions to challenges in planning and executing diverse airport projects nationwide.

Dennis excels in the development, implementation, and, when needed, acceleration of airport projects. His engineering expertise is a cornerstone in addressing planning-stage challenges and seamlessly transitioning to construction projects. His expertise in ICAO and FAA Standards and Regulations informs the conceptual and functional planning and design of airport facilities, aligning them with the airport's vision and goals while prioritizing safety and operational needs.

A notable aspect of Dennis's career is his commitment to fostering the growth of young professionals in the aviation industry. He takes pride in identifying and supporting motivated individuals, offering unique opportunities for their development. This dedication has resulted in the emergence of leaders within the aeronautical community.