78th Annual Summer Conference  

Cameron is currently the Airport Manager for Safford Regional Airport. As the Airport Manager, he is responsible for numerous projects, including air service development, hangar construction, and the development of an industrial park, along with the numerous other facets of running a growing GA airport.

Prior to taking his current role, Cameron worked for Williston Basin International Airport in North Dakota. Cameron is also a member of the Army Reserves and currently serves as an intelligence officer. Cameron holds a bachelor’s degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ in Aeronautics.

Hey there I'm Roy Ambrose, a Civil Engineer working at the San Francisco Airports District Office within the FAA for the past three years. My expertise lies in airport design, pavement, and construction standards, where I've contributed to ensuring safe and efficient air travel operations.

My journey into Civil Engineering began during my time at the University of California, Merced, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. It was there that I discovered my passion for the field through immersive experiences like participating in a truss bridge competition, sparking my fascination with civil engineering.

"A dream does not become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work." This quote is something I live by, as it embodies the ethos of perseverance and dedication that drives me in both my personal and professional endeavors. It aligns perfectly with the mission of the FAA, where every day, we work tirelessly to ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel.

Beyond the confines of engineering, I find solace in the virtual realms of video games, immersing myself in interactive worlds for leisure. Additionally, I'm an avid powerlifter, constantly challenging myself physically and mentally in the pursuit of strength and fitness.

I believe in the power of continuous learning and growth, both personally and professionally, and I'm always eager to connect with fellow enthusiasts and industry professionals.

Shellie Anderson is a principal with Bryce Consulting over 25 years of human resource consulting experience, specifically within the public sector. Her background includes managing and participating in compensation and classification studies of varying sizes, organizational analyses, recruitment and selection, development of performance evaluation systems, and succession planning. Ms. Anderson received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the California State University, Sacramento.

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 in 2022, 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 (LDC) and serves on the AAAE LDC. 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.

Gladys Diva Brown, C.M., C.A.E. is the Airport Director at Yuma International Airport. Yuma International Airport is co-located with Marine Corps Air Station Yuma and is a Shared Use airport with a Joint Use Operating Agreement. Ms. Brown’s primary function is to operate the airport in compliance with applicable FAA regulations and state law, as well as to maintain the positive relationship with Marine Corps Air Station Yuma and promote Commercial Air Service and General Aviation in a safe and secure manner.

Under the leadership and guidance of Ms. Brown, Yuma International Airport is the recipient of the 2021 and 2015 Arizona Airport of Year, which is awarded and recognized by the Arizona Department of Transportation Aeronautics Group. Gladys received the California Maritime Academy 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award, she is featured in Cal State University “Made in the CSU” as one of the notable CSU Alumnus in the Aerospace and Aviation, the Southwest American Association of Airport Executives (SWAAAE) 2017 Executive of the Year, the Arizona Airports Association (AzAA) 2017 Airport Executive of the Year, recognized as one of aviation’s best and featured as one of the brightest in the 2017 Airport Business 40 Under 40, and the 2017 Yuma Chamber of Commerce Athena International Award recipient. In 2022, Ms. Brown will be featured as Arizona’s Most Intriguing Women 2nd Edition Book, highlighting 48 Women Leaders in the State of Arizona.

Prior to becoming the Airport Director, Ms. Brown was the Deputy Airport Director and originally joined Yuma International Airport in March 2009 as the Director of Operations. In addition to the duties of the positions she has held, Ms. Brown was the airport project manager overseeing all engineering, cost estimating and construction at the airport. Ms. Brown worked previously in various capacities as a Civil Engineer, Mechanical & Electrical Integrity Consultant and a High School Math Teacher.

She earned her Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the California Maritime Academy accompanied with a United States Coast Guard Third Assistant Engineer License. Ms. Brown obtained her AAAE Certified Member (C.M.) designation, is an active member of the Southwest AAAE chapter and is recognized as a Certified Airport Executive (C.A.E.). Ms. Brown is a Past President of the Arizona Airports Association and continues to support the one voice approach for key issues in aerospace and aeronautics for the State of Arizona, and regionally serves on the Board of Directors as the At-Large Director for the Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (SWAAAE).

Ms. Brown volunteers in the STEM/AVID curriculum, sits on the Board of Directors for Cal State Maritime Academy Foundation (CMAF) serving as the External Relations Committee Chairman, serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation, Yuma 50 Board Member, is a founding member of the Naval Sea Cadet Committee Yuma Sea Eagles Squadron, Board Chairman for United Way of Yuma County, participates in the Expect More Arizona and on the Yuma County Education Advisory Council. Ms. Brown also assists with the annual competitive mathlete competition MathCounts, participates and assists in various youth sport teams, coaches youth basketball and officiates basketball. Ms. Brown has a strong commitment to her community, believes in mentoring to help build leadership for tomorrow and leads to inspire through passionate forward movement.

Hardy Bullock is a multi-engine instrument pilot with current experience in gliders, single engine, turbo prop and jet aircraft. He brings 24 years of aviation and airport planning experience to his role with Mead & Hunt. He has been involved in airspace evaluations, instrument flight procedure development studies, noise mitigation projects, air traffic control tower siting studies, and a litany of airport development and stakeholder engagement projects. Hardy has been involved in local government for the past 15 years as an appointed planner commissioner for Towns, and Counties as well as serving on numerous civic and non-profit group boards and commissions. Hardy serves as the elected 5th District Supervisor for Nevada County’s eastern region and is the current Chairman of the Board. Hardy also serves as a Board member for the Regional Finance Authority, Air Quality Management District, Local Area Formation Commission, and Airport Land Use Commission.

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.

Zenia M. Cornejo is one of two Airport Administration Managers at Falcon Filed Airport in Mesa, Arizona. Ms. Cornejo is responsible for managing ground leases, ensuring that leases are properly executed, monitoring leases for compliance, and following up with tenants who are non-compliant as well as managing several aspects of ground leases, such as security deposits, and the airport’s Enterprise Document Management System for City of Mesa contracts. Ms. Cornejo assists with numerous other City projects such as the City’s performance measures, the fiscal year budget, and drafts the airport’s standard operating procedures.

In addition, she assists tenants with the City planning and building permit process by reviewing and commenting on plans from the Airport’s perspective and ensuring that plans meet the Falcon Field Airport Planned Area Development Design Standards. Ms. Cornejo also assists the Airport Director with special projects as assigned.

Ms. Cornejo Chairs the Mesa Hispanic Network, an affinity group for City of Mesa employees and is very active in promoting Falcon Field Airport on social media via En Espanol, the City’s platform for engaging with the Hispanic community.

Overall, Ms. Cornejo has 24 years of municipal government experience, previously serving the City of Eloy and the City of Scottsdale.

Ms. Cornejo received both her Bachelor’s degree in Communication and her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Arizona State University. Ms. Cornejo currently resides in Chandler, Arizona.

Rick is Executive Vice President, Airport/Railport & Military Relations at Port San Antonio, which resides on 1,900-acres of the former Kelly Air Force Base in southwestern San Antonio, TX. Port San Antonio is a logistics-based, technology and innovation, industrial platform home to some 80 companies and governmental agencies that employ 16,000 workers, representing more than $5 billion in annual local economic impact. A significant component of the Port San Antonio holdings is the civil facet of Kelly Field, a vibrant industrial aviation base of aerospace giants such as Boeing, Chromalloy, and StandardAero. Aerospace and aerospace-related firms at Port San Antonio employ more than 4,000 workers, most of whom specialize in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), specialized aircraft services, and research and development (R&D) activities. Prior to joining Port San Antonio, Crider served as Vice President of Airport Development and Management Services at RW Armstrong, establishing and leading the Austin office that served aviation and transportation customers in the southwestern United States, the Caribbean and Latin America. Rick is married to Joyce Crider and has three adult children - Philip, Danielle and Natalie.

Scott manages and develops the company’s real estate and infrastructure portfolio while leading the organizations sustainability, community engagement, governmental affairs, and workforce development divisions. He is a third-generation pilot with deep experience in marketing, communications, and business development across a wide spectrum of business aviation disciplines. He serves on multiple industry environmental and sustainability committees and is an active member of industry associations. His passion for aviation started early. Upon receiving his B.S. in business management from Biola University, he became a Certified Flight Instructor with instrument and multi-engine instruction privileges. In 2021 he received his Corporate Aircraft Manager (CAM) certification from the National Business Aviation Association, is an advocate member of the International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA), and serves as a mentor for students attending Orange Coast College.

Lemuel del Castillo is the Lead Civil Engineer for the San Francisco Airports District Office (SFO ADO) of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), an office that administers the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) for Northern California. He is a subject matter expert for airport design standards and AIP for the SFO ADO. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering at California State University, Los Angeles in June 2014. He received his Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering at the same university in June 2016. He started with the FAA in October 2015. He is readily available to provide guidance to airports’ questions and issues.

Allen Dishman began his aviation career at O’hare and Midway in Chicago in 2010. Since then, he has supported facility services at a multitude of the Country’s largest and most intricate Airports. As the Director of Business Development for C&W Services, Allen is eager to share the knowledge that he has learned over the last 14 years to enhance the facility and overall experience for your passengers, employees, and visitors.

Ryan Dittoe joined Mead & Hunt in September 2021 as an Aviation Planner in the Midwest region. His experience includes both airside and landside master planning. Adjacent to and integral with his airport planning work, Ryan has begun working with the Mead & Hunt team to understand and educate others on inclusive and accessible design at airports. This will ultimately lead to the implementation within projects of best practices for planning terminals and other public-facing elements of the airport for passengers with physical and cognitive disabilities. Prior to Mead & Hunt, Ryan worked with the Sacramento County Department of Airports as an Airport Planner. He has served as part of the leadership group for the Transportation Research Board's (TRB) Young Members Council - Aviation (YMC-A) and a contributor to the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP). He earned his AAAE C.M. designation in 2017 and the A.A.E. accreditation in May 2021.

Andrew Durkee is the Manager of the Concessions Program at Sacramento International Airport (SMF). With a background in real estate consulting and a passion for aviation, he oversees the Concessions department including property management functions, business development, project permit review, and ACDBE and outreach functions. Andrew began his role at SMF in April of 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has built his aviation management career amid uncertainty, constantly building the program while moving forward.

Bert comes from an aviation family; his father was an Air Force Reserve Colonel and a Captain with a major airline. His younger brother is currently a flight attendant with another major airline.

Bert had dreams of becoming a commercial pilot and started higher education in the Commercial Aviation AS Degree program at Orange Coast College while working on his private pilot license. He went off to San Jose State University studying for his BS degree in Airport Operations Administration. During his senior year he received the only paid internship with the Santa Clara County Airports Division and served a voluntary internship with San Jose Airport’s Noise Office and another with the Federal Aviation Administration’s Flight Standards District Office in San Jose.

Full time employment began with Santa Clara County’s Airports Division in 1994 working airport operations at all three of its general aviation airports. He joined San Francisco International Airport’s Aircraft Noise Abatement Office in April 1989 as a Noise Abatement Technician and rose through Senior Noise Abatement Specialist, Systems Manager and has been the department’s Manager since 2003.

While serving as Manager at SFO he managed two full noise monitoring system replacements and many incremental upgrades. He was instrumental in getting SFO’s PRM\SOIA approach online, the Oceanic Tailored Arrivals program at SFO and is now on SFO’s Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS) Implementation Team. He has served on three Airport Cooperative Research Program panels.

Justin is a Department Manager and Senior Mechanical Engineer in Burns & McDonnell’s OnSite Energy & Power group. He has 18 years of diversified experience in the management, design and analysis of large district energy and power projects and is a Certified Energy Manager. He has significant experience in central utility plant design, utility and energy planning, energy modeling, sustainability, electrification, and energy conservation.

Todd Hauptli is President and CEO of AAAE. He is the third CEO in the Association’s history.

Todd joined AAAE in 1991 and prior to becoming CEO was responsible for overseeing AAAE’s interactions with Congress and the Executive Branch agencies.

Before joining AAAE, Todd served as a Congressional Relations Officer handling aviation issues at the Department of Transportation.

Prior to his service at the Department of Transportation, Todd served on the White House staff of President Ronald Reagan as Associate Director of Cabinet Affairs. He also worked at the Department of Commerce, first in the Congressional Affairs office, then directly for the Secretary of Commerce.

He began his career on Capitol Hill working on the staff of the House Republican Research Committee. He is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara.

Todd is married with three sons. He and his family reside in McLean, Virginia.

As the current Airport Director for Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), with more than 32 years of experience in the aviation industry, Mr. Hastert is responsible for the maintenance, operations, fiscal management, and long-term capital planning for the airport. He leads a staff of 73 employees and manages a $31 million operating budget. He is committed to providing a convenient, stress-free travel experience for central coast passengers, promoting the welfare and success of the general aviation community, all while minimizing impacts on neighboring areas.

Prior to joining the Santa Barbara Airport team, he served as General Manager of the Santa Maria Public Airport for 14 years, 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 for 12 years, and served in the US Army as an Aviation Operations Specialist for 5 years.

He is currently the Board President of the California Airports Council, board member of the Association of California Airports, membership chair for the Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives, and past president of the Santa Maria Breakfast Rotary Club.

When not enjoying the view from above as private pilot since 2002, he also enjoys camping and offroad driving with Kathy, his wife of 25 years, and sons Riley (20) and Colin (17).

Matthew Kazmierczak is the Division Manager for the San José Mineta International Airport. Matthew works directly for Airport Director and Assistant Director to coordinate and collaborate with all the divisions in the Airport on key initiatives. He manages strategic support functions for the Airport, including human relations, IT, administration, training, strategic planning, regulatory, government affairs, and cross-functional, airport-wide projects. His team also oversees the airport living wage and civil rights regulations and manages programs to promote inclusion and diversity. Matthew regularly represents the airport to stakeholders at the local, state, and federal levels and as the Secretary of the Airport Commission. He has been with the San José Airport for nearly a decade.

Prior to working for the airport, he worked representing the high-tech industry as an executive at a nationwide trade association in Washington, DC. In this capacity he led a team of 16 regional offices, oversaw the day-to-day operations of the association, and directed the non-profit arm of the organization. Before this, he worked for Congressman Norman Mineta in his DC office.

Matthew has a master’s degree in public policy from Georgetown University and dual bachelor’s degrees in economic and political science from University of California, Irvine. He also completed an executive education program for technology leaders at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He lives in San José with his wife (Amada Torres) and two kids.

Ken Keatts brings over 47 years of unparalleled experience in the aviation industry, specializing in the development of hangar purchase and rental programs for investors. For the past 47 years, he has been a key player at Port-a-Port, Diversified Hangar Corporation, and Erect-A-Tube. And has been the western regional manager for Erect-A-Tube for the last 27 years.

KA long-time member of both SWAAAE and AzAA, Ken holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) with a focus on Business Management, and Marketing from Cal State University, Fresno. His expertise extends beyond the business realm, with over 1,000 hours as a single-engine rated pilot and a high-performance aircraft endorsement.

KKen’s extensive background and dedication make him a formidable asset in the aviation industry.

Gretchen manages the San Carlos and Half Moon Bay Airports, focusing on safe and efficient operations while balancing the needs of the airports with those of the surrounding communities.

Her aviation experience includes more than 10 years with the FAA Airports Division as well as medium-hub airport operations, and corporate flight planning. Gretchen holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s degree in aviation management from San Jose State University.

Passionate about empowering the next generation of aviation professionals, Gretchen teaches part-time in the aviation program at SJSU and actively participates in aviation youth and scholarship programs. In addition, she is a Northern California Director for SWAAAE and a Board Member of the Aero Club of Northern California.

A private pilot, Gretchen spends her days off exploring airports in the Bay Area and beyond.

Kelly McAllister is a Director for 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 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.

As vice president and general manager of the Burns & McDonnell California offices, Rashmi leads a team of multidiscipline professionals in delivering critical infrastructure projects in the energy, aviation, mission-critical, manufacturing, federal, construction, environmental and technology industries.

With a customer-focused mindset, Rashmi has more than 20 years of experience in leading diverse teams to deliver innovative solutions for clients. She previously served in a senior executive position at a global engineering firm, leading multiple teams across North America and delivering large capital improvement airport programs.

Rashmi is passionate about fostering inclusive teams that celebrate differences and create opportunities for innovation and collaboration. Serving as an executive sponsor for the Burns & McDonnell Asian Pacific Islander Employee Resource Group, she fosters a culture of respect and empowerment to succeed.

Rashmi is also actively engaged in industry and community organizations throughout the region, serving in leadership roles for the California Chamber as well as other groups. Rashmi is deeply passionate about giving back to the community and supporting the next generation of women leaders.

She earned her master’s degree in construction management from Texas A&M University and her bachelor’s degree in architecture from the College of Engineering, Trivandrum, in India.

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 March 2018, Ken assumed the airport manager position at the Carson City Airport (CXP) until his retirement in March 2021. In April 2021, Ken was hired by Armstrong Consultants as a Special Projects Manager and Airport Planner. Ken serves as the SWAAAE Legislative Committee Chair and is the President of the Nevada Aviation Association. Ken has been married to Denise for 41 years…in a row! Ken is a father of two and grandpa of two.

A.J. Nardini is the Partner and C.O.O. for On Demand Solutions. As a young executive, A.J. has been a driving force in building ODS, a company that offers a broad array of services in the most important part of every business – the People! He is a master’s degree, certified educator, and certified OSHA trainer. A.J. is trained as a high-level Human Resource Generalist, but specializes in all things compliance. He can help your business navigate the alphabet soup of government compliance organizations, and keep you off their radar. His background in education and compliance gives him the ability to adapt important information so that it can be understood by all employees, from the hourly employee to the executive level. A.J. is also a lover of animals, especially his dog Piper. When he is not working, you can find him hiking on trails all over the middle Tennessee area, watching sports and vigorously cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs.

After a forced aviation medical retirement at Southwest Airlines, Matt Nelson decided to run for the Board of Directors at the Monterey Peninsula Airport District and squeaked by with a narrow win. He served two elected terms, twice as Chair to this special district. After spending eight years on the board, Nelson embarked in airport management serving as the Director of Operations at the Mojave Air & Space Port, incidentally a special airport district with and elected governing body identical to Monterey. Recent career experiences include serving as the Airport Manager of Marina, home of Joby Aviation, and today as the airport manager at the Salinas Municipal Airport. Nelson also lends help to ADK Consulting & Executive Search as a national recruiter. Having experienced both ends of an elected airport district, Nelson will attempt to demystify, educate, and provide lessons on a establishing a symbiotic relationship.

As Sacramento County's Director of Airports, Cindy is at the helm of four diverse airports. This includes the bustling Sacramento International Airport, a medium-hub commercial service airport and the crown jewel of the Sacramento County Department of Airports. She also oversees Mather Airport, a former US Air Force base that was transferred to Sacramento County in 1995 and has become an indispensable asset catering to cargo airlines and general aviation. Two general aviation airports, Executive Airport and Franklin Field, are also under her purview, providing private pilots ready access to the state’s capital and training opportunities. She is leading a $1.3 billion capital program, SMForward, to meet all-time record passenger demand by adding gates and terminal space, parking, rental cars and other ground transportation. Cindy focuses on creating an innovative, growth mindset with her staff and is proud of their many “firsts” among counterparts in the County, state and nation.

Prior to joining the County, Cindy's tenure as Chief Financial Officer at the Port of Portland illuminated her capacity for visionary growth. In her role on the executive team, she was pivotal in setting the direction for the Port's many functions, from airports and marine terminals to industrial parks and a dredge. Key milestones during her tenure encompassed master planning, initiating a 6-gate terminal expansion, introduction of innovative concessions, and culture change, among others.

Cindy's professional journey traces back to significant roles as the Finance Director at San Francisco International Airport and leading a 60-member finance and business team at Leigh Fisher Associates/Jacobs Consultancy. Her foundational experience stems from her time with the Massachusetts Port Authority in planning and then business and finance functions.

Today, Cindy is contributing to advancing nationwide aviation policy and best practices in her roles on the ACI-NA Executive Committee, U.S. Policy Committee, and Board Finance Committee. She is also in a leadership position with the California Airports Council through which she has helped influence key state legislation.

Cindy is an alumnus of Carleton College with a B.A. in History, holds a Master's degree in African Studies from the University of London, and earned a Master of Public Policy from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Vincent Nguyen is a Planner/PM with the Federal Aviation Administration at the Los Angeles Airports District Office. He collaborates with the various FAA Lines of Business to support major airport capital improvement plans and program implementations at numerous airports in Southern California. He was most recently a PM with the Seattle Airports District Office. Prior to his roles with the FAA, Mr. Nguyen was an accomplished design consultant with national firms working on major capital programs at hub airports that include: LAX, PDX, SEA, and SLC.

As the Director of Arora's Western US Region, Mr Paige's responsibilities include Business Development, Strategic Planning, Operations Management, Project Management and Engineering. Mr. Paige has over 35 years of experience in the engineering and construction industry, focused on Aviation and Transportation providing engineering services in the Design-Build, Design-Bid-Build, and P3 delivery methods. This experience includes over 100 small to large hub electrification projects at airports across the nation. Projects range from power and environmental studies and Vale Grants to electrification projects for infrastructure upgrades, PCA, 400Hz, eGSE Charging, EV and Bus Charging as well as a new EVTOL Terminal.

Mindy is the owner of Direct Effect Solutions, a woman-owned management consulting company based in Columbus, Ohio. She is an expert in human behavior and organizational dynamics and works with companies around the country to create high-performing systems. In her spare time, she can often be found reading, exploring or cooking. As a product of the 80’s, she has yet to solve the Rubik’s cube. She loves to have adventures that turn into good stories.

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.

Cody Roggatz has over 18 years of experience in the aviation industry. He has been the Director of Aviation for Humboldt County, CA since September 2018. As the Director of Aviation, Cody oversees the operation of six airports throughout Humboldt County including: California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (ACV), Eureka-Murray Field (EKA), Rohnerville Airport (FOT), Garberville Airport (O16), Kneeland Airport (O19) and Dinsmore Airport (D63). The Humboldt County-Department of Aviation Team that Cody has led for the past 5+ years has worked hard to deliver over $40 million in infrastructure improvements to ACV and the other five County airports.

Prior to joining the Humboldt County Team, Cody served as the Transportation Director for the City of Aberdeen. As the Transportation Director, Cody managed the Aberdeen Regional Airport and the Ride Line Transit Program. Before serving Aberdeen, he worked in airport operations at King County International Airport-Boeing Field in Seattle, WA, the Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, CA and Lubbock International Airport in Northern Texas. Cody attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, receiving his B.B.A. in Airport Management in 2009. While attending college he worked in Flight Operations for the Aeronautics College.

Cody has actively promoted his profession, colleagues, and his communities in the past by volunteering with numerous non-profits, serving on different boards, and leading the South Dakota Airport Manager’s Association (SDAMA) as President in the past, and currently serving as the President of the Association of California Airports (ACA). In his “downtime” he enjoys getting out in the field with his dog, Sioux, in the pursuit of pheasants and waterfowl.

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

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

Judy earned a Master’s degree in Aviation Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of North Dakota. She served on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) where she is an Accredited Airport Executive (AAE). Additionally, she served on the Board member of the Southwest Chapter of AAAE, where she is also a Certified Airport Executive. In addition, she services on the Board of the International Partnering Institute and received the Chairman’s Award for 2021.

Stacey N. Sheston is a partner in the Labor & Employment practice group of Best Best & Krieger LLP. Prior to joining BB&K, she was a shareholder, practice group leader and chief talent officer on the management committee of McDonough Holland & Allen in Sacramento. Stacey’s practice includes day-to-day employment advice, such as dealing with problem employees (including discipline and terminations), handling harassment complaints and investigations, responding to requests for disability accommodations, addressing wage and hour and leave of absence questions, responding to grievances and unfair practice charges, and drafting employment agreements, handbooks and policies. On the litigation side, Stacey represents employers in mediations, arbitrations, administrative hearings and court proceedings (including jury and non-jury trials) arising out of employment matters, including wrongful termination, breach of contract, unpaid wages, harassment, discrimination and retaliation. Stacey is a member of the State Bar of California, the Sacramento County Bar Association Labor & Employment Section and the Women Lawyers of Sacramento. She is also former editorial chair of, and contributor to, the Personnel Chapter of the Municipal Law Handbook (CEB 2010). From 2012 to 2021, Stacey was named by her peers as a Northern California Super Lawyer for employment and labor law. She is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Central & Eastern districts of California and the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.

Kevin Smith has 27 years of comprehensive experience in the aviation industry and government leadership. Prior to joining Mead & Hunt in 2022 as their Market Leader for Aviation Planning, Kevin served as the General Manager of the Truckee-Tahoe Airport District. Kevin’s experience encompasses supervising day to day airport operations balanced with long-term strategic direction, and business development of airports and municipalities. He has extensive experience serving and supporting elected and appointed boards, councils, and commissions. He regularly counsels’ airports on master planning, airport administration challenges, hangar leasing and development, aviation and non-aviation land use planning, Section 163, noise and annoyance mitigation, public outreach strategies, support of elected officials, and strategic planning. Kevin is an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) and has served on various AAAE Committees including the Board of Examiners. His experience also extends to municipal government as a City Planner, Community Development Director, and Assistant City Manager. He has held positions in the FBO industry at TRK and with Million Air. Kevin is an instrument rated private pilot with a passion for aviation and the intriguing world of airports, how they function, and how they can be improved. In his spare time, he enjoys being at sea searching for sea turtles, golfing, and spending time with his family.

Mr. Schneider currently is a Senior Principal and Terracon’s National Director for Site Investigation and Remediation. With over 3 decades in environmental and geotechnical engineering and remedial construction management, he also leads Terracon’s nationwide PFAS Professionals Network which consists of over 100 environmental professionals currently involved in PFAS projects across Terracon’s national footprint. He is a Subject Matter Expert on PFAS projects across the country including commercial and Department of Defense airports as well as facilities related to fire training, power generation and other industries evaluating PFAS risk. For the ACRP research project, Dan was the Team Lead as well as a contributing author for Technical Report 255.

Originally from Modesto, California, Lauren has over 15 years of experience working in Public Sector Human Resources. Lauren believes firmly that, at their core, people want to succeed, to manage and be managed well, and to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Lauren's ultimate goal as Human Resources Manager is to unlock the channels of communication, bringing big pictures to life in real time contexts, and, through authentic, candid and genuine feedback, to deliver goal-exceeding results. In her current capacity at the Truckee Tahoe Airport District she is responsible for supporting the General Manager and Senior Support Staff with Human Resources and Risk Management support. Lauren is Board Chair of the Truckee Tahoe Workforce Housing Agency, acting Legislative Director for the Sierra Human Resources Association (SHRA), a Certified Professional with the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM-CP), Certified Member (CM) with American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), and a Certified District Clerk/Board Secretary through California Special District’s Association (CSDA).

Robert (Bob) Trimborn has approximately 40 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 Municipal 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 Senior Consultant for Aviation Management Consulting Group 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 general aviation segment of the industry.

Jae Tomosada is an Equal Opportunity Specialist in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Office of Civil Rights. He is part of the team that oversees airport program compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and related requirements, ensuring nondiscrimination and compliance in airport programs. The team conducts compliance reviews, complaint investigations, consultations, and trainings, and advises the agency on related policy matters. Jae has worked at the FAA since 2023. Previously, he served in the United States Navy for 10 years, as a maintenance tech and process improvement coordinator/instructor. Jae earned his undergraduate degree at Pennsylvania State University.

Leilani Ventura is a Strategic Account Advisor at Sacramento Metropolitan Utilities District (SMUD), the 6th largest community owned electric utility in the United States. She has worked as the primary point of contact for the Sacramento County Department of Airports for the last 5 years. As the Airport’s Strategic Account Advisor, Leilani has developed a personalized business partnership with Airport Management that focuses on the delivery of comprehensive energy solutions to meet the Airport’s growing and complex electric service requirements. In recent collaboration with the Airport, Leilani provided valuable support with Airport leaders on their Sustainability Management Plan that includes the framework of their sustainability and energy initiatives. Prior to joining SMUD, Leilani worked in the financial arena as an Assistant Vice President at a national financial firm.

Wayne Whitzell has been an active member in IFMA since 2000. He is IFMA’s 2018 International Distinguished Member of the Year. In 2015, he was selected as IFMA’s International Associate of the Year and was selected as IFMA’s Distinguished Author of the Year in 2016 and 2021. He is the Vice President for IFMA’s Corporate Facilities Council and the Past President of IFMA East Bay. Over the years, he has held various chapter positions such as Sustainability Committee Chair, Website Chair, and Sacramento Valley Chapter Vice President. He has presented seventeen sessions at IFMA’s World Workplace international conferences and has presented at several IFMA chapter and council events and Facility Fusion. He supports the IFMA Foundation initiatives by routinely speaking at local schools and colleges about a career in FM. Wayne is the President for DFS Green, a company which specializes in workplace health diagnostics and verification, and maintaining carpet, fabrics, tile & grout, and natural stone across the United States.

Chris works for the Sacramento County Department of Airports as the Deputy Airport Director for Finance & Administration. In this role, Chris oversees Accounting, Financial Planning & Analysis, Information Technology, the Project Portfolio Office, Human Resources and Airport Administration for a 4-airport system with a $250 million operating budget and a more than $1.2 billion 5-year CIP. Chris has worked in public and private finance for more than a decade and has been an airport financial executive for the past 3 years. Chris holds a Master of Business Administration Degree as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He resides in Citrus Heights, California with his wife and young son.

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.

Currently serving as Lead Program Manager for Airport Planning at the San Francisco Airports District Office. 20-years experience with Federal Aviation Administration. Bachelor of Science in Aviation, along with FAA Airway Science Program Certificate from SJSU, and FAA Program for Emerging Leaders (PEL) Graduate, Cohort 8.