65th Annual AIRPORT MANAGEMENT Short course

Jennifer Zientz, Director of Programs and Head of Clinical Services at Center for BrainHealth®, focuses on the translation of BrainHealth research to improve how people think, work and live.

Jennifer administers performance-based assessments and facilitates training workshops that empower individuals across the lifespan to take the lead in strengthening their focus, mental efficiency, reasoning and possibility thinking.

She has facilitated SMART™ Brain Training for specialized groups – including military leadership, active-duty special operators, veterans and their spouses, law enforcement officers, corporate executives and leadership teams, community leaders, athletes and graduate students.

Her career in clinical research and translational application has contributed to the growing knowledge of the impact of cognitive training in health. Jennifer’s early work focused on the important role that complex language processing plays in diagnosis and treatment of dementias. She also worked to define best practices for speech-language pathologists in the path of care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.

Angi Daus is the Marketing Supervisor at Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), where she has dedicated the past five years to managing SBA’s marketing, communications, advertising, community engagement, customer experience, and air service development. She also serves on the SWAAAE Board of Directors, representing Southern California as of July 2023.

Air service development is vital to small destination cities like Santa Barbara, as it strengthens both the local economy and the community's connectivity to the wider world. For Santa Barbara, having a well-managed public air transportation system ensures residents and visitors have reliable, convenient travel options, which is crucial for tourism, business growth, and community accessibility. It’s Angi’s mission to support her community through this work and a position on the ACI-NA Air Service Committee Steering Group will be in service to that.

Angi's career spans lifestyle brands, nonprofits, and L&D organizations, including her work with the American Cancer Society. In 2018, she founded LL Brid Consulting, an organizational development firm named in honor of her dog, Lucy. Angi holds an MPA from Metropolitan State University and a BA from the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, which fueled her commitment to public service. Passionate about community, she volunteers locally and enjoys hiking, cycling, and the natural beauty of Santa Barbara.

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.

Mr. Ted Anasis is a Manager of Airport Planning with the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority with 20+ years experience leading long-term airport master planning, facility planning and environmental review/California Coastal Act review of Airport projects. Mr. Anasis has led the master planning and environmental review for major airport facilities at San Diego International Airport including the 10-gate expansion of Terminal 2 (known as the Green Build) which opened in 2013; the first Rental Car Center which opened in 2016; and the Airport Development Plan which is presently constructing a new 30-gate Terminal 1 replacement, a new entry road, and a 5-story parking structure. As the Manager of Airport Planning, he has led the preparation of regional aviation activity forecasts for aircraft operations and passengers, as well as developing the facility requirements to meet the region’s demand for air service. Mr. Anasis also serves as a volunteer at Torrey Pines State Reserve and serves as Vice Chair for the Board of TURN Behavioral Health Services, a non-profit organization, and also serves on the Board of Directors for the North San Diego Business Chamber.

Born and raised in Payson, Utah. After graduating high school, Tom served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Southern France. Tom then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Southern Utah University and began his career initially teaching high school and middle school science. In 2009, Tom pursued their lifelong dream of becoming a pilot, transitioning from teaching into a career in aviation.

Since 2009, Tom has earned a Commercial Pilots License, and while working towards his master’s in public administration in Aviation Management from the University of Nebraska – Omaha, he worked for two years as a management intern and Assistant Manager for an FBO in Spanish Fork, UT. Since that time Tom has worked as an Adjunct Professor of Aviation for Utah Valley University, served as the airport manager for Show Low Regional Airport, and now is serving as the Airport Manager of Chico Regional Airport, Tom is married to his wife, of 19 years, Michelle, and together they have two daughters.

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. In addition, Ms. Ballance has been general counsel to Ontario International Airport Authority (proprietor for Ontario International Airport).

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.

Andrew Brooks has 24 years of experience working in environmental review of Federal projects, the last 22 of which have been with the FAA. He has managed major complex Environmental Impact Statements and Environmental Assessments for Eastern Region, the New York Airport District Office, San Francisco Airport District Office, and the Air Traffic Organization. In addition to his environmental roles, he has worked in the planning, Passenger Facility Charge, Compliance, and grant programs. He has provided his knowledge as a resource expert for multiple organizations within the FAA prior to his current role as the National Environmental Resource Expert for the Airports Directorate (ARP). He is the Technical Lead for ARP on the Noise Policy Review, the 1050.1 Update, and has been engaged with or authored many recent policy documents issued by ARP and the Office of Environment and Energy. He is a native of San Francisco but currently lives on Long Island, New York. Mr. Brooks earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from Adelphi University’s Honors College and Masters of Arts in Environmental Policy with a concentration in Environmental Economics from American University’s School of International Service. He has a high schooler and middle schooler at home and due to their schedules has no concept of free time.

Byron Chavez is a Vice President, Senior Project Manager, and Southwest Division Leader for RS&H. Byron is an experienced professional engineer with a focus on aviation consulting and infrastructure design. His background includes 17 years of experience in aviation-related projects - ranging from airside, landside, and terminal projects including project management, technical design, and construction services; inclusive of projects ranging from general aviation to large-hub commercial service airports. Byron is a licensed Professional Engineer in California, Texas, Oklahoma, Nevada, and Arizona.

Outside of work, Byron enjoys spending time with his wife, Christy, and their energetic 3-year-old Boston Terrier, Tiki. He is also passionate about motorcycles—both riding and working on them—and is looking forward to getting back into flying to explore the Southwest.

Travis Clausen is the Regional Manager of Aviation and Defense for Sully-Miller Contracting. After spending some time in the U.S. Army Travis attended California State University Fullerton where he earned a degree in Business with an emphasis in Finance. Travis has served on the board of the Southern California Contractors Association for more than a decade as well as having served on several committees.

Travis started with Sully-Miller Contracting in 2006 with his first projects being at Long Beach Airport and at the adjacent Boeing facility that used to be home to Douglas Aircraft. This introduction to construction in aviation quickly became a lifelong passion, and Travis has specialized in airport construction ever since, working on most of the airports in Southern California over the last 18 years. Travis has held almost every position in construction operations at Sully-Miller, from Project Engineer, Project Manager, Operations Manager, Construction Manager and now managing all Aviation and Defense work.

Travis lives with his wife and two daughters in Orange County, CA. He enjoys the outdoors participating in hiking and backpacking, participates in races and triathlons with one daughter, and tries to play guitar with his other daughter.

Albert (Albie) Cohen leads an environmental law practice with more than 40 years of experience handling complex environmental cases, regulatory matters and transactions. He advises clients on soil and groundwater contamination, hazardous waste, air pollution, CERCLA, RCRA, the Clean Air Act, CARB regulations, CEQA, NEPA, Proposition 65, RoHS, REACH, water law, and other aspects of environmental law. Earlier in his career, Albie practiced law with the U.S. government, handling environmental and enforcement matters involving land, water and air pollution as well as occupational health and safety. He served as the lead counsel for the Department of Justice in the Love Canal litigation.

Albie strategically coordinates various aspects of cases, including insurance, litigation and site investigations. He assists clients in dealing with regulatory agencies and consultants. He has helped clients obtain millions of dollars in insurance coverage for site investigations and cleanups and has represented individual companies, public entities and groups of potentially responsible parties at numerous Superfund sites including the Casmalia Superfund Site, the Operating Industries Inc. (“OII”) Site and the Omega Superfund Site He currently serves as liaison counsel in cases brought by the BKK Working Group against approximately 1,000 defendants seeking contribution and cost recovery for costs incurred at the BKK Landfill. In another area of his practice, Albie provides counsel on issues associated with purchasing, selling, financing and dealing with contaminated properties as well as indoor air risks.

Albie currently represents the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport in its dealings with the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board regarding PFAS contamination allegedly associated with the Airport.

Tracy is a Partner at Kaplan Kirsch LLP in Denver, where she represents airports in real estate development, regulatory matters, and major infrastructure and other capital projects. As part of her work, she advises airports in the planning, procurement, negotiation, and contracting of projects such as hotels, aircraft maintenance facilities, and hangars. She also advises airports in use and lease agreement negotiations, compliance with federal Title VI and Grant Assurance requirements, and all phases of capital projects using traditional, alternative and public-private partnerships as delivery methods. Before joining Kaplan Kirsch in 2024, Tracy was an attorney with the City and County of Denver and Assistant General Counsel of Denver International Airport, advising the City in all facets of the Airport’s operation and development. Before the City, Tracy was in private practice where she practiced in real estate, land use, and construction.

James is a career airport professional who leads and manages airport projects and programs including airfield, terminal, utility, and roadway projects including planning, programming, design and construction. He has managed multiple concurrent projects for multiple clients and has been responsible for a major program for a single client at the client’s project site. He invests in his teams for individual growth and team performance. A highly respected civil engineer with broad airport planning, design, and construction background, James applies this experience to lead teams to deliver high quality projects that meet each of my client’s specific needs. A certified beer judge, James enjoys brewing beer and judging homebrew competitions when he’s not geeking out over airports and airplanes.

Dave has more than 36 years of aviation experience, which includes 18 years of airport management experience. Dave has provided leadership and project management for large, complex airport planning, environmental, operations, technology, and Safety Management System (SMS) projects. Dave has personally facilitated over 80 Safety Risk Management Panel and Assessments. He’s helped over 30 airports develop and implement SMS. During Dave’s time in airport management, he oversaw security and operations, capital projects, maintenance activities, equipment acquisition and installation, along with the personnel who delivered these services for the Indianapolis Airport Authority and its six (6) airports. Dave also served as Director at Harrisburg International Airport from 1998-2001. Dave is a certified private pilot and an FAA Facilitator.

Jill Greene is a Principal Geologist and Senior Project Manager in CDM Smith’s Boston, Massachusetts office. She joined CDM Smith in 1998 where her work has focused on stormwater, hydrogeologic, and hazardous waste site investigations for public, private, and municipal clients. She serves as the AFFF Initiative Leader for CDM Smith’s PFAS practice, assisting clients with mitigating impacts from PFAS associated with AFFF.

Rick has more than 37 years of experience representing individuals and businesses in litigation and providing them with legal counseling. With an extensive background in aviation litigation of all sorts, Rick has represented commercial air carriers, airports, aircraft and component part manufacturers, fixed base operators, repair facilities, flight clubs, schools and instructors, private aircraft owners and pilots, and aviation security contractors.

Currently, Rick’s practice focuses on representation of, and counseling for, major air carriers. He represents clients and assists in airline litigation in trial and appellate courts throughout the nation and in foreign jurisdictions. Rick also provides counsel and guidance to clients in matters of policy and risk management. Particularly in connection with legal issues which can arise in the context of airline claims and litigation, Rick has served as national counsel to major carriers. He has extensive experience and expertise in matters that involve the safe, nondiscriminatory transportation of passengers with disabilities; abusive and unruly passengers; passengers denied transportation; and passengers traveling internationally, with claims governed by international treaties. Rick also has expertise regarding federal preemption of state and local laws in the context of aviation litigation.

Jeff is a Vice President for Sundt’s Transportation Group, and SW Region Business Development Manager. He’s a graduate from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, he holds a Value Methodology Associate Certification through SAVE international. Jeff has worked in the heavy civil construction industry for 26 years and joined Sundt in 2013. During his career he’s held positions ranging from Field Engineer, Project Engineer, Project Superintendent, Project Manager, Estimator, Preconstruction Manager and Project Director. Throughout his career he’s delivered over $2B in alternative delivery method contracts. Specific aviation project experience includes runways, aprons and taxiways built to the US Army Corp of Engineers and FAA guidelines. Additional heavy civil experience includes highways, bridges, light rail/transit, freight rail, drainage, dams, water transmission, wastewater conveyance, and large sitework projects. His focus is on alternative delivery method projects and works with owners, stakeholders, designers, and project teams to develop the best approach for success.

Shem Hawkins began his career with CAL FIRE in 1992 as a seasonal firefighter in the Nevada Yuba Placer Unit. In 1996 he transferred to a CAL FIRE municipal engine company in Chico while completing his civil engineering degree at UC DAVIS. After graduating, Shem promoted to a Fire Apparatus Engineer position and began to work on his paramedic accreditation. After completing that certificate, Shem worked as a paramedic on engines and ladder trucks in municipal and rural environments before he began training to be an air tactical group supervisor in 2013. In 2014 Shem promoted to battalion chief in the San Mateo Santa Cruz Unit before returning to the Butte Unit to assume the Battalion Chief position at the Chico Air Attack Base where he has been since 2017. In this position, it is Shem’s responsibility to ensure a safe air space over the top of the incident, while simultaneously coordinating the firefighting aircraft with supporting the troops on the ground.

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

Samuel Ingalls has worked in the aviation industry for more than three decades, having spent 31 years in a leadership role at the Las Vegas Airport. At the Airport, Mr. Ingalls worked to usher in many innovative systems, being named a ComputerworldSmithsonian Laureate for technological innovation in the transportation industry. He’s played (and continues to play) a leadership role, working on behalf of Airports Council International (ACI), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). In addition to leading and assisting with standard-setting around several passenger processing systems, he also worked to establish and implement the standard for RFID chips in baggage processing. Samuel was the first to usher in complementary WiFi at a major airport, leading the industry shift from fee to free at airports around the world. He co-leads the ACI-NA Private Wireless Working Group, a very active group of more than 170 airport leaders working to leverage the power of connectivity. He captains two worldwide Future Travel Experience Working Groups: the Baggage Innovation Working Group and the Innovation and Startup Hub. He is also an active member of the ACI-World IT Standing Committee, working to set standards and promulgate business-supporting technology. A graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Mr. Ingalls is both an accredited airport executive (conferred by AAAE) and an International Airport Professional (conferred by ACI and ICAO). He is frequently a direct user of the aviation system, holding a commercial multi-engine pilot rating, and greatly enjoying any opportunity to fly the friendly skies.

Monique Jackson is the founder and CEO of L&F Project Management, a firm specializing in project, program, and portfolio management for large government agencies. She founded L&F Project Management with a dual purpose: to provide exceptional project management services and to create pathways for economic mobility. The firm’s mission is to train and employ women from underrepresented communities as certified project managers, addressing the industry’s talent gap while tackling systemic barriers to employment. By empowering women with high-quality career opportunities, Monique aims to close the wage gap and disrupt cycles of poverty. Through L&F Project Management, she creates lasting impact for clients and communities alike, ensuring that the firm’s work resonates far beyond the projects it delivers.

Monique’s educational background and certifications underscore her unique combination of technical expertise and social impact leadership. She holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from Texas A&M University and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). She further expanded her entrepreneurial acumen through a Master of Science in Social Entrepreneurship at the USC Marshall School of Business. Monique is a former corporate consulting professional with a proven track record as a leader and trusted advisor to Fortune 500 clients and executives across diverse industries.

Randy is a graduate of Cal State Fullerton with a degree in Business Finance. He is a former LAPD officer, having served in the Gang, Narcotics, and SWAT units. After his law enforcement career, Randy transitioned to Computer Vision and Analytics, where he has accumulated 22 years of experience.

Early in his career, Randy worked as a National Account Manager, collaborating with global partners and customers in both commercial and retail sectors. He focused on Fortune 1000 accounts, large enterprises, state and local governments and leveraged his expertise to address Organized Retail Crime –ORC. Before joining Dell Technologies, Randy oversaw operations in the Americas for an intelligent storage and scale-out solutions company.

Currently, Randy manages the Computer Vision AI and Retail teams globally for Dell Technologies

Brad Kirsch is the Aviation Project Director for Sundt's California Building Group. Since joining Sundt in 2002, Brad has been implementing successful alternate project delivery on complicated construction projects, primarily focused on design-build project delivery. In 2009, Brad began work on his first aviation project at the San Diego International Airport and became hooked on the aviation market. Over the last 15 years, Brad has dedicated himself to the successful planning and execution of Sundt’s aviation projects in California. Recently, Brad led the Sundt design-build team on the $97M Airport Administration Building at SAN. This project included design and construction of a new 4-story office building for airport administration, including new airport board room, airport operations center, and emergency operations center.

Peter is General Counsel and SVP of Tech Policy for the Silicon Valley Leadership Group where he focuses on AI/ML, data privacy, international trade and business competitiveness. He leads SVLG's Responsible AI Working Group, which is co-chaired by executives at Google and Johnson & Johnson.

Tom Luria is the Associate General Counsel for the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA). Mr. Luria has been with the RTAA since 2017, 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.

Steve has worked 21 seasons in fire starting in 2004 with the USFS on the El Dorado National Forest on the Iron Mountain Handcrew. Steve worked 2 ½ seasons there on both crews and engines before leaving for a Seasonal Firefighter I job with CAL FIRE in San Luis Obispo in 2006. In 2009 Steve promoted to Firefighter II in San Bernardino in the City of Yucaipa and in 2010 promoted to Fire Apparatus Engineer back in San Luis Obispo Unit. As a Fire Apparatus Engineer Steve worked both Wildland and Municipal and one year as an Air Tanker Base Manager at the Paso Robles Air Attack Base. In 2014 Steve promoted to Fire Captain and worked in both San Luis Obispo and Santa Clara Units on Schedule B (Wildland) Engines until 2018. In July 2018 Steve completed training to become an Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS) at the Paso Robles Air Attack Base and worked there for five years. In November of 2022 Steve promoted to Battalion Chief overseeing the Parkhill Battalion in the San Luis Obispo Unit. In September of 2024 Steve transferred into the Tactical Air Operations program with CAL FIRE where he assists with oversight of the state’s Fixed Wing Aviation program. Steve is the Helicopter Coordinator (HLCO) for CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 1 and also a qualified Air Tactical Supervisor (ATS) and NVG Night HLCO. Steve is an ATGS and HLCO Field Training Officer and an ATGS Final Evaluator. He’s also an instructor on multiple cadres including the California Aerial Supervision Academy, National Aerial Firefighting Academy, CAL FIRE Fixed Wing Pilot Orientation, CAL FIRE Helicopter Coordinator and ATGS/HLCO Refresher.

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 has served SWAAAE as a Nevada Board member, Legislative Committee Chair and Corporate Director. Ken 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.

Gretchen is Senior Claims Manager in the aviation claims department handling airport and airline claims. Gretchen obtained her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Youngstown State University in 1991 with a major in Marketing and a minor in Economics. Gretchen received her Associate in Claims designation from the Insurance Institutes as well as certified by ICAR National, and a licensed claims professional. Gretchen has over 30 years of insurance claims experience including, automobile, homeowners, liability and aviation. Prior to joining Starr, Gretchen had 5 years of aviation claims experience with US Airways / American Airlines Risk Management Department as the Sr Manager of Claims & Litigation where she had oversight of a multi-state team involved in passenger claims and liability /aircraft damage claims.

Matthew Murphy has 30 years of aviation experience in areas such as: Aircraft Maintenance, Aerospace Manufacturing—Quality Assurance, En Route Automation Modernization Systems Integration and Aviation Technical Systems Program Management. He joined the FAA in November 2003 working at Headquarters in Washington, DC then in 2006 relocated to the Northwest Mountain Region and has held multiple positions serving all three Western Service Area regions: Alaska, Northwest Mountain and Western Pacific. He is a U.S. Navy and Persian Gulf War Veteran.

Mr. Murphy holds an A.S. in Mathematics from Bellevue College, a B.A. in English—Communications from the University of Washington, and a M.S. in Project Management from City University—Seattle.

Katrina G. Nelson is a Supervising Deputy County Counsel with Sacramento County’s Office of the County Counsel and advises the County’s Department of Airports, which owns and operates Sacramento International Airport, Mather Airport, and Franklin Field, and operates Sacramento Executive Airport (SAC) through a lease with the City of Sacramento. She also advises other County departments on public works contracting; Proposition 218 compliance; the creation and administration of Mello-Roos community facilities districts and development fee districts; and other local government issues. Katrina has over fifteen years of experience advising public agencies. Prior to joining Sacramento County in 2017, she worked at a boutique law firm that specialized in public agency law, serving as assistant city attorney for the City of Wheatland and general counsel to several water districts and community services districts in Northern California.

J. Brian O’Neill is Executive Director/CEO of the Mesa Gateway Airport Authority (MGAA). He is responsible for all administrative and operational functions at Mesa Gateway Airport. He previously served as MGAA’s Deputy Director/COO. Prior to joining MGAA in September 2015, Mr. O’Neill spent twenty years at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in New Hampshire; the last eight years as its Deputy Airport Director and twelve years as its Assistant Airport Director – Air Service Development, Marketing, and Public Relations. Mr. O’Neill received a BS in Business Administration from the University of New Hampshire and an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University. He is also an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) with the American Association of Airport Executives.

Steven Osit represents public entities throughout the United States with respect to the development and operation of airports. Steven has counseled clients on a wide range of federal regulatory matters and the negotiation of complex airport transactions, including aeronautical and non-aeronautical development and airline use and lease agreements. Steven 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 as an Associate Member of the ACI-NA Legal Affairs Committee’s Steering Group. Steven began his legal career as an Honors Attorney at the U.S. Department of Transportation and clerked for the Office of Aviation and Admiralty Litigation in the U.S. Department of Justice during law school. Prior to law school, he was the Director of Information Technology at a prominent New York City college. Steven is a certificated private pilot.

Dassie Persaud-Van Der Westhuizen boasts diverse and international experience in aviation sustainability planning, airline operations (as a pilot and cabin crew), and aviation journalism. She holds a BSc Architecture degree and graduated Cum Laude from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a MS Aviation and Aerospace Sustainability. Dassie enjoys pushing the boundaries of aviation sustainability by working on emerging topics such as airport infrastructure resilience, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and the industry skills shortage. As a result of her forward-thinking ideas, Dassie was selected as one of eight inspiring Canadian women advancing aviation sustainability, has presented research to NASA’s environmental committee, published a peer-reviewed paper in the Journal of Airport Management, and served as a panelist at an annual sustainability conference. She volunteers as a senior advisor at the Advanced Air Mobility Institute.

Paul Petersen is the Executive Director of the United Aerial Firefighters Association, which represents the Aerial Wildland Fire Industry (Airtankers, Scoopers, Helicopters, Retardant and aviation support) to Local, State, Federal agencies, and Congress. He retired in April 2023 from the Bureau of Land Management, Nevada State Office as the State Fire Management Officer and was responsible for coordination and implementation of fire preparedness, fire suppression, hazardous fuels reduction, fire prevention/mitigation/education and overall leadership for the Fire and Aviation. He has served as a Firefighter, Engine Captain, Fire Operations Specialist (Battalion Chief), Assistant Fire Management Officer, Fire Management Officer, and Deputy State Fire Management Officer. He is a 6th generation Native Nevadan and loves the beauty and openness of Nevada and Intermountain West. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, history, skiing, flying his 1961 Cessna 182, and family.

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.

Dan Reimer has focused his law practice on airports and aviation for more than twenty-five years. From 1998 to 2014, Dan was in private practice representing large and small airports and airport stakeholders. From 2014 to 2019, Dan supervised the law department at Denver International Airport. Currently, Dan serves as general counsel and special counsel to airports across the country. Dan has broad experience in regulatory compliance, governance, capital projects, commercial development, airline relations, concessions, environmental management, and the full range of issues confronting passenger service and general aviation airports.

As Vice President in the Aviation Environmental and Sustainability 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, and residential sound insulation projects. 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. Before joining HMMH, Mr. Reindel worked at the Boeing Commercial Airplane Company’s Noise Engineering Laboratory in Seattle, WA. During his eight years at Boeing, he conducted a variety of work in acoustics and project management, ranging from hearing conservation to aircraft model testing inside an aero-acoustic wind tunnel, and aircraft flight tests.

With a successful career spanning over 25 years in the healthcare and transportation sectors, he is a seasoned technology leader currently serving as the IT Director/Chief Information Officer at the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA). In this pivotal role, he oversees the airport's daily technology operations, drives strategic initiatives, and collaborates across teams to ensure a seamless, safe, and secure passenger experience.Notably, he led the swift implementation of a Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS) within an impressive 45-day timeframe. His leadership in developing an IT Master Plan, establishing a dedicated cybersecurity team, and introducing critical roles in business intelligence and application support has significantly enhanced the organization's technological landscape.Currently, he is spearheading the development of a Business Intelligence Committee to optimize data utilization across the organization and leading a project to integrate Artificial Intelligence into business operations and customer experience, further boosting organizational efficiency and engagement.Prior to his tenure at RTAA, he held senior leadership roles in esteemed organizations, including a statewide multi-clinic nonprofit healthcare center, a health insurance plan, and several hospitals and multi-physician groups across the United States. This diverse experience has honed his ability to manage all aspects of IT operations while fostering cross-functional collaboration.His collaborative leadership style and extensive expertise in healthcare and transportation technology make him a valuable asset to the industry. He is passionate about leveraging technology to enhance efficiency, improve customer experiences, and drive innovation.He is a member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), Airports Council International (ACI), and an active committee member of the ACI Business Information Technology (ACI-BIT) committee. Additionally, he is involved in the Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (SWAAAE), contributing to the industry's growth and development.

Jon Rohrer is a Principal Hydrogeologist and expert witness at Roux with over thirty years of experience. Jon has extensive expertise with a range of contaminants, regulatory settings, and geological environments, including PFAS, microplastics, perchlorate, 1,4-dioxane, and other emerging contaminants.

His clients range from public entities, small businesses and property owners up through Fortune 500 companies that Jon and Roux have successfully assisted in resolving a range of environmental challenges. Jon prides himself on implementing cost-effective yet necessary investigation and remediation actions with negotiated concurrence from regulators using justified and defensible methods and end-points, including: identifying, obtaining and leveraging State and Federal funds.

Jon has worked nation-wide on PFAS and has specialized most recently in Airport work, defending public entities against unreasonable and excessive investigative/remedial directives.

Barbie Schalmo leads the Land Use + Economics practice at C&S Companies as part of their national aviation planning group. With a background in city and regional planning and real estate economics, she works with airports across the country to strengthen economic sustainability and community benefit by identifying market-based opportunities and crafting land and economic development strategies. Barbie’s areas of expertise include integrative market and economic analyses, strategic real estate positioning, land use and site planning, stakeholder engagement and outreach, regulatory process and development advisory services. Her 15+ years of professional experience includes a broad range of consulting assignments for commercial and general aviation airports of all types, as well as public and private clients outside aviation. She holds a Master in City and Regional Planning degree from the University of North Carolina and professional accreditation with the American Institute of Certified Planners.

Brett Shank is an Associate Vice President at RS&H and part of the Client Solutions team for the West. His more than 17 years of experience in aviation includes projects at more than 100 airports across the United States, with an emphasis on mission critical project delivery for FAA infrastructure.

Brett is a proud father of two and enjoys snowboarding with his wife Rebecca in the winter. Brett earned his private pilot license in January 2023 and has flown more than 300 hours since then exploring the West. He is working on his instrument rating and has a personal goal to land at each of the SWAAAE members’ airports.

Missi Shumer has 24 years of experience authoring and managing all NEPA classes of action from Categorical Exclusions to Environmental Impact Statements throughout the U.S. She has authored state environmental policy manuals. A self-proclaimed “NEPA nerd,” she is skilled in agency coordination and consultation, with training in the overall NEPA decision-making and documentation process, as well as Environmental Justice, Section 106 Consultation, and indirect and cumulative impacts. Missi has participated in legal sufficiency reviews with U.S. DOT legal counsel from various agencies and currently serves as the project manager on HMMH’s contract for environmental reviews of unmanned aircraft systems, where she assists FAA in developing procedures and policy for evaluating impacts and preparing NEPA documents for new entrants. In addition, to her UAS work, she leads several NEPA efforts at airports across the country. When she’s not working, you can find her spending time with her husband and two teenage sons.

Bryan has led the architecture design of aviation terminals and concourses of all scales around the world. He has delivered architecture design, project management, coordination with airport authorities, airlines, and consultant coordination on complex terminal design projects. As a licensed architect and structural engineer, Bryan can quickly assess design possibilities, uncover opportunities, and foresee potential impacts on construction and operations, resulting in innovative and operationally efficient solutions. Outside of work, Bryan enjoys skiing, mountain biking, golfing, and traveling the world with his family.

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.

Jason Watkins is Chief Financial Officer of the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. In his current role, he supports the Finance, Business and Properties, Risk Management and Small Business Divisions. He also is also the County’s liaison to the Airlines-Airport Affairs Committee. He has also served as Chief Financial Officer at the Orlando-Sanford International Airport and was previously Director of Financial Operations and Treasury Management at Tampa International Airport. Jason is an Accredited Airport Executive, a Certified Public Accountant and holds an MBA from the University of South Florida.

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.

Jerett Yan is a Deputy County Counsel with the County of Santa Clara, where he serves as counsel to the County’s Airports Department, which owns and operates two general aviation airports: Reid-Hillview Airport and San Martin Airport. He also advises other County departments on public ethics, public finance, telecommunications law, code enforcement, and other matters. Prior to joining the County, Jerett represented a variety of California public agencies in private practice in a general and special counsel capacity, including cities, counties, water districts, fire districts, and transportation districts. He was also previously an attorney-advisor at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where he advised on compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and other matters.