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The keynote session is sponsored by:
speakerFarah AvilaDelta Air Lines Station Manager Delta Air Lines | ![]() Moderator/speakerKatherine Bales, MBA, C.M., C.A.E.Assistant Airport Manager Napa County AirportRead more about Katherine Bales.Katherine Bales, C.M., CAE is the Assistant Airport Manager at Napa County Airport. There, she has primary responsibility for airport operations, maintenance, and capital improvement program. Prior to Napa, Mrs. Bales was the Visalia Airport Superintendent, responsible for all operational, administrative, FBO services and project activities at the City of Visalia general aviation airport. Katherine holds a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics from Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University, MBA from Louisiana State University. Additionally, Katherine has her CM designation from AAAE as well as CAE designation from SWAAAE. She is a Navy veteran with many hours of A&P time in a UH-60S Seahawk and a 2021 Airport Business Magazine’s Top 40-Under-40 recipient. |
![]() speakerAnita Cobb, MBAMarket Leader – Aviation Civic Strategies Mead & Hunt, Inc Read more about Anita Cobb.Anita Cobb, MBA, is Mead & Hunt’s Market Leader for Aviation Civic Strategies. She has a passion for and specializes in matters related to workforce development, community collaboration, youth education, family and caregiver empowerment, and mentorship. She shares creative strategies focused on advocacy, transparency, and resource literacy related to optimized transportation for all. Anita’s recent activities evolve around the importance of universal strategies in employment, project teams, and the built environment. This includes collaborating with academics to explore neurodiversity in the workplace, planning, and engineering, developing targeted universalism approaches for communities, and producing strategies to optimize project partner training, development, and significant project participation. She is also involved in the production of civic strategy best practice documentation that addresses opportunities for testing emerging technologies, growing the available talent pool through reskilling and upskilling, and establishing data-empowered strategies for the aviation industry. | ![]() speakerJames Cullison, C.M.Planning Technician Sacramento County Aviation DepartmentRead more about James Cullison.James Cullison began his path in aviation by pursuing his Private Pilot’s License in San Diego, California, while simultaneously working as a Facilities Assistant at Gillespie Field in El Cajon, California. After becoming a Private Pilot, James wished to expand his passion for aviation by joining SWAAAE in 2021. With help from Rosemary Barnes, he began volunteering on the Z00 Audio and Visual Crew for SWAAAE, which is where he met Cole Hartfiel. James’ initial plans were to become a commercial airline pilot, but Cole shared stories of airport planning, which led James to join Cole in Sacramento as a Technical Planner for the Sacramento County Department of Airports. In addition, James also became a Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives in 2023. |
speakerCrystal J. Garcia, E.I.T.Business Development Manager C&S Companies | speakerNikolas GaskinsManager, Access & Noise John Wayne Airport, Orange County |
![]() speakerJacob HaikAirport Manager Van Nuys AirportRead more about Jacob Haik.Jacob Haik was appointed Van Nuys Airport Manager in September 2024, overseeing an important economic hub of the City of Los Angeles and one of the busiest general aviation airports in the nation. Prior to this role, he served as LAWA’s Director of Sustainability and Compliance, managing a 35-member team charged with implementing the department’s vision, goals, and strategies pertaining to sustainability, environmental programs, and compliance. Before joining LAWA, Haik served in the administration of three councilmembers for Council District 15 for two decades in roles that supported sustainable environmental development in public works projects, education, and community outreach. In his most recent role as Deputy Chief of Staff, he managed large scale projects that included major investments in the LA Waterfront, the construction of new parks, and the $130 million restoration of Lake Machado in Harbor City while managing field operations and overseeing public works investment across the district’s 275,000 residents. He also served as Chief of Staff for Board District 7 (BD7) of the Los Angeles Unified School District’s (LAUSD) Board of Education, where he oversaw $1 billion in bond funds to build 11 new schools and implement modernization projects in BD7 while improving staff engagement with South Los Angeles communities and navigating significant budgetary difficulties. A native of the Wilmington neighborhood, Haik currently lives with his family, including four children, in San Pedro. He earned an associate degree from Los Angeles Harbor College, a Construction Project Management Certification from the California State University, Dominguez Hills and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is a member of the American Association of Airport Executives, the American Chemical Society, the Southern California Paleontological Society, the Design-Build Institute of America, the U.S. Green Building Council, the Los Angeles Harbor College Foundation Board, and the Los Angeles Harbor College STEM Council. He is also a Los Angeles County Commissioner, serving on the Citizens Economy and Efficiency Commission. | ![]() AAAE LeadershipTodd HauptliPresident & Chief Executive Officer AAAERead more about Todd Hauptli.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. |
![]() speakerAshley HelmsDeputy Public Works Director- Airport Division Inyo CountyRead more about Ashley Helms.Ashley Helms is the Deputy Director of Public Works for Inyo County’s Airport Division, where she leads a team of five employees responsible for operations, maintenance, fueling, security, and Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting at Bishop Airport and the County’s three general aviation airports. Ashley holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from Trinity University and began her career with Inyo County Public Works as an Engineering Assistant in 2016. Her introduction to the aviation field came as a project manager for FAA-funded improvement projects at the County’s airports. As Ashley advanced within the department, she played a central role in Inyo County’s efforts to achieve Part 139 Certification for Bishop Airport (BIH). She led the development of the Airport Certification Manual, Part 139 training programs, and the Airport Security Program. She also managed the terminal expansion project and coordinated with stakeholders throughout the process. These efforts culminated in the launch of commercial air service to BIH by United Express in December 2021. Since then, the ongoing challenge has been maintaining a Part 139 airport with limited staff and a shoestring budget. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys rock climbing, skiing, and hiking with her dog Bodhi in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains. |
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![]() ModeratorMichael Hill, LEED AP, DBIA, CPCProject Director Sundt Construction Read more about Michael Hill.Mike Brings 45 years of experience in the construction industry, beginning his career as a welder and carpenter. He currently serves as a Project Director at Sundt Construction Company, where he has been a dedicated team member for 23 years. Throughout his tenure, Mike has successfully led projects in Phoenix, Tucson, San Diego and San Francisco. His notable achievements include overseeing the terminal expansion and concourse expansion projects at Tucson International Airport, the construction o landside smart curbs and the USO facility at San Diego Airport, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Jail and the Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building #4 at ASU. Mike Holds a degree in Construction management from Colorado State University is LEED Accredited through the United States Green Building Council and carries the Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) certification from the American Institute of Constructors as well as the Design-Build Institute of America’s DBIA designation. Mike and his wife have called Arizona home for 23 years. They have a daughter and son-in-law living in Phoenix, along with a 19-year-old grandson who will be attending NAU getting his Construction Management Degree. |
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![]() AAAE LeadershipRebecca Hupp, A.A.E.Airport Director Boise AirportRead more about Rebecca Hupp.Rebecca Hupp has served as the Boise Airport Director since April 2012. Under her leadership the airport has experienced a period of unprecedented growth—both in the number of nonstop routes offered and in the number of passengers served, which has nearly doubled during her tenure. This exponential growth in passenger traffic led to BOI’s reclassification as a medium hub airport in 2021. | ![]() ModeratorSheneice Michelle Hughes, USAP, C.M.Deputy Director, Finance, People & Culture Dallas Love Field Airport Read more about Sheneice Michelle Hughes.Sheneice M. Hughes, M.A.P. is the Deputy Director of Finance, People and Culture at Dallas Airport System (Dallas Love Field, Dallas Executive Airport and Vertiport). Sheneice has worked in the Aviation industry for twelve years. In her current position, she oversees Budget, Finance, Accounting, Customer & Community Engagement, the Aviation Hiring Team, Parking, Marketing, Public Information, Innovation, Procurement, ACDBE / DBE, Title VI, Real Estate, Business / Commercial Opportunities, Concessions and Airline Affairs. Over the last twelve years at Dallas Love Field, she set up and ran the inaugural Airport Communication Center, social media platforms, added an on-site Public Information division, the hiring team and training/development programs. Her financial experience as the Chief Financial Officer includes setting up a Commercial Paper program for the funding of the reconstruction of the runway in 2022 and the refunding of GARBs in 2023 for a savings of $123 million. During her tenure as an executive, she managed Airfield Maintenance, Landside Operations, and Facilities. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and public relations from Grambling State University and a Master of Applied Psychology in Industrial / Organizational Psychology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She has approximately 25 years of experience with the City of Dallas in three departments. She also holds the following certifications: IPMA-HR Senior Professional (SCP), AAAE Certified Member (CM), Airport Finance Management, and ACI-NA’s United States Airport Professional (USAP) in the first awarded class. She serves the aviation industry as the Vice Chair on the AAAE Board of Directors for Finance & Administration and on the human resources, concessions, and the finance committees for ACI-NA. She has been active in many industry associations such as: NFBPA, AMAC and COMPTO for the last ten years. She has been a distinguished member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. |
| ![]() speakerMonique Jackson, PMP, MBACEO & Founder L&F Project ManagementRead more about Sheneice Monique Jackson.Monique Jackson is the CEO of L&F Project Management, a firm specializing in delivering project management solutions to large government agencies. Founded on the principle that impactful project management extends beyond achieving results to creating meaningful opportunities, L&F is committed to bridging the talent gap by training and employing certified project managers from underrepresented communities. This dual mission not only addresses systemic employment barriers but also amplifies the firm’s impact across both client projects and the broader community. Monique’s educational and professional background exemplifies her unique blend of technical expertise and mission-driven leadership. She earned a degree in Industrial Engineering from Texas A&M University and holds the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Further refining her entrepreneurial skill set, she completed a Master of Science in Social Entrepreneurship at the USC Marshall School of Business. Before founding L&F, Monique excelled as a corporate consultant, establishing herself as a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 executives and clients across diverse industries. |
speakerRobert Lowe, SPHR, SHRM-SCPChief People and Culture Officer Los Angeles World Airport | ![]() speakerRussell Milburn, C.M., ACE, AMFAssistant Director of Airports- Operations Contra Costa County AirportsRead more about Russell Milburn.Russell Milburn is the Assistant Director of Airports for Contra Costa County Airports where he manages the Operations, Maintenance, Security, and Aircraft Rescue Firefighting team of Airport Safety Officers. Russell graduated from Truman State University with a Criminal Justice Degree before entering the aviation world at the Kirksville Regional Airport in 1997. In 2008, Russell moved to Contra Costa County Airports as an Airport Operations specialist working his way up to his current position, while becoming a Certified Member of AAAE, an Airport Certified Employee in both Operations and Security as well as an Airport Master Firefighter. His career is approaching 30 years at FAA Part 139 Class IV airports. Russell enjoys spending time with Kelly his wife of 25 years, their five grandchildren, and playing golf and poker. |
| ![]() speakerMindy PriceChief PACE Setter Direct Effect SolutionsRead more about Mindy Price.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. |
![]() ModeratorGene ReindelVice President HMMHRead more about Gene Reindel.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. | ![]() speakerRavi H. SinghVice President, Growth & Development PBS EngineersRead more about Ravi H. Singh.Ravi Singh brings nearly 20 years of experience in the aviation industry, having worked with airport clients across the U.S. as well as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). His expertise spans policy development, strategic and infrastructure planning, requirements integration, and the implementation of forward-looking design solutions. Ravi also specializes in business process improvement, change management, client relationship management, and driving operational efficiencies. At PBS Engineers, a leading small business MEP+ firm, Ravi leads business development in the aviation sector—building strategic partnerships and trusted relationships that position the firm for long-term success. Beyond his professional role, he is actively involved in nonprofit board service and is a dedicated advocate for small businesses and workforce diversity. Through his extensive industry network, Ravi works to connect people, ideas, and opportunities—driving innovation and inclusivity across the aviation and engineering landscape. |
| ![]() speakerAndrew Solsvig, A.A.E., MBAAirport Manager City of ReddingRead more about Andrew Solsvig.Andrew Solsvig is a seasoned airport executive with over two decades of leadership experience in airport administration, operations, planning, security, and infrastructure development. Currently serving as the Airports Manager for Redding Regional Airport and Benton Field, he oversees the daily operations for both a Part 139 and general aviation airport. Previously, Andrew held Airport Director positions in Minot, ND and Moab, UT - where he led major capital improvement programs, enhanced air service offerings, and opened a new terminal facility. His career also includes various roles at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, Eagle County Regional Airport (Vail, CO), and Blast Deflectors, Inc.. An Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.), Andrew holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a BBA in Airport & Business Management from the University of North Dakota. He is a licensed private pilot and active industry contributor, having served on several AAAE committees, and earned multiple professional honors including 2012 Airport Business Magazine’s Top 40-Under-40. Andrew enjoys hiking, mountain biking, downhill skiing and golf in his free time. |
![]() speakerRichard SteelE , AAAE CM, ASC, MSCommercial Aviation, Director of Operations John Wayne Airport – Orange County (SNA) Read more about Richard Steele.Richard is currently the Deputy Airport Director of Operations at John Wayne Airport (SNA) – Orange County, California with over 25 years of experience in military and civilian aviation. He joined SNA in December 2016 after working for three other medium and large hub airports to include Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Burbank-Bob Hope Airport (BUR), and Tampa International Airport (TPA). Richard has held several positions in airport operations and emergency management at these airports. His military career included over eight years in the United States Marine Corps as an avionics technician on various fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft platforms, quality assurance inspector, squadron safety and training manager, and a helicopter aerial observer/door gunner. Richard has an undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University in Aviation Business Management, and a Master’s Degree from Delta State University in Commercial Aviation. He is an Industry Advisory Board member for California Baptist University’s Aviation Science program in Riverside, California; and is an Aviation Safety Management Systems (SMS) adjunct instructor at the University of Southern California (USC). | ![]() moderatorWelton Trang, C.M.Airport Operations Officer John Wayne Airport |
![]() moderatorRobert Trimborn, C.M, C.A.E.Senior Consultant Aviation Management Consulting GroupRead more about Robert Trimborn.Robert (Bob) Trimborn has approximately 42 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. | ![]() speakerChristina WatkinsHireLAX Apprenticeship Readiness Program Administrator ParsonsRead more about Christina Watkins.Christina Watkins, HireLAX Apprenticeship Readiness Program Manager, works between the partners of HireLAX to ensure the vision of a high quality, successful workforce development program is achieved in a way that meets LAWA and Mayor Bass’ vision of impacting underserved communities and those most impacted by the business of the airport. She focuses strongly on helping women, veterans, and other community members launch successful construction careers. Through her work with the Parsons’ managed HireLAX, she helps match program graduates with contractors supporting the multibillion-dollar capital improvement program at LAX, resulting in millions of local construction dollars kept in the local area. Christina is an Army Veteran and Bronze Star Recipient. She has a Master of Arts Degree in Organizational Behavior. |
![]() speakerNoel WattsEmployee Engagement Supervisor Dallas Love FieldRead more about Noel Watts.With a passion for creating meaningful workplace experiences, Noel Watts has led employee engagement and event programming at Dallas Love Field for four years. In her current role, she oversees employees’ personal and professional development, as well as enhancing employee morale and retention. Overall, Noel has over 9 years experience in driving workplace culture and increasing engagement with various populations. She’s an experienced and award-winning event planner with a background in leadership development and creating engagement opportunities. Noel received her bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology from the University of North Texas and a master’s degree in Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington. In addition to internal programming, Noel has successfully created several new collaborations to deliver interactive experiences for employees and to promote a culture of connection and continuous improvement. | speakerJosh WussickSenior Project Manager Texas Aviation Lead |
2025 Summer Conference Speaker Presentation/PowerPoint Slide Master available here.