66th Annual airport management Short Course AGENDA
SWAAAE conference sessions and workshops are eligible for continuing education credits required for many designations, including the Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) program.
Saturday, January 31
8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Accreditation Final Interview Workshop (Separate Registration Required) Cancelled
8:45 am to 4:30 pm
The Role of the Airport Attorney Workshop (Separate Registration Required)
Location: San Carlos III
The goal of The Role of the Airport Attorney workshop is to facilitate the sharing of knowledge amongst public-use airport managers and their attorneys, learn new material beneficial to aviation job responsibilities with ever-changing rules and regulations, find new opportunities for collaboration and networking, all while providing valuable professional development and experience in beautiful Monterey.
Breakfast and lunch is included with workshop registration. Breakfast will be served starting at 8:15 am.
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Board of Directors and Conference Committee Dinner (By Invitation Only)
Sunday, February 1
8:30 am to 10:30 am
SWAAAE Board of Directors Meeting
Location: Ferrantes Bayview (top floor of hotel)
All Chapter members are invited and encouraged to attend Board of Directors’ meetings. If you are interested in attending, please contact Executive Director Cathy Herring. Virtual participation is available.
Board meeting breakfast will be served starting at 8:00 am.
10:30 am to 5:00 pm (11:30 am shotgun start)
Todd McNamee Past President's Golf Tournament at Del Monte Golf Course (Separate Registration Required)
Location: Del Monte Golf Course: 1300 Sylvan Road, Monterey, CA 93940
Registration required via the golf registration form (Club rentals are limited - first come, first served. Attendees are responsible for picking up their clubs at the course). Guests are welcome to register!
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm *Start times vary
Escape Room & Arcade (Separate Registration Required), Sponsored by Reimagined Parking
Location: Oscar's Playground: 685 Cannery Row Third Floor, Monterey, CA 93940
Join us for an exciting Sunday alternative activity at Oscar’s Playground! Test your puzzle-solving skills in the escape room and enjoy fun in the arcade area. Space is limited, so be sure to secure your spot early. Please note that transportation is on your own.2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Registration
Location: San Carlos Foyer
Stop by registration to pick up your name badge and conference materials. Conference information will be accessible via the Whova conference app. Drink tickets will be distributed at each evening event.
2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Exhibitor Set-Up
Location: San Carlos Foyer
5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Michael A. Shutt YoPro, New Attendee & Mentor Meet and Greet, Sponsored by Garver
Location: Memory Gardens: 20 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940
First time attendees, new SWAAAE members and young professionals are welcome and encouraged to attend to meet and network with others before the conference officially kicks off.
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
The "Bruce Loev" Welcome Reception - Light Bites and Dessert Reception - Memory Gardens, Sponsored by RS&H
Location: Memory Gardens: 20 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940
Join us for an outdoor networking experience set in the Memory Gardens, where casual games and easy conversation come together. Enjoy access to the bocce courts, relaxed seating areas, and a selection of local wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages while connecting with fellow attendees in a laid-back social setting.8:30 pm to 10:00 pm
After Hours Networking Event, Sponsored by JE Dunn Construction
Location: Characters
Unwind and kick off the conference in style! Join us for an evening of table games, snacks, and wine tasting. A cash bar will also be available for your favorite beverages. Come relax, mingle, and enjoy a fun evening with fellow attendees!
Monday, February 2
7:00 am to 8:00 am
Morning Mavericks - Walk with Bands
Meet in the Monterey Marriott hotel lobby
7:30 am to 3:30 pm
Registration
Location: San Carlos Foyer
7:30 am to 9:00 am
Hot Breakfast with Exhibitors – Learning/Networking Opportunity
Location: San Carlos Foyer
8:15 am to 9:00 am
Conference Opening Ceremonies
Location: San Carlos 2-4
Conference Chair: Graham Ritz, A.A.E., C.A.E., Director of Airport Operations, Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority
SWAAAE President: Gladys D. Brown, C.M., C.A.E., Airport Director, Yuma International Airport
Monterey Regional Airport Executive Director: Chris Morello
9:00 am to 10:15 am
Keynote Session: Captain George Dom - Executive, Former Navy Blue Angels Flight Leader, Leadership Speaker, Author, Sponsored by Intellisoft
Location: San Carlos 2-4
High-Trust Leadership and Teamwork
In the knowledge-based economy, high performance is all about relationships, strong and enduring relationships with all stakeholders, and the fundamental ingredient for every successful relationship is trust.
For naval aviators, flying off aircraft carriers a thousand miles from land (often in the middle of the night) trust is essential not just for success, but survival. There can be no compromise in that extreme laboratory of high performance. If you weren’t trusted, you’d fail or be fired; if you can’t trust others, you’ll either fail or look for another line of work.
Trust is the cornerstone to being an effective leader; it’s the glue that keeps the team firing on all cylinders. Within a culture of trust, there is an upward spiral of achievement based on creativity, determination, accountability, excellence, passion, camaraderie, humor, candor, and resilience. Allowing a culture of mistrust due to fear, incompetence, and/or integrity gaps will result in the opposite.
Take-aways:
- Understand why a culture of HIGH-TRUST is critical to achieving individual and organizational high performance
- Discover the 5C’s of trustworthiness: Character, Commitment, Competence, Connection, and Communication
- Develop a high-trust action plan with specific, immediate actions (90-minute keynote required)
- 90-Day Journey: Exploring the 5C’s of High-Trust” can be included for all audience members. They will receive 12 weekly value-packed emails that provide more information about applying the 5C’s immediately. This exclusive content is only offered to attendees of Captain Dom’s presentations to achieve a lasting impact by sparking real, ongoing individual and organizational change.
10:15 am to 11:00 am
Break with Exhibitors – Learning/Networking Opportunity/Attendee Giveaways
Location: San Carlos Foyer
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
SWAAAE General Membership Meeting + AAAE Elections
Location: San Carlos 2-4
12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Lunch on your own
12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Student/YoPro Lunch, Sponsored by HMMH (By Invitation Only - RSVP Required)
Location: Alvarado Brewing Company
Invitations to participate in this lunch will be sent via email and a ticket will be required to attend. We look forward to connecting student attendees with industry YoPros in an intimate and meaningful way over lunch!
12:15 pm to 1:15 pm
SWAAAE Foundation Board of Directors Meeting
Location: Santa Monica
1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Session A: Advanced Air Mobility (AAM): Coming to an Airport Near You!, Sponsored by LEO A DALY
Location: San Carlos 2-4
The question is no longer “if,” but “how” these technologies will integrate into airport operations and the National Airspace System. Join us as we explore what's already happening in AAM, and we can prepare for the eventuality of AAM landing at your airport.
Moderator: Kenneth G. Moen, A.A.E., Senior Director, LJA Engineering
Speakers:
Sarah Demory, A.A.E., Assistant Aviation Director, City of Phoenix Aviation Department
Anwar Elgonemy, Strategic Asset Management, SFO
Josh Metz, Executive Director, DART
Will Hutson, NATCA
Cody Cleverly, Training & Workforce Development Leader, Joby Aviation
2:30 pm to 3:15 pm
Break with Exhibitors – Learning/Networking Opportunity/Attendee Giveaways
Location: San Carlos Foyer
3:15 pm to 4:15 pm
Session B: AI Leadership Foundations — Opportunity & Defense
Location: San Carlos 2-4
As a leader, you need to work through chaos to create clarity and direction for those around you. AI appears to be creating chaos in every market and region of our world. This session will provide an overview of AI tools, how to embrace them to learn and lead, and a fun, hands-on experience with AI. You’ll soon be leading with curiosity while setting reasonable guardrails.
Moderator: Maritza Burgos, Business Development, Sundt Construction, Inc
Speakers:
Eric Cylwik, Director of Innovation, Sundt Construction
James Cullison, Program Technician, Sacramento County Department of Airports
4:15 pm to 5:00 pm
Corporate Membership Meeting
Location: Ferrantes Bayview (top floor of hotel)
This meeting is open to all SWAAAE Corporate members to attend.
6:45 pm to 10:00 pm
Transportation to Tipsy Putt, Sponsored by Reimagined Parking
Complimentary transportation will be provided between the conference hotel and Tipsy Putt throughout the evening starting at 6:45 pm. Transportation will run every 30 minutes, with the final departure from Tipsy Putt at 10:00 pm.7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Monday Night Networking Event - Tipsy Putt, Sponsored by Parsons
Location: Tipsy Putt: 95 Prescott Ave, Monterey, CA 93940
Join us for a fun-filled reception at Tipsy Putt, where networking meets friendly competition! Indulge in heavy appetizers, unlimited games, great conversation, and a lively atmosphere you won’t want to miss.
Note: First-time guests are required to complete a liability waiver before their visit. You can do so by downloading the Tipsy Putt app or visiting this link.
9:00 pm to 10:30 pm
After Hours Networking Event - PJ Party, Sponsored by Yuma International Airport
Location: Characters
Wrap up day one of the conference cozy style at our PJ-themed party! Wear your comfiest pajamas, enjoy tasty snacks, sip on curated wines, and socialize with fellow attendees. A cash bar will be available.
Optional dress code: PJs, because who doesn’t love a night in comfort and fun!
Tuesday, February 3
7:00 am to 8:00 am
Morning Mavericks - Line Dancing Lessons
Location: Ferrantes Bayview (top floor of hotel)
7:45 am to 3:30 pm
Registration
Location: San Carlos Foyer
7:45 am to 8:45 am
Hot Breakfast with Exhibitors
Location: San Carlos Foyer
8:45 am to 10:00 am
Session C1: NEPA: A New Landscape for Project Environmental Reviews
Location: San Carlos 2-3
Since January 2025, the implementation of NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) has undergone dramatic shifts with legal, development, and funding implications. This session will discuss those changes, explore impacts, and identify case law.
Moderator: Matt Petersen, Senior Technical Director, SWCA
Speaker:
Zach Frese, Senior Airport Planner, Sacramento County Airports
Matt Friedman, BA, MRP, MAHL, DDiv, Chief, Office of Aviation Planning, Caltrans
Session C2: Security Hot Topics
Location: San Carlos 4
Join us for a session that will touch on several current security topics that beg the question...
- What security challenges do airports face for scheduled charter operations such as JSX?
- How can innovations in remote screening help airports address capacity issues?
- How will the sunsetting of the Aviation Security Capital Fund at the end of FY2027 affect the procurement, maintenance and staffing of checked baggage and passenger screening equipment in the future?
Moderator: Larry Studdiford, President, Studdiford Technical Solutions
Speaker:
Mark Baker, Sr. Manager-ASO, Southwest Airlines
John Chaussee, Director Strategic Airport Planning, JSX
Mike Zoia, Business Development Manager, Aviation & Federal Group, Burns & McDonnell
10:00 am to 10:45 am
Break with Exhibitors – Learning/Networking Opportunity/Attendee Giveaways
Location: San Carlos Foyer
10:45 am to 12:00 pm
Session D1: More Self-sufficient Airports: Renewable Energy
Location: San Carlos 2-3
Learn why airports are turning towards microgrids and on-site renewable energy to become more self-sufficient. The panel will address if on-site renewables make airports producers as well as consumers, and what those implications are.
Moderator: Loup-Giang Nguyen, Senior Aviation Planner, WSP
Speakers:
Neil Gabrielson, A.A.E., ACE, Senior Aviation Planner, Garver
Daryl DeJean, Executive Fellow, Emerging Technology Associates
Annie Secrest, M.S. ENSTProfessional, Sustainability Manager, County of San Luis Obispo - Department of Airports
Session D2: Nonaeronautical Revenue: Creative Revenue Streams
Location: San Carlos 4
There never seems to be enough money to go around. This session will explore how airports can think outside the box to improve their financial position. The panel will identify case studies, lessons learned, pitfalls, & successes.
Moderator: Scott LeCount, Senior Aviation Consultant, RS&H
Speakers:
David Lotterer, Senior Vice President, JLL
Brett Godown, A.A.E., Director, Department of Airports, County of San Bernardino Department of Airports
Ryan Carroll, Associate Vice President of Airport Affairs, Realterm
12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Lunch on your own
1:30 pm to 2:45 pm
Session E1: More Effective Airport Operations through Asset Management
Location: San Carlos 2-3
When was the last time you had a dead car battery? What about a flat tire? How did that impact your day? Multiply that by the number of assets at your airport at risk of failure, and you are staring at some hefty impacts. This session will explain what Asset Management is, why its important, and how airports can employ effective asset management techniques to improve operations, safety, and the bottom line... minus the need to call AAA.
Moderator: Brian Loev, P.E., Senior Project Manager, Mead & Hunt
Speakers:
Shiv Iyer, Ph.D., P.E., FIAM, Principal Technical Professional Strategic Advisory – Asset Management, AtkinsRéalis
Kelsi Pothier, IAM, MBA, AAAE, C.M., Asset Management Consultant, Jacobs
Clint Davis, CPESC, ENV-SP, Senior Civil BIM Project Manager, Asset Management – Operations Division, Denver International Airport
Session E2: The New Boss in the Room: Building Credibility as a Young Leader
Location: San Carlos 4
Stepping into leadership as a young professional—especially in an industry like aviation where experience and tenure often define credibility—can feel daunting. This session explores practical strategies for earning respect, fostering trust, and creating influence without relying on years of experience. We’ll discuss how emerging leaders can demonstrate expertise, balance confidence with humility, and navigate the challenging transition from peer to supervisor while maintaining relationships and setting boundaries. Through real-world examples and candid insights from seasoned leaders, we’ll tackle questions like: How do you handle skepticism from more experienced team members? Does vulnerability help or hurt credibility? And what habits or mindset shifts can set young leaders up for long-term success? Whether you’re new to leadership or preparing for your next step, this conversation will provide actionable tools to build trust, influence, and resilience in your leadership journey.
Moderator: Nyika A. Allen, C.M., Sr. Director, Global Operational Excellence
Speakers:
Jordan Morris, Senior Regional Manager, Allegiant
Courtney Moore, Chief Revenue & Experience Officer, LAWA
Joshua Castellano-Gonzalez, CM, CGFM, Assistant Director, Finance & Administration, Fresno Yosemite International Airport
2:45 pm to 3:30 pm
Break with Exhibitors, Giveaways
Location: San Carlos Foyer
3:30 pm to 4:45 pm
Session F1: The Seasoned Leader: Succession Planning
Location: San Carlos 2-3
We all hope to retire one day. In the meantime, many hope to promote, and might end up managing the groups we are a part of now. What are we doing to leave a legacy of capable and prepared professionals to follow in our footsteps? This session focuses on workforce development, training, succession planning, and knowledge transfer to maintain excellence during staffing transitions.
Moderator: Cameron Morrow, EIT, Civil Engineer, Mead & Hunt
Speakers:
Mark McClardy, Retired, FAA
Craig Piper, Deputy Director, San Luis Obispo County Airport
Sandra Kukla, President, DWL
Session F2: Turning Communication into a Coalition for Airport Success
Location: San Carlos 4
Airport leaders must transform communication into action by building strong coalitions. This session explores how airports can partner with other airports, community leaders, businesses, and policymakers to learn from each other and help reinforce the role of airports as essential infrastructure. Attendees will gain insights into how collaborative relationships, shared insights, innovative problem-solving, and ongoing peer support can elevate airport leadership and ensure airports remain trusted and valued anchors across the region.
Moderator: Alicia Robertson, President, PSM Squared, Inc.
Speaker:
Jessica Yas Barker, External Affairs Director, Van Nuys
Rick Crider, A.A.E., Director, Prescott Airport
Chris Morello, Executive Director, Monterey Regional Airport
4:45 pm to 5:00 pm
Conference Wrap Up and Exhibitor Passport Grand Drawing
Location: San Carlos 2-3
Must be present to win!
6:00 pm to 6:45 pm
President's Cocktail Reception, Sponsored by Coffman Associates
Location: San Carlos Foyer
6:45 pm to 8:30 pm
President’s Banquet + SWAAAE Foundation Grand Drawing, Sponsored by Sundt Construction
Location: San Carlos 2-4
Dress code: chic aviator with a touch of sparkle and glamour. Think Old Hollywood jet-setter blended with cocktail attire.
8:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Post-Banquet Reception, Sponsored by Mead and Hunt, Inc.
Location: Ferrantes Bayview (top floor of hotel)
Wednesday, February 4
8:00 am to 12:00 pm
Joby and AirSpace Integration Drone Innovation Hub Tour and Demonstration
Step into the cutting edge of aviation with this exclusive tour, led by industry innovators shaping what’s next. Attendees will visit Joby Aviation at Marina Airport, gaining an inside look at the facilities.
The tour continues at Airspace Integration’s drone innovation hub, where participants will experience a live flight demonstration and tour. This FAA-authorized UAS test range and incubator is a critical R&D partner for aerospace firms, defense contractors, research institutions, and emerging technology startups—offering a rare view into real-world deployment of next-generation aviation technologies.
Space is extremely limited, click here to secure your spot now!
10:00 am to 11:00 am
Annual Summer Conference Committee Planning Meeting
Location: San Carlos 4
All volunteers interested in serving on the 2026 Annual SWAAAE Summer Conference Planning Committee are encouraged to attend this planning kick-off meeting. All are welcome, and it is a great way to get involved in the Chapter!
*Program is subject to change