 |
Brian Aho P.E., Principal Engineer, Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) | "Brian Aho is a Principal Engineer and Project Manager in the Transportation Sector of ARA. In his 19 years with ARA, Mr. Aho has been directly responsible for airport pavement evaluations at over 500 general aviation airports and more than 30 commercial service airports including Boston Logan, Denver International, and Houston Intercontinental. Brian has contributed to several projects advancing the state of practice in airport pavement management. His research included an evaluation of the performance of warm mix asphalt at Boston Logan Airport, investigating the use of smartphones to measure runway profiles and airfield pavement roughness, and modernizing the aviation database used by the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) through Airport Cooperative Research (ACRP) Project 01-29. He is a licensed Professional Engineer and received his master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois." |
| Kelly Akhurd, Minnesota Department of Transportation | ||
 |
Mark Baker, President & CEO, AOPA | Mark Baker has been flying for more than 40 years for fun, commuting, and business. Mark has more than 10,000 hours in the left seat and a commercial pilot certificate with single and multiengine land and seaplane ratings, rotorcraft rating, and type ratings in the Cessna Citation 500 and 525s, as well as a DC-3 type rating. Mark’s favorite plane is a Piper Super Cub he’s owned for more than 25 years. Prior taking the helm at AOPA, Mark had a distinguished career in top leadership positions at companies including The Home Depot, Gander Mountain, and Orchard Supply Hardware. |
| Joe Beckendorf, Manager, Network Planning , Sun Country Airlines | "Joe Beckendorf is the Manager of Network Planning at Sun Country Airlines. Joe’s experience with Sun Country is wide-ranging. In his fifteen years with the airline, Joe spent several years in the Crew Scheduling department and ten years in Pricing & Revenue Management, which he led from 2014 through 2018. As Manager of Network Planning, Mr. Beckendorf has helped to diversify the airline’s network outside the Twin Cities area. Joe holds a bachelor’s degree from Gustavus Adolphus College in Financial Economics as well as a commercial pilot license. He resides in the Minneapolis area with his wife and three kids." | |
| Dan Boerner, Minnesota Department of Transportation | ||
| Steve Brian, Aviation Program Manager, Division of Intermodal, Georgia Department of Transportation | Steve Brian is the Aviation Program Manager for the Georgia Department of Transportation which administers the FAA Block Grant Program and the State Aviation Grant Program. Prior to joining the Department, Steve was the Airport Director in College Station, TX and Brunswick, GA (managing the Brunswick Golden Isles and the McKinnon St. Simons Island Airports). He has over 35 years of experience in managing airports holding position in the communities of Birmingham, AL, Binghamton, NY, and Kinston, NC. He also served in Washington, DC with ACI working on issues affecting small airports, air service, and international route development. Steve is a graduate of Auburn University, a certified member of the AAAE, and holds a private pilot certificate. | |
 |
Robert Brock, Director of Aviation & UAS, Kansas Department of Transportation | Bob Brock, a Kansas native is the Director of Aviation & UAS for the Kansas Department of Transportation. Prior to joining KDOT, Bob served a 22-year career in the Air Force. An instrument-rated commercial fixed-wing and helicopter instructor pilot, he also serves as a Regional Director of the National Association of State Aviation Officials board and the FAA Drone Advisory Committee. He is an alumnus of Pittsburg State University and Texas Christian University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Development from Webster University. |
| James Brough, National Aviation and Space Education Program Manager at Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Aviation Administration | ||
 |
Shawn Burke, Analyst, Air Service Development, WYDOT | Shawn Burke is the air service development analyst for the WYDOT Division of Aeronautics Air Service Development Program. He primarily oversees the state’s airline Capacity Purchase Agreement (CPA), grants within the Air Service Enhancement Program (ASEP), and monitors air service metrics and industry trends affecting air service in the state. Prior to joining WYDOT in 2015, Shawn worked at Frontier Airlines in the areas of flight schedule planning, operations research, and flight operations. Shawn graduated the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration and holds a private pilot’s license. He has been captivated by everything aviation since his first flight at the age of 7. |
 |
Lindsay Butler-Terry, Deputy Manager of the Dakota- Minnesota Airports District Office (ADO), Federal Aviation Administration | Lindsay has been with the FAA’s Office of Airports for 16 years and is currently the Deputy Manager of the Dakota-Minnesota Airports District Office (ADO) in Minneapolis. In that capacity, she oversees the ADO team responsible for planning, environmental reviews and federal funding for more than 200 public-use airports in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Prior to joining the DMA-ADO, Lindsay served as the Regional Environmental Specialist for the FAA – Great Lakes Region. During over 18 years with the government, including the FAA and FEMA, Lindsay worked in Chicago, San Francisco, Alaska and Washington, DC. Lindsay holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Public Policy from Michigan State University and Masters of Public Administration-Government Management from Roosevelt University in Chicago. She is also a graduate of the FAA’s Airport Leadership Development Program. |
 |
Mindy Carlson, Program Director, Minnesota Airport Technical Assistance Program (AirTAP), University of Minnesota’s Center for Transportation Studies (CTS) | Mindy Carlson is the program director for the MN Airport Technical Assistance Program (AirTAP) at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Transportation Studies (CTS). She is also the program director for the MN Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP), the Operational Research Assistance Program (OPERA) and the MN Truck Weight Education Program. These programs all share similar missions, goals and stakeholders. They are all statewide programs that bring valuable resources, training, technical assistance, new technologies and innovations to Minnesota’s local agencies and small airports. Together, they focus on fostering a safe, efficient, and environmentally sound transportation system. She is passionate about helping to improve the skills and knowledge of local transportation agencies through these programs. Mindy has been with the Center for Transportation Studies for 23 years. |
| Julie Carr, Minnesota Department of Transportation | ||
| Colleen D'Alessandro, Federal Aviation Administration | ||
| Darlene Dahlseide, Minnesota Department of Transportation | ||
 |
Patrick Dame, Executive Director, Rapid City Regional Airport | Patrick Dame is native to Anoka, MN and a graduate of St. Cloud State University. He is currently serving as the Executive Director of the Rapid City Regional Airport, where he has been for the past 4 years. Patrick has 20 years of experience in the Aviation Industry and served as an airport director for the past 15 years, in various cities across North and South Dakota. Patrick also spent four years working as an Aviation Planner for a Minnesota based engineering firm early in his career. |
 |
Jared Esselman, Director of Aeronautics, Utah Department of Transportation | Jared began his career in aviation as a Loadmaster on C-17’s in the US Air Force. After 7 years of service in both Iraq and Afghanistan, Jared completed his BA in Political Science from the College of Charleston and his Masters in Public Policy with a focus on state and local public finance from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. Jared served as a White House Intern for President George W. Bush and served on the Board of Directors for the National Conference of State Legislators. Jared was the Director of State Government Affairs at AOPA where he personally impacted aviation law in over 22 states. He now serves as the Director of Aeronautics for the State of Utah. He is an AAAE CM, an FAA certified private pilot and UAS pilot. |
| Anthony Fernando, UAS Program Administrator, Minnesota DOT Aeronautics | ||
 |
Mark Flynn, Director, Virginia Department of Aviation | Mark Flynn was appointed Director of the Virginia Department of Aviation by Governor Ralph Northam on January 13, 2018. Mark is a general aviation pilot and the proud owner of a Champ and a Mooney, both of which are based at New Kent (W96). He also flies a Cessna-206 and a Cessna-182 for the Department of Aviation. Before joining the Department, Mark was a partner at the Richmond-based law firm Woodley & Flynn. He served for 18 years with the Virginia Municipal League, where he was general counsel and chief lobbyist, guiding local governments on effectively serving the public. He has also served as county attorney of Tazewell County, Va. and was city attorney for Winchester, Va. for 11 years. Flynn is the past president of the Virginia Local Government Attorney’s Association and the 2013 recipient of that organization’s Edward Finnegan Award for Distinguished Service. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Virginia Tech and his juris doctorate from Washington & Lee University Law School. Mark is married and has one adult daughter, who is currently in OCS for Naval Intelligence. |
 |
Chris Gardner, GIS Specialist, Bolton & Menk | Chris began his career in 2010, gaining experience with GIS and remote sensing. He is knowledgeable in many facets of aviation planning and design, including FAA Advisory Circulars. Chris is experienced in developing airport layout plans and master plans. His knowledge and training in aviation, coupled with his GIS expertise, provides him the skills required to manage data for a number of airports. Additionally, he is a licensed remote pilot and is currently pursuing his private pilot certificate. |
 |
Ryan Gaug, Aviation Planning Director, Minnesota Department of Transportation-Aeronautics | Ryan began his career with MnDOT in 2008 as a Senior Planner helping to lead development of Minnesota’s 2009 Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan as well as manage the state’s Metropolitan Planning Organization program. In 2011, Ryan joined the Office of Aeronautics to assist in development of Minnesota’s State Aviation System Plan. In August of 2014 he was promoted to Aviation Planning Director. In that position he oversees all aspects of airport planning for Minnesota’s system of 133 airports as well as the registration of more than 6,000 aircraft annually. In October he will assume a temporary role as Assistant Office Director. Ryan has an undergraduate degree in Political Science and a Master in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute and is AICP certified. In his previous career he worked as a legislative aid in the U.S. Congress. |
| Drew Goldsmith, Office of Airport Safety and Standards, Federal Aviation Administration | Mr. Goldsmith is a Program Manager supporting the Federal Aviation Administration’s Office of Airports, Office of Airport Safety and Standards, Airport Engineering Division. He currently oversees the incorporation of National policy on aeronautical data capture into the Airport Data and Information Program (ADIP, formerly Airports GIS), which includes the management of the Airport Master Record (5010) and State Inspection Programs. Mr. Goldsmith has served in this position for 5 years, culminating from a decade of prior experience surrounding aeronautical data related activities in support of the FAA’s National Flight Data Center, Chart Supplement and VFR Charting teams. | |
|
Chris Gardner, GIS Specialist, Bolton & Menk | Chris began his career in 2010, gaining experience with GIS and remote sensing. He is knowledgeable in many facets of aviation planning and design, including FAA Advisory Circulars. Chris is experienced in developing airport layout plans and master plans. His knowledge and training in aviation, coupled with his GIS expertise, provides him the skills required to manage data for a number of airports. Additionally, he is a licensed remote pilot and is currently pursuing his private pilot certificate. |
 |
Mike Ginter, Vice President of Airports and State Advocacy, AOPA | "Mike Ginter is the Vice President of Airports and State Advocacy for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, which represents over 325,000 members in the U.S. He leads a team of 8 Regional Managers and Airport Policy experts and oversees a volunteer force of over 1500 Airport Support Network Volunteers across the U.S. This team accomplishes AOPAs mission to protect our freedom to fly by focusing on 3 areas: promote, protect and defend America’s airports; advocate for general aviation interests in all 50 state legislatures; and engage with members and key general aviation stakeholders in AOPAs 7 regions. Mike served 27 years in the U.S. Navy flying the carrier-based S-3B Viking. He held several leadership positions including command of an S-3 squadron and operations officer of an aircraft carrier, and he completed 4 combat deployments to the Persian Gulf. Following retirement, Mike served 7 years in the civil service in the Pentagon monitoring weapon system tests on Navy and Air Force programs like the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, KC-46 Tanker, and F-22 Raptor. Mike grew up in York, PA and earned his pilot’s license in high school. He is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and received his master’s degree from the National Defense University at Fort McNair, Washington, DC." |
| Rich Gossen, Sr. Manager, FAA Services , GCR, Inc. | ||
| James Herrera, Management and Program Analyst, Urban Air Mobility Program Manager, Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Office, Federal Aviation Administration | ||
 |
Mark House, Acting Assistant Administrator for Finance and Management, Federal Aviation Administration | "Mark S. House assumed the leadership position of the FAA’s Chief Financial Officer and the Office of Finance and Management’s Deputy Assistant Administrator of Financial Services in September 2011. As Chief Financial Officer, Mark serves as the agency’s financial steward, providing oversight and management for all appropriations and ensuring accountability to the American taxpayer for all laws, policies, and procedures. Prior to this position, he served as the Senior Vice President for ATO Finance. Mark joined the FAA Air Traffic Organization (ATO) as the Director of Financial Analysis and Process Reengineering in February 2005 after 19 years of experience in the private sector. In the private sector, Mark served in a number of positions, including the Director of Business Optimization and the Director of Financial Planning for US Airways. Mark holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of New York and a Masters of Business Administration in Finance from Virginia Tech." |
 |
Ben Husch, Federal Affairs Counsel for Natural Resources and Infrastructure, National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) | Ben Husch serves as the Federal Affairs Counsel for Natural Resources and Infrastructure for the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). In this role, he leads NCSL’s lobbying and advocacy work on transportation, environment, energy and agriculture issues before both Congress and the administration. He joined NCSL in March 2012 after nearly 4 years with the National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO). He has a Masters of Public Policy from Rutgers University and Bachelor of Economics from Wake Forest University. |
 |
Cassandra Isackson, Director of Aeronautics, Minnesota Department of Transportation | Cassandra Isackson is the director of aeronautics for the Minnesota department of transportation. Her office fosters aeronautics by planning and promoting a statewide system of airports, safeguarding the long-term viability of the state airports fund, collecting taxes and distributing airport funding, enhancing safety through enforcement, providing navigational and weather information systems, and developing the workforce through aviation education activities. In her 25-year career as a civil engineer she has served in a variety of positions with MnDOT and the Alabama Department of Transportation. She has served as the aeronautics director since 2013. She is the current Chair of the National Association of State Aviation Officials. |
| Rachel Jackson, Business Development, Raytheon | ||
 |
Ann Johnson P.E., Instructor, University of Minnesota- AirTAP Center for Transportation Studies | Ann Johnson is a professional engineer (PE), registered in both Minnesota and Wisconsin, and is employed by, and president of, PE Services. She is a board member and consultant for the U of MN Center for Transportation Studies. Ann has been an engineer in the Airports Department at HNTB Corporation, a senior engineer in the Pavements Division of Braun Intertec, and pavement section coordinator for the FHWA Long Term Pavement Performance Project in the North Central Region. She also teaches highway design and construction materials for the Minnesota Department of Transportation and Aggregate Ready Mix Association. |
 |
Natashia M. Jones, Program Manager, Non-Federal Policy & Oversight Program, Federal Aviation Administration | Natashia Jones, is a program manager for the non-federal policy & oversight program within the NAS policy & services planning team. She previously held the position of the Central Service Area (CSA) Non-Federal NavAids Program Implementation Manager (PIM) for six and a half years. Prior to that, Natashia was a Financial Program Analyst for the CSA NavAids PIM Team. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Xavier University of Louisiana and a Masters of Business Administration from The University of Northern Iowa. Natashia has worked for the Federal Government for almost 19 years. Prior to working for the FAA, she worked for the USDA/National Finance Center/Financial Management Office in New Orleans, LA. |
| Rylan Juran, Aviation Planner, Minnesota DOT Aeronautics | ||
| Andy Keith, Aviation Development Administrator , Florida Department of Tranportation | ||
 |
Pam Keidel-Adams, Vice President and firmwide Aviation Planning Leader, Kimley-Horn | Pam is a Vice President and firmwide Aviation Planning Leader at Kimley-Horn. With more than 30 years of aviation experience, Pam has worked in over 30 states across all FAA regions. She has played key roles in numerous large and small-scale airport projects with expertise in policy, project management, and several of the technical elements involved in airport planning. During her career, Pam has focused on system planning and, through research and project-related work, has contributed to many of the methodologies currently used in practice. Pam has served as an advisor to several state aviation organizations and continues to serve the aviation industry as a chair, panelist, and member of the TRB, ACC, AAAE, and ACRP, among others. Pam is the Chair of the TRB’s Intergovernmental Relations in Aviation Committee and a long-time participant in NASAO’s annual meetings. |
 |
Kim Kenville Ph.D., C.M., Professor – University of North Dakota Chair, ND Aeronautics Commission | Dr. Kim Kenville has taught airport management at the University of North Dakota for the past 19 years. Prior to UND, she worked for Detroit (DTW), Milwaukee (MKE) and Minneapolis airports in the airport operations department, as well as a Noise Internship with the MSP airport. She has completed several Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) projects that pertain specifically to airports and their response and recovery to emergencies, social media, funding industrial aviation development, aviation education, strategic planning, and organizational effectiveness and most recently a guidebook on “Developing Innovative Strategies for Aviation Education”. She is the owner of Kim Kenville Consulting (KKC) which is a registered disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) under the U.S. Department of Transportation guidelines. Kim is a governor-appointed commissioner for the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, and is the current chair. Dr. Kenville is also engaged in facilitating strategic planning for regional airports, as well as providing training opportunities for the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) - both in person and via webinar. Kim is a private pilot, she is married to an airport engineer and they have five children. |
 |
Dr. Parimal Kopardekar, Acting Director, NASA Aeronautics Research Institute (NARI) | Dr. Parimal Kopardekar (PK) serves as the Acting Director of NASA Aeronautics Research Institute (NARI). In that capacity, he is responsible for exploring new trends and needs related to aeronautics. He also serves as NASA’s senior technologist for Air Transportation Systems and principal investigator for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Traffic Management (UTM). For UTM, he and the team won the Service to America Medals (known as Oscars of Federal Workforce) in Promising Innovation Category in 2018. He was named in top 25 most influential people in commercial UAS industry in 2017. He also won NASA exceptional technology medal in 2016. He is co-author of over 50 publications with 3 best paper awards. He is passionate about airspace operations, autonomy, advanced air mobility, and digital manufacturing and supply chains in aeronautics. He is co-editor-in-chief of Journal of Aerospace Operations and a fellow of American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. |
 |
Bill Lentsch, Executive Vice President – Flying/Air Operations, Delta Air Lines | Bill Lentsch is Executive Vice President – Flying/Air Operations for Delta Air Lines. In this role, Bill has oversight of Flight Ops and In-Flight Service, aligning all of Delta’s in-air operations under his leadership. His responsibilities include coordinating all flying functions for 24,000+ flight attendants, 13,000+ pilots and support staff. His team is also responsible for Delta’s on-board experience as well as all the necessary training, planning, scheduling, technical support, quality assurance and regulatory oversight. Prior to his current role, Bill was the Senior Vice President- Delta Connection, Delta Global Services, and CEO Endeavor Air. Bill oversaw all aspects of the more than 2,300 daily departures for Delta’s six regional partners. Bill has also held the title of Senior Vice President – Airport Customer Service and Airline Operations, leading Delta’s largest divisions of more than 25,000 employees across eight airport hubs and more than 200 airports globally, and Senior Vice President – Minnesota Operations, which included government, community affairs and customer service responsibilities at Delta’s hub at Minneapolis/St. Paul. Bill received a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics from the University of Minnesota’s Institute of Technology and a MBA from the University of St. Thomas." |
| Rebecca MacPherson, Federal Aviation Administration | ||
 |
Matt Massiano, Director, Business Development, Saab Sensis Corporation | "Matt has 30 years of business development experience with Saab Sensis Corporation in Syracuse, NY, pursuing safety and surveillance-related contracts with the FAA, various State aviation departments, and the Department of Defense. Matt led the company’s capture of FAA contracts for the Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE-X) and Capstone/Safe Flight 21 ADS-B programs, and the Wide-Area Multilateration surveillance program with the Colorado Division of Aeronautics. He is currently directing Saab’s launch of its camera-based, Digital Tower System in the U.S., centered on FAA certification and commissioning at Leesburg Executive Airport, Virginia. Prior to joining Sensis Corp. in 1988, Matt worked as a radar system engineer with General Electric. He holds a private pilot certificate with an instrument rating." |
 |
Mike Maynard, Project Manager, Jviation | "Mike Maynard has been a Project Manager with Jviation since 2016. In this position, he is responsible for airport system planning, air cargo studies, airport master plans, airport site selection studies, and airport economic impact studies. Mike has fulfilled the role of project manager for several statewide aviation system plans and statewide economic impact studies. Throughout his airport planning career Mike has led airport system planning projects and tasks for airports systems throughout the US from Florida to Alaska. Major airports that he has conducted economic impact include Kansas City International, Pittsburgh International, Port Columbus International, and Chicago-O’Hare. Mike’s air cargo analysis has provided state governments, airports, air carriers and aviation related industries with in-depth analysis and planning for route development, cargo master planning and airport related economic development. He was also the Principle Investigator for ACRP Report 143 – Air Cargo Facilities Development and Planning Guidebook." |
 |
Mike McHugh M.Ed, ASMEL, Aviation Education Coordinator, North Dakota Aeronautics Commission | Mike McHugh is the Aviation Education Coordinator for the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission and has been working in this role since 2015. Prior to working for the Aeronautics Commission, Mike spent 12 years as a high school teacher, instructing an aviation class available to 10-12th grade students in Bismarck, North Dakota. During the time as a high school teacher, Mike became a Google Certified Teacher and was awarded the Scott Crossfield aerospace teacher of the year. As the Education Coordinator, he is tasked with promoting aviation education careers as well as overseeing the agencies educational programs. Mike is a graduate of the University of North Dakota with a degree in Aviation Management and Masters (M.Ed) in Instructional Design and Technology. He is also a commercial pilot (ASMEL). |
| Matt Metcalfe, Managing Director, Deloitte Consulting | ||
| Joe Miniace, Federal Aviation Administration | ||
 |
Dr. John H. Mott, Associate Professor in the School of Aviation and Transportation Technology, Purdue University | Dr. John H. Mott is an Associate Professor in the School of Aviation and Transportation Technology at Purdue University, at which he has held various instructional and administrative positions since 2006. A summa cum laude graduate of the University of Alabama with Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Electrical Engineering, and of Purdue University with a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, he also possesses an FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Multiengine ratings, an FAA Flight Instructor Certificate with Airplane Single-and Multiengine and Instrument ratings, and an FAA Ground Instructor Certificate with Advanced and Instrument ratings. He holds type ratings in the Hawker Beech King Air 300, Hawker HS-125, and Canadair Challenger 600. Professor Mott serves as the Director of the Advanced Aviation Analytics Center of Research Excellence at Purdue University, was the founding editor of the Journal of Aviation Technology & Engineering, for which he served in various editorial positions for nine years, and has served as Assistant, Associate, and Interim Head of the school. His research interests are in the areas of statistical modeling of transportation operations and the collection and analysis of data from decentralized networks. |
 |
Randy Murphy, Geospatial Technical Lead, Arora Engineers, Inc. | Randy Murphy has worked in the aviation industry for over 25 years, the last 23 of which have been focused on the application of information technologies for airports. He is the Geospatial Technical Lead for Arora Engineers, Inc., a firm that is dedicated to Rethinking Infrastructure™ to improve our overall quality of life. Randy supports this vision through the research, development and implementation of GIS, CAD, BIM, Imagery and related technologies for airports and the FAA. Randy has also supported research projects for the AAAE, ASCE, FAA, TRB, and U.S. DOT. He has helped implement systems at numerous large, medium and small airports. His technical focus is on the development of data standards, implementation of databases, and design of computer applications. He has supported the AAAE GIS Sub-Committee since its inception, is Co-Chair of the TRB Airports GIS Sub-Committee, and is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineer’s 38-02 committee on subsurface utilities engineering. |
 |
Joe Navarrete, Senior Program Officer, Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) | "Joe is a senior program officer for the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) and has spent his entire career in the airport industry. He first worked at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, focusing on the Washington-Baltimore Regional Commercial Airport System Plan. He then joined the Maryland Aviation Administration as their Chief of Airport System Planning. In 1991, Joe began an 18-year stint as an airport planner with a large architectural, engineering, and planning firm, helping airports develop master plans to address future requirements. It was during this time that Joe became involved ACRP, first serving as a panelist guiding research on one of ACRP’s early projects. He next led a research team as its principal investigator for an ACRP study. Finally, in 2009, Joe joined ACRP, where he has served as a senior program officer for more than 80 projects. Joe’s varied career has given him a unique perspective on the ACRP research process and its value to the airport industry." |
 |
Tim O'Krongley A.A.E., IAP, IACE, Aviation Planning Director, Garver | Tim is the Aviation Planning Director at Garver and has more than 32 years of experience in aviation planning and airport operations. Tim is an industry leader in airport management, strategic planning, and safety and security management systems. He also has extensive experience with airport master plans, capital improvement programs, airport construction, fiscal operations, airport development, and public involvement. Before joining Garver, Tim served in several airport operational and management positions, includingthe former Deputy Aviation Director for the San Antonio Airport System (SAAS). In this role Tim oversaw all operations, planning, construction, environmental stewardship, maintenance, finance, administration, concessions, information technology, safety, and security. Tim is a globally recognized expert in SMS and is one of six authors of the official, worldwide SMS document for Airports Council International. He has been involved in aviation safety planning since the FAA’s pilot programs. Tim is an Accredited Airport Executive and International Aerodrome Certified Employee through AAAE and an accredited International Airport Professional through ICAO and ACI. Tim is also a commercial instrument-rated pilot." |
| Adam Robertson, CTO, Fortem Technologies | ||
 |
Ann B. Richart, Director, Aeronautics , Nebraska Department of Transportation AAE | Ann Richart is an accredited airport executive who has been working in aviation for 34 years. She is currently the State Aeronautics Director in Nebraska and previously served as the State Aviation Director in Oregon. She’s managed the airports in Klamath Falls, Oregon; Hutchinson, Kansas; Elmira Corning, New York; and Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. She’s also held positions at the Eugene Airport in Oregon and with Aurora Air Service, Audi Air, and Pacific Alaska Airlines in Fairbanks, Alaska. Richart holds a bachelors degree in Aeronautical Studies from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She has served as the president of both the Oregon and New York Airport Management Associations, president of the Northeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives, and as the Vice Chair of the National Association of State Aviation Officials. |
 |
Regan Schnug, Senior Project Manager, Kimley-Horn, AICP | Regan has been combining urban planning practices and a passion for all things aviation to help clients implement innovative and effective planning solutions for over 12 years. As a senior project manager, her experience provides a national perspective of industry changes as well as an understanding of local and regional nuances that impact aviation planning efforts. She is well-versed in delivering a wide variety of aviation planning projects, with a special emphasis on statewide aviation system plans, economic impact studies, and compatible airport development. In addition to helping lead Kimley-Horn’s system planning practice, Regan is actively involved in the industry through NASAO, TRB, ACRP, and others. Currently she serves as Panel Chair for ACRP 01-37 and Principal Investigator for ACRP 01- 36 Advancing the Practice of State Aviation System Planning. |
 |
Jayshree Seth Ph.D., Chief Science Advocate, 3M | Jayshree Seth is a Corporate Scientist at 3M and leads Applied Technology Development projects for Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division, the largest industrial business at 3M. She has a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Clarkson University in NY and a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from India, and, holds 65 US patents for a variety of innovations that she has worked on in her 26 years at 3M. Jayshree is currently engaged in new technology development and commercialization for sustainable Industrial Products within various markets. In 2018 Jayshree was appointed as 3M’s first ever Chief Science Advocate and is using her scientific knowledge, technical expertise and professional experience to advance science and communicate the importance and benefits of science in everyday life. Jayshree is very passionate about teaching, coaching, mentoring and is a sought after speaker, globally, on a multitude of topics such as innovation, leadership, career development, and intellectual property etc. |
 |
Tom Schauer, Senior Aviation Advisor, KLJ | Tom serves as KLJ’s Senior Aviation Advisor where he provides leadership and strategies for effective aviation planning and engineering, geographic information systems solutions, and CADD services. Since joining KLJ in 2012, he has brought an innovative, yet common-sense approach to solving complex industry problems. Prior to joining KLJ, Tom worked for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for 24 years. He began his career in 1988 after graduating from North Dakota State University with a BS in electrical engineering. In his 24 years with the FAA, Tom has worked as a Navigation and Communication Engineer for the FAA Airway Facilities Sector, Program Manager for the Bismarck Airports District Office, Senior Engineer and Compliance Officer for the Great Lakes Region Airports Division, and as the Bismarck Airport District Office Manager. He has worked on industry problems including Navigational Aid (NAVAID) maintenance and installation, grant issuance and compliance, and resolving pavement issues and airfield configuration problems from general aviation airports to large commercial airports such as Chicago O’Hare, Midway, and Detroit Metro. When Tom isn’t solving complex aviation problems, he is spending most of his free time with his wife and two daughters. Tom enjoys golfing, swimming, a good cigar, and fine scotch." |
 |
D. Kirk Shaffer, Associate Administrator for Airports, Federal Aviation Administration | Kirk Shaffer, a native of Bay City, Texas, was reappointed by President Donald Trump and Secretary Elaine Chao as Associate Administrator for Airports on December 17, 2018. He served in this role previously between 2007-2009. Kirk has more than 30 yearsof experience as an entrepreneurial airport executive, advocate, and regulator. He leads more than 500 employees, manages an annual budget of $3.35 billion (which includes an operating budget of approximately $112 million), and is responsible for the Airport Improvement Program grants, which total around $7 billion annually, as well as two major research programs. He is also responsible for overseeing national airport safety and standards, planning, engineering, environmental processing, financial assistance and compliance programs for more than 3,320 public-use airports nationwide. Kirk is the author of the Nation’s first Letter of Intent securing a Federal funding commitment for an airport capacity project in advance of appropriations, thus inventing an airport infrastructure finance system, which now yields about $7 billion in safety, security, and capacity investment annually. Kirk also created the business-based U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service documentation eliminating bureaucratic requirements and facilitating the first-ever public-private partnership airport/landside international border crossing between Tijuana, Mexico and Otay Mesa, California. Kirk returns to the FAA from service as the principal for D. Kirk Shaffer, PLLC and as senior counsel at an AmLaw 100 international law firm where he provided strategic policy and planning counsel and consensus building among a variety of aviation stakeholders and clients. Kirk is a veteran of the U.S. Army and is Ranger, airborne, jumpmaster, and air assault qualified. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point; a law degree from the University of Texas at Austin; and a Master of Laws degree from The Judge Advocate General’s School of the U.S. Army. He is also a private pilot. Kirk is a certified member of the American Association of Airport Executives and a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association." |
 |
Mihir Shah PE, AICP, Special Projects Manager, Arora Engineers, Inc. | Mihir is an airport development and aviation planning leader with over 20 years of experience with a variety of airports, from global hubs to general aviation airfields. He is experienced in capital programming, program and construction management, master planning, environmental permitting and documentation, compatible land use, and landside transportation. He has managed and participated in airport master plans, airport layout plans, environmental assessments and impact studies, and landside transportation studies. Mihir has managed and overseen the implementation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for airport planning and program management applications. He is active in the planning community, and is a current member of the American Planning Association (APA). Mihir is also a registered Professional Engineer in the state of South Carolina, and is member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). |
| Gary Siegfried, Program Manager, South Carolina Aeronautics Commission | ||
 |
Shelly Simi, President & CEO, NASAO | With over 25 years of extensive experience as an aviation and aerospace executive, Shelly Simi has been instrumental in promoting and enhancing major corporate and association initiatives throughout the industry. Working with key stakeholders including government representatives, association leaders, corporate executives, and industry partners, she has marketed emerging technologies that are impacting the way we think about transportation and mobility through visibility/brand awareness, increasing customer investment/company growth, and enhancing membership participation. Before joining NASAO, Shelly served as Director, Corporate Communications & Public Affairs for Aurora Flight Sciences Corp., a Boeing Company. Shelly is a Founding Board Member of Women in Aviation, International, prior President of the Aero Club of Washington and is a past Board of Trustee member of the University Aviation Association. Simi is a co-founder and past chairman of the National Coalition for Aviation (and Space) Education and a founding member of the Aviation Communications Coalition of Washington. Simi was inducted as a pioneer into the Women in Aviation Pioneer Hall of Fame in 2015. She attended George Washington University’s Public Relations Certificate Program in Washington, DC and holds a Bachelor of Commercial Aviation degree with a minor in Flight Operations from Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi." |
 |
Clayton Stambaugh MPA, Aviation and Marine Planning and Programming, Illinois Department of Transportation | Clayton Stambaugh serves as an aviation program manager and facilities specialist for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Additionally, he helps manage the Illinois Marine Transportation System Initiative for IDOT. He previously served as airport manager at Pekin Municipal Airport and served on the executive committee with the Illinois Public Airports Association. Stambaugh participates on multiple projects with the Airport Cooperative Research Program. In addition, he is the Vice-chair for the Transportation Research Board committee on Intergovernmental Relations in Aviation and committee research coordinator for the committee on Inland Water Transportation. Stambaugh recently led marketing and communication efforts for the TRB 10th National Aviation System Planning Symposium. Stambaugh is a graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC), where he obtained a Master of Public Administration degree focusing on aviation administration. Stambaugh also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aviation Flight from SIU. He holds a Commercial Pilot Certificate for Airplane Single and Multi-Engine Land with an Instrument Airplane rating, as well as a Remote Pilot Certificate." |
 |
James D. Stephens, Executive Director, South Carolina Aeronautics Commission | "James Stephens is the Executive Director of the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission, and is charged with managing the state’s executive aircraft fleet as well as the state’s system of airports. He holds degrees in Aviation Management and Aircraft Maintenance from Bob Jones University, and is a licensed Airframe & Powerplant mechanic and Private Pilot. Prior to Aeronautics, he served as Vice President of Marketing and Sales for the Special Services Corporation in Greenville, SC. During his time with Special Services, the aircraft management company grew from a fleet of four aircraft to ten, most of which were offered on the aircraft charter market for private use. Stephens’ past experiences also include airport management in McMinnville, Tennessee, and aircraft maintenance in Greenville, South Carolina. Stephens is currently the chair of the South Carolina Aerospace Education Working Group, and is working with industry, academia, and government to promote the aerospace/aviation industry to South Carolina students. He serves as the Regional Representative for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) Southern Region, and is the current chairman of the Unmanned Aircraft Committee." |
 |
Ken Stewart, CEO, AiRXOS, part of GE Aviation | Ken Stewart serves as AiRXOS’ CEO, joining the organization in 2017 as Executive Product Manager, Digital. He brings more than 25-years of technology industry leadership, telecom expertise, start-up innovation, and executive management experience. Ken Stewart manages corporate direction and strategy at AiRXOS, directing company activity in technology, sales, marketing, alliances and channels, and support. In 2018, Stewart was recognized as one of the ‘Top 7 Drone Visionaries’ by Commercial UAV News. Prior to AiRXOS, Stewart was Vice President, Sales and Business Development for Federated Wireless, responsible for strategic sales and partnerships. In previous roles he has held various Vice President leadership positions for GridPoint, Syniverse, NeuStar and MACH. Stewart holds an M.B.A. in International Business from Saint Leo University, a B.A. from Saint Leo University, and Certificate in Innovation Management, University of Maryland - Robert H. Smith School of Business." |
 |
Maranda Thompson, Airport Planning Supervisor/ Senior Project Manager, Mead & Hunt, Inc. | "Maranda Thompson has 19 years of experience in the practice of aviation planning. She possesses considerable expertise in airport land use compatibility planning in the state of California, as well as airport master planning, especially where it concerns non-aeronautical uses on- and off-airport property. Maranda often shares her knowledge with the public, stakeholders and agency planners at various airports, as well as at conferences like the 2019 Transportation Research Board’s symposium in Washington, DC where she spoke on the recent ACRP project she managed, “Evaluating Compatibility Zoning at General Aviation Airports”. She arranges outreach activities for various clients and prepares presentations for webinars like the Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Initiative aimed at our California Part 139 airports. Maranda lives in California with her husband, Heath and their two little daughters." |
 |
Nel Stubbs, Vice President, Conklin & de Decker Associates, a JSSI Company | Nel Stubbs is a Vice President of Conklin & de Decker, a JSSI Company, which is one of the world’s foremost leaders in aviation cost research, consulting and education. Nel has been in the business aviation industry for more than thirty years. Throughout these years she has consulted with numerous Fortune 500 companies and high net worth individuals on aviation tax related matters at both the federal and state levels and is considered one of the foremost tax experts in the industry. Nel also has extensive experience in the areas of tax planning, cost and financial analysis, budgeting, aircraft ownership, operating structures and tax audits. Nel is a member in good standing of the National Business Aviation Association’s (“NBAA”) Tax Committee, the National Air Transportation Associations (“NATA”) Air Charter Committee and the Helicopter Association International’s (“HAI”) Finance & Leasing Committee. Nel has a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from California State University, San Bernardino and a Master’s in Aeronautical Science/Aircraft Operations from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University." |
 |
Stephanie L. Sudano P.E., Multimodal Special Projects Transportation Engineer, North Carolina Department of Transportation | "Stephanie L. Sudano, P.E. is the Multimodal Special Projects Transportation Engineer for the North Carolina Department of Transportation, working across all non- highway modes including aviation, rail, ferry, bike, and public transportation. Stephanie’s experience includes 25 years on management and leadership teams in both local and state government Prior to joining the NCDOT, she served 20 years as Director of the Engineering Department for the Town of Holly Springs Following a local government career, Sudano worked for several years with the NCDOT Division of Aviation as a Systems Engineer and Program Manager of NC AirTAP. Sudano continues to serve as the Program Manager of NC AirTAP, is also the Project Manager for the NCDOT’s North Carolina Autonomous Vehicle Shuttle Project, and other various multi-modal special projects. Sudano, a registered Professional Engineer, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from N.C. State University. She also completed the Institute of Government Municipal Administration program and Public Executive Leadership Academy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill." |
 |
Akbar Sultan, Director, Airspace Operations and Safety Program, NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) | "Mr. Sultan is responsible for NASA’s aviation operations and safety research portfolio of more than $120 million across four research centers. AOSP works with the FAA and industry and academic partners to conceive and develop Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) technologies to further improve the safety of current and future aircrafts. NextGen activity includes research to enable service- oriented architecture and integrated demand management operational efficiencies for traditional aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and future autonomous systems. The program is also responsible for aviation safety research in multiple areas. A key focus is on developing and demonstrating enhanced systems that will enable routine access to the airspace by emergent users of UAS, especially in support of evolving urban air mobility concepts. Sultan is the NASA co-lead on the NASA/FAA Research Transition Teams, which are organized to enable efficient and effective transition of NASA research into FAA implementation roadmaps. He is also the NASA liaison to the multiagency NextGen Interagency Planning Office, and leads the program’s international collaboration activities. Sultan has 20 years of professional experience in aerospace and air traffic management research and development. Sultan received two bachelors of science degrees – in mechanical engineering and in aeronautical science and engineering – from the University of California Davis, and a master’s of science degree in aerospace engineering from San José State University." |
 |
David Ulane A.A.E., Director, Colorado Division of Aeronautics | "Under the direction of the Colorado Aeronautical Board, Dave leads the Colorado Department of Transportation’s innovative and forward-leaning Aeronautics Division. Prior to his current role, Dave was the Northwest Mountain Regional Manager for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), where he managed the association’s airport advocacy, state and local legislative and governmental affairs, and member engagement in seven northwestern states. He is the current Northwest Mountain Regional Director on the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) Board of Directors, and previously was President of the Northwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and President of the Wyoming Airport Operators Association. An active pilot since 1987, Dave is a seaplane rated private pilot, currently flying a variety of general aviation aircraft. Dave has a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management from Metropolitan State University of Denver and is an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.)." |
 |
Patrick Waddick, President of Innovation & Operations, Cirrus Aircraft | "Patrick Waddick is responsible for leading enterprise-wide Innovation and Operations activities including research and development, engineering, program management, manufacturing operations, global supply chain and quality. Patrick joined Cirrus Design Corporation in 1988 contributing to the early engineering efforts on the model VK30 composite pusher- configuration aircraft. Transitioning from VK30 Chief Engineer to ST50 Project Engineering Manager, Patrick led a joint Cirrus and Israeli design team through to early flight testing stages. Patrick began his professional affiliations first with AIAA at the University of Wisconsin, Madison as a student chapter Vice President. In 2004, he was the recipient of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Hap Arnold Award for Excellence in Program Management. Patrick is also a member of the AOPA and EAA aviation organizations. An active FAA Private Pilot since 1988, he holds a single-engine instrument land rating. Patrick was educated at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Mechanics from the School of Engineering in 1989. During his degree program he completed a cooperative education internship with IBM Corporation in East Fishkill, New York." |
 |
Kyle Wanner, Executive Director, North Dakota Aeronautics Commission | Originally from Mandan, North Dakota, Kyle is a graduate from the University of North Dakota’s aviation program where he received a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in Airport Management, a Bachelor’s of Science in Air Traffic Control, and a private pilot’s license. He has worked for the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission since 2011 and spent three years working as the airport planner where he was involved in planning and developing airport projects throughout the state. In 2014, Kyle was appointed as the Executive Director of the state agency, where he continually works to support and grow aviation throughout the state. He also serves on the authority designated to oversee the Unmanned Aircraft Systems test site and pilot integration program within North Dakota. He currently resides in Bismarck, North Dakota with his wife and four children. |
 |
Stephanie Ward AICP, Manager, Aviation Planning and Vice President, Mead & Hunt | Stephanie Ward is a graduate of Michigan State University with a BS in Urban Planning and a Masters in Parks and Recreation Planning. She has been involved in the aviation industry for more than thirty years beginning with obtaining her private pilot license at 17. She has been an aviation planner and manager with Mead & Hunt for 20 years and has over 28 years of aviation planning experience completing projects of all sizes across the U.S. She is a certified planner (AICP) and has completed more than 160 projects across the country ranging from traditional airport master planning, and environmental assessments, to state aviation system plans and national research for the Airports Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) where she has been involved with more than 20 projects. Stephanie’s perspective as both an aviation planner and pilot brings unique understanding to her projects, big and small. She has a passion for public involvement and engagement which she believes provides more successful development and implementation of her various projects. |
 |
Jared Wingo, Senior Aviation Planner, Bolton & Menk | Jared is an aviation planner who began his career in 2011 and leads Bolton & Menk’s aviation planning efforts. He collaborates with planning, engineering, and GIS staff to assess, analyze, disclose, and document impacts on airport projects. In past positions, he served as the state airport planner for North Dakota and a FAA contractor developing instrument flight procedures. Jared is passionate about ensuring airports operate safely and efficiently. He enjoys working with clients to meet current and future aeronautical demands and guide them from project formulation to completion. Jared holds commercial flight ratings in single and multi-engine airplanes. |
 |
Basil Yap, UAS Program Manager, N.C. Department of Transportation Division of Aviation | "Basil Yap serves as program manager for the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Division of Aviation’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program. In this role, he envisions and directs efforts that position North Carolina as a global leader in UAS (drone) safety, government integration, commercial and economic development, and knowledge creation. Mr. Yap serves on and advises national standards-setting committees and work groups, including the National Cooperative Highway Research Program, Federal Highway Administration and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, as a key resource for nationwide drone deployment by transportation agencies. Mr. Yap secured and directs North Carolina’s participation in the Federal Aviation Administration’s three-year UAS Integration Pilot Program as one of only 10 U.S. teams selected. Mr. Yap brings to this work extensive experience in engineering, program and project management, policy development, and research design and analysis. In a previous role as an airport project manager with the Division of Aviation, he worked directly with 17 airports to administer federal and state grants for airport development. This required engaging and working closely with local governments and airport authorities on airport planning and land use, public outreach, project prioritization, construction monitoring and inspection, and assuring grant obligations were met. Mr. Yap is vice chair of the National Association of State Aviation Officials UAS Committee, a member of the Transportation Research Board’s Standing Committee on Aviation System Planning, FHWA’s EDC-5 Innovations UAS working group, and ASTM International’s Committee F38 on Unmanned Aircraft Systems. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from North Carolina State University." |
 |
Tom Zajkowski, North Carolina AirTAP Program Coordinator Institute for Transportation Research and Education, North Carolina State University | "Thomas Zajkowski is the NC AirTAP Program Coordinator at the Institue for Training Research and Education (ITRE). The North Carolina Airport Technical Assistance Program (NC AirTAP) is a joint effort of ITRE, the NCDOT Division of Aviation, and the NC Airports Association to support the state’s public- and private-sector airport professionals. Through educational offerings, information resources and related assistance, NC AirTAP helps NC airports improve the safety, quality, and efficiency of their operations and increase the use of new aviation materials and technology. The program also helps airport staff build a community network for exchanging best practices. Previously, he was federal contractor employed at the United States Forest Service Remote Sensing Applications Center (RSAC), Salt Lake City, Utah as a Remote Sensing Specialist and pilot. He supported numerous remote sensing resource management and wildfire data collection projects from 1999 – 2013 working with cooperators with NASA, NOAA, and Department of the Interior, Department of Defense, state emergency management agencies, and universities. Thomas holds an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilots Certificate and FAA Commercial pilot’s certificate." |
 |
Susan Zellers, Senior Project Manager and Aviation Planning Lead, Hanson Professional Services Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana office | "Over her 27 year career, Susan has provided aviation planning, design, and management services to more than 50 airports, ranging from general aviation to medium hub airports. She spent five years on staff with the Indianapolis Airport Authority. As their Deputy Director of Planning and Development, she oversaw the planning and project implementation for Indianapolis International Airport and five reliever airports. Susan holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from Purdue University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky. She is an Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) through the American Association of Airport Executives. As an active private pilot with an instrument rating, Susan enjoys spending her free time flying around Indiana. Susan completed two Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) Projects last year: Update to Report 16: Guidebook for Managing Small Airports and Report 195: Best Practices for Airport Obstruction Management. She also recently served on two ACRP synthesis oversight panels on Airport Surface Weather Observation Options for General Aviation Airports and Value, Benefit, and Limitations of Qualifications Based Selection for Airport Project Delivery." |
