SPEAKERS

Susan Burkholder

Susan Burkholder worked in the healthcare industry in sales, marketing, consulting, coaching, and executive management roles for 30 years. In 2013, Susan felt called to get involved in the fight against human trafficking. She served as an ambassador for Shared Hope International and became an active member of the Alamo Area Coalition Against Trafficking. Since 2015, she has served as a volunteer with Ransomed Life. Susan currently serves as Ransomed Life's Director of Community Awareness. The Ransomed Life Community Awareness Team has presented to more than 35,500 community members to include school staff, counselors, medical professionals, parents and students ages 11 and up.

Kelly Campbell, A.A.E.

Kelly Campbell is the Executive Director of Aviation at Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB). Kelly graduated from Texas Tech University in 1997 and began employment with LBB in March of 2001 as the airport accountant.  In September 2003, she was promoted to Deputy Director and in April 2014 became Executive Director. Kelly is active with both the national organization the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and the South Central Chapter (SCC) of AAAE. Kelly currently serves as First Past Chair of AAAE. Kelly also serves on the Board of Directors for the Texas Commercial Airports Association.

SKYE CARAPETYAN

Skye graduated from Jacksonville University with B.S. in Aviation Operations and Management and has led teams in aviation and electric vehicle (EV) sectors. Skye is passionate about aviation and clean energy and has been honored to contribute to teams at companies large and small that are making a difference in both areas. Skye is a commercial pilot who has flown Embraer regional jets for nearly 5 years as a First Officer and when promoted Captain, flew Canadair CRJ 700s. He held roles as an Adjunct Professor and certified flight instructor (CFI), CFII, MEI at Jacksonville University. Skye served as VP for a large transportation and logistics firm where he led the sales team in all western states before ultimately moving to the EV sector. As National Sales Director for an EV startup, Skye worked with the State of California, various utilities, and numerous municipalities to further the adoption of clean transportation and EV infrastructure. Skye joined BETA in the summer of 2021 and is focused on building out the EV charging infrastructure across the United States to advance BETA’s development of ALIA, a zero-emissions aircraft.

JJ Cawelti

JJ Cawelti is a communications and public affairs executive and consultant with broad experience in corporate social responsibility. She led the human trafficking awareness initiatives at the second busiest airport in the world, DFW International Airport. JJ also served as a subject matter expert to develop a guidebook on airport programs to address human trafficking through the Airport Cooperative Research Program, a branch of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. JJ formerly served as Assistant Vice President of Community Engagement at DFW International Airport where she led the airport’s social responsibility efforts, community relationships, and the Board of Directors. JJ has deep relationships and experience in the aviation industry and spent much of her career with Bell Flight leading global public affairs and community engagement. In that role, she drove many initiatives to grow Bell’s footprint both domestically and abroad and impact positive change for the aerospace industry as a whole. Under her leadership, her teams have been recognized internationally with top awards in the aerospace and defense industry and public affairs field. JJ is an active member of her community and holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Business Administration, both from West Texas A&M University. She is an AAAE Certified Member, and holds certificates in Change Management Leadership and Corporate Citizenship Leadership from Boston College.

Steve Creamer

Mr. Creamer is a Senior Aviation Engineer with 27 years of experience in civil engineering, serving the aviation community exclusively for the past 22 years. He has held various roles including Lead Designer, Project Engineer, Project Manager, Construction Manager, and Quality Assurance Manager at a variety of general aviation and commercial service airports. Additionally, Mr. Creamer has been engaged in various planning assignments, broadening his appreciation of both engineering design and long-term airport development. He received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Louisiana Tech University and is a licensed professional engineer in five states.

Rick Crider A.A.E.

Rick is Executive Vice President, Airport/Railport & Military Relations at Port San Antonio, which resides on 1,900-acres of the former Kelly Air Force Base in southwestern San Antonio, TX. Port San Antonio is a logistics-based, technology and innovation, industrial platform home to some 80 companies and governmental agencies that employ 15,000 workers, representing more than $5 billion in annual local economic impact. A significant component of the Port San Antonio holdings is the civil facet of Kelly Field, a vibrant industrial aviation base of aerospace giants such as Boeing, Chromalloy and StandardAero. Aerospace and aerospace-related firms at Port San Antonio employ approximately 4,000 workers, most of whom specialize in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), specialized aircraft services, and research and development (R&D) activities. Prior to joining Port San Antonio, Crider served as Vice President of Airport Development and Management Services at RW Armstrong, establishing and leading the Austin office that served aviation and transportation customers in the southwestern United Sates, the Caribbean and Latin America.

Desiree Curtis

Desiree Curtis assumed the position of the Airport Security Project Manager for San Antonio International Airport (SAT) in May 2016. She is responsible for the development of various Security initiatives that will advance the airports ability to proactively manage threats. She developed the Security Management System (SeMS) setting out the airport’s security policies and best practices to manage security, strengthen collaboration with various federal partners, and encourage a culture of security awareness. The Airport Cybersecurity Program is another initiative enhancing the management of cyber risk by improving preparedness posture through cybersecurity awareness, promoting collaborative action, and engaging with the cyber community. She is also working on finalizing the Human Trafficking Program providing training to aid identification of victims, a means to report suspected human trafficking, and response coordination amongst law enforcement agencies and non-profit resources. In December 2019, the airport partnered with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) to promote the Blue Lightning Initiative (BLI), an element of the DHS Blue Campaign. Desiree began her career in General Aviation at Stinson Municipal Airport, progressing within the San Antonio Airport System in various roles.

Cecil Dulaney

As SSP America’s Director of Airport Operations at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Cecil Dulaney oversees a portfolio of restaurant brands which represent a strategic mix of local, national and proprietary brands. SSP America, a division of SSP Group, is focused on bringing a ‘taste of place’ to the airports they serve throughout North America and is driven by a focus on building a passionate culture of inspired employees. As SSP America’s senior leader at IAH, Cecil oversees the operational success and financial performance at the Airport. He leads efforts to ensure development of strong relationships and open communication with airport executives and brand and joint venture partners. Cecil oversees the successful operation of culinary programs, purchasing and procurement as well as labor relations. Prior to joining SSP America, Cecil led a competitor operation at IAH for many years as the Department Manager. In this role he directed the entire management team, was responsible for commercial performance which included driving sales performance and containing costs. Cecil was previously the Restaurant Manager for a Steak N’ Shake in Springfield, MO where he managed the team and led efforts to meet overall profit and loss goals. Cecil has a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Restaurant Administration from Missouri State University and holds certifications from the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute in Bar and Beverage Management, Marketing and Hospitality. He is certified as a Hospitality Trainer and a ServeSafe Certified Proctor Trainer.

Ryan Durbiano

Ryan Durbinao, Executive Sales Manager at Blink Charging, knows a little something about cars. A third-generation auto dealer from Pittsburgh, Ryan spent his early life learning the ins and outs of the auto industry firsthand, and he brings that context to Blink Charging. Ryan saw that EVs were not only better for the environment, but the industry was gaining traction at a tremendous pace. He was impressed by the rapid growth of the EV industry, especially Blink Charging, and saw an opportunity to be a positive influence on the future while working in the industry he knows so well. Ryan brings all his experience and insight to bridge the gap between today’s automotive Marketplace and tomorrow’s. Ryan’s greatest gratification comes from knowing his work today will positively affect generations in the future.

Ignacio Flores

Ignacio Flores is responsible for the implementation of the national aviation transportation policy with respect to airport development in the five states covered by the FAA Southwest Region. This includes administration of the Airport Improvement Program, National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems, Airport Safety and Certification, Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) Program, environmental requirements, and other related statutory and policy programs.  Prior to joining the Southwest Region he was the Deputy Director for Airports the Great Lakes Region where he served for 3 years.  Ignacio also held the following positions prior to becoming the Deputy Director: Safety and Standards Branch manager in the Great Lakes Region; Standards and Procedures Office in the Universal Safety Oversight Program with the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO); FAA Airport Certification Safety Inspector and worked at O’Hare International Airport in the operations department. Ignacio graduated from Parks College of Saint Louis University with a Bachelor in Aviation and has a Master’s in Finance from the University of Illinois. He also holds a multiengine instrument rated pilot’s license.

Frank Gratton, AIA, NCARB

Mr. Gratton has more than 40 years of professional practice in architectural design, production, and management

of complex projects, including five years as principal and creative director of an international design and planning practice. As Design Director for Aviation Architecture at RS&H, he leads design teams from concept through construction. He has a talent for

visualizing design opportunities as part of a creative process rooted in hand sketches and rapid prototyping. His design philosophy thoughtfully blends the community’s vision to create an architecture inspired by culture, community, and a strong sense of place.

Mr. Gratton approaches the design process with rigorous research, a passion for design excellence, attention to details, and a collaborative spirit. His aviation design portfolio features award winning airport terminals, innovative spaceport design, concessions,

interior design, branding, signage, wayfinding, strategic airport master planning, parking, cargo, ARFF, and consolidated rental car facilities.

Bill Hancock

My twenty years as a US Air Force officer, culminating as a Colonel, prepared me well in life and in business.  From the first assignment in a Titan Missile unit in Kansas, to serving on the staff of the US House of Representatives, I gained discipline and perspective, and honed an innate ability to solve a wide variety of problems and unique issues.

My civilian experience afforded me a new layer of complexity and opportunity to grow my leadership and core capabilities. From Booze Allen Hamilton, where I led several cyber tech business teams, multiple government cryptology acquisition programs, and the Air Force’s Public Key Infrastructure program, to the X-Technical Corporation, where I managed day-to-day the Air Force world-wide Public Key Infrastructure capability. Today, and as a founder of Lamark Solutions, I’m improving the infrastructure that I know well, and that is so very important, by developing a more agile and robust mobile identity system. 

 Simply put, we have expanded the capability of existing identity management programs by overlaying them with an “identity ecosystem” that handles a continuum of identity confidence.  We are creating the “Cyber Identity Utopia” of which we have all dreamed---and adapting it for mobile platforms.

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.

Mitch hooper

Mitch Hooper manages Mead & Hunt’s planning practice in the Western United States and is one of the company’s leaders for advanced air mobility and airport integration. His experience includes planning assignments across the country and abroad, from large hubs to general aviation fields. He helps airports prepare strategic, defensible, resilient, implementable plans and build support from local, state, and federal agencies to maximize funding eligibility. Mitch specializes in helping sponsors bridge the gap between the timing of capital projects and the variable nature of aviation demand. The plans Mitch and his team collaborate on with airport sponsors incorporate the right mix of vison, optimism, and tried-and-true fundamentals to keep airports ahead of the ever-changing curve. This allows airports to anticipate stakeholder and user expectations over the long-term.

Mitch is based in Portland, Oregon, and works worldwide. He has a degree in Urban Planning from Arizona State University, an MBA from the University of Oregon, and a certificate in Airport Financial Management from the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) in Geneva, Switzerland.

ernest huffman

Ernest Huffman is born and raised in Syracuse New York and received his Bachelors in Aeronautical Science from Dowling College and his Master’s in aviation from Florida Institute of Technology. With over 22 years in the industry Mr. Huffman has worked all over the country as an Aviation Consultant. Included in that is his work as an Airline Technical Representative and managed the building of the Chicago O’Hare Airport. His current role is the Aviation Planning and Education Program Manager for the North Central Texas Council of Governments. There he has different duties that include managing the Aviation Education Initiative, Regional Aviation System plan and the North Texas UAS Safety and Integration Task Force.

Dr. Michael Imburgio

Mike Imburgio is a Director of Data Science at Visit Corpus Christi, where he analyzes trends in visitor behavior and seasonality. He earned a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience from Texas A&M University where he researched decision making and multitasking. Mike is a newcomer to the travel industry, having just finished his first year at Visit Corpus Christi. During this time, he has worked closely with CCIA to identify common visitor origins, establish which origins are top flight markets, and discern how likely top origins are to benefit from additional flights. In his free time, Mike works as a freelance soccer scouting analyst.

Karl King

Karl King graduated from the University of Georgia in 2015 with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology with a minor concentration in microbiology. Karl worked in the Financial Technology industry serving as a Project Manager and a Client Relations Rep for 4 years, building strong relationships with his clients. While he enjoyed this, he was looking for a career change and at a company with a variety of avenues to follow, settling on Waffle House in the Internal Investigation Department. After exposure to all the different departments, an opportunity became available in the Food Safety Department and that segued perfectly into Karl’s passion for biology and building relationships.

Major General Troy Kok

MG Troy D. Kok serves as the Special Assistant to the Chief, Army Reserve on Accessions. He leads the Army Reserve Accessions Task Force located at Fort Knox, Kentucky. As the Chief of the Army ReserveAccessions Task Force, MG Kok is responsible for increasing accessions within the Army Reserve to reach the end strength objective. He previously served as the Commanding General of the 99th DIV (R) at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL) and Senior Commander of JB MDL and US Army Base Devens Reserve Force Training Area (D.R.F.T.A). He began his military career when he enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1982.

MG Kok received his commission through the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) at Central Missouri State University as a Quartermaster Officer in 1984 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology in 1986. He received his Master of Science degree in Aviation Safety two years later, and as a First Lieutenant, transferred to the Aviation branch while serving with the 219th Transportation Company at Scott Air Force Base (SAFB), Illinois. Over his 36 year career and over 26 years on Active Guard Reserve duty, MG Kok had the opportunity to serve at over 10 duty locations including three separate Battalion commands.

MG Kok was deployed in January 2003 with the 377th Theater Sustainment Command in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), serving as the Theater Transportation Officer in the Distribution Management Center. MG Kok returned to Kuwait in January 2004 and served as Planning Officer for the Deployment / Redeployment Operations Center OIF I and II rotations. After completing his second tour, MG Kok was selected to command the Bison Battalion, ROTC unit at Bucknell University, Pennsylvania, from 2005 to 2006, where he served as the Professor of Military Science. From 2006 to 2008, he commanded the 229th Aviation Regiment at Fort Knox, Kentucky and a year later assigned to serve as the Command Recruiting Officer of the 11th Aviation Command.

MG Kok returned to SAFB from 2009 to 2011, where he served as the Deputy Director-Reserve Affairs and Deputy Commander-Joint Transportation Reserve at the U.S. Transportation Command. He was subsequently assigned to U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina as Assistant Chief of Staff, G4, and Special Assistant to the CG. In 2012, MG Kok was selected to command the 11th Theater Aviation Command at Fort Knox, KY. From 2015 to 2016 he served as the Deputy Commanding General (Support) at the United States (U.S) Army Recruiting Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky.

His awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Senior Army Aviation Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Pathfinder Badge. He attended the Aviation Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Army War College, and the Joint / Combined Warfighting School.

MG Kok resides in Kentucky with his wife and children.

LArry Krauter, A.A.E., AICP

Lawrence J. Krauter currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Spokane International Airport, Felts Field and Airport Business Park, collectively referred to as Spokane Airports.

Before joining Spokane Airports, he served as the Interim Executive Director of the Lehigh Northampton Airport Authority (Pennsylvania) and also served as the Deputy Executive Director and as the Director of Planning & Engineering. Prior to working for the Lehigh Northampton Airport Authority, Larry held the position of Airport Planner at the City of Columbus (Ohio) Division of Airports. He started his career as an Engineer Assistant with the Ohio Department of Transportation working on bridge and highway projects in northeast Ohio.

Larry is a graduate of The Ohio State University.

He is a Past President of the Aviation Council of Pennsylvania and was appointed by Governor Ed Rendellto serve two terms on the Governor’s Aviation Advisory Committee. Larry is an Accredited Airport Executive credentialed through the American Association of Airport Executives and he is a Member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, the professional credentialing institute of the American Planning Association. Larry also earned multiple professional certifications from the Construction Specifications Institute. Larry is an elected Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Larry served for 9-years as an appointed member and then Chairman of the City of Bethlehem (PA) Planning Commission, where he was involved in the largest brownfield redevelopment project in the country.

Larry is a Past President of the Northwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). Larry is also a Past Chairman of the AAAE Operations/Safety/Planning/Emergency Management Committee. Larry is a member of the AAAE U.S. Contract Tower Association Policy Board and served as Vice-Chairman of the 2018 AAAE National Airports Conference. In December 2018, Larry was elected to the Executive Committee of the American Association of Airport Executives and is currently serving as Chairman.

Larry is a single-engine land (SEL) and single-engine seaplane (SES) rated pilot. Larry has received the Leadership Award from the Washington Airport Management Association; Airport Executive of the Year Award from the Northwest Chapter/AAAE, National Airport Director of the Year from Airport Revenue News magazine and Business Leader of the Year Award from the West Plains Chamber of Commerce.

In his community, Larry serves on multiple boards including the West Plains/Airport Area Public Development Authority; Gonzaga University School of Business, Spokane Good Roads Association and the Seattle Branch Council of the Royal Aeronautical Society. Larry is a member of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, United States Seaplane Pilots Association, Washington Pilots Association and Washington Seaplane Pilots Association.

At the state level, Larry is an appointed member of the Governor’s New Mid-Market Aircraft Executive Council, charged with recruitment of future Boeing aircraft manufacturing programs as well as an appointed member of the Washington State Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission, charged with developing aviation system capacity recommendations to address long-term growth challenges. In 2020, Larry served as Co-Chairman of the Washington State Legislature’s Joint Transportation Committee Statewide Transportation Needs Assessment Advisory Panel.

He resides in Spokane, WA with his wife and daughter.

Timothy Lemaux

Mr. Timothy M. Lemaux is the Area Port Director, Area Port of Dallas.  Mr. Lemaux oversees U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations within the Area Port of Dallas, which includes the Texas Ports of Amarillo, Austin, Dallas Fort/Worth International Airport, Lubbock, Midland, San Antonio and the Oklahoma ports at Tulsa and Oklahoma City.

Mr. Lemaux has over 19 years of law enforcement experience with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).  He has held a variety of leadership positions within CBP Office of Field Operations, such as, Supervisory CBP Officer (Program Manager) and Watch Commander within the National Targeting Center (NTC), Washington D.C., Acting Director within Admissibility and Passenger Programs, Washington D.C., and Supervisory CBP Officer, Port of Detroit, Detroit Field Office.  

Within the NTC Mr. Lemaux provided oversight to various CBP programs to include Tactical Terrorism Response Teams (TTRT) and administrative support of the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF).  Mr. Lemaux has also served as the Acting Director of ESTA/EVUS Program Management Office within CBP’s Admissibility and Passenger Programs.

He began his career as a CBP Officer in Detroit, Michigan in 2003.

Mr. Lemaux earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice form Michigan State University and a Master of Science in National Security Strategy at the National Defense University, National War College in 2018.

Gary Loftus

Gary Loftus is the Regional Airports Compliance Program Manager for the FAA Southwest Region and also serves as a credentialed Part 139 Airport Certification and Safety Inspector. 

Gary retired from the Air Force after serving 23 years in the air traffic control and airfield management career fields.  Prior to joining the FAA in 2014, he was an Airport Operations Agent, Operations and Maintenance Supervisor and Airport Security Coordinator for the Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport for seven years.

He has accumulated more than 37 years of aviation experience including becoming an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) through The American Association of Airport Executives. 

He and his wife Brenda have been married 43 years.  They enjoy camping, riding horses and hanging out with their three married sons, eight grandchildren and two dogs.

Mike Lopez

Mike Lopez is a Managing Director, Air Service Consulting, joining Mead & Hunt in February 2020. With 24 years of management experience within the aviation sector, Mike brings expertise in a variety of areas, including international route forecasting, strategic planning, community collaboration and data analysis as part of the airline business case. Since joining Mead & Hunt, Mike has helped expand Mead & Hunt’s air service airport client portfolio and serves as Project Manager for recent selections in SAT, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and SLC.

Mike’s work as a consultant, formerly a vice president with Accenture/Seabury Consulting, included creating detailed route forecasts and airline presentations for numerous airport clients. He served as the principal consultant for Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, SAT, SJC and Nashville International Airport among others. Mike’s previous work also includes an extensive air service strategy analysis for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, air carrier forecasts and presentations for Los Angeles World Airports, and an assessment of business community travel needs for the Joint Air Service Task Force for Cincinnati USA. Mike has also managed several airport and airline projects on behalf of domestic and international investor groups.

Prior to air service development consulting, Mike was director of network planning for United/Continental Airlines, with oversight of the Houston, Newark and Cleveland hubs. In this role, Mike was responsible for all phases of domestic new market and frequency planning, including detailed market and competitive analysis, traffic and revenue forecasting, and coordination and implementation of new routes. In addition to his route planning experience at United/Continental, Mike held positions in long range planning, future schedule development and charter sales.

In addition to client representation at multiple conferences, Mike is a frequent speaker at various ACI-NA and AAAE industry conferences and community events on behalf of clients. Mike has also worked closely and maintained relationships with dozens of airports across the country, speaking and participating in various forums related to air service development.

JEff Mulder, A.A.E.

Jeff has more 30 years of aviation and transportation experience with more than 20 years as an Airport Director at Appleton, Tulsa, Fort Myers and now Oklahoma City. He is a past National Chairman of American Association of Airport Executives, recipient of the AAAE Distinguished Service Award, and Airport Revenue News Airport Director of the Year.

Mookie Patel

Mookie is an experienced aviation professional with 28 years of combined airport, airline and consulting experience. After earning a BS in Aviation Management from Oklahoma State University, he began his career at Kansas City International Airport as a property manager.

His experience includes; capital program budget management for construction of Terminal 1 at JFK and International Terminal Building at SFO as an airline consultant,  five years as an Airport Planner and Technology consultant and a decade working for Alaska Airlines in Seattle as a Corporate Real Estate/Airport Affairs Manager.

Mookie was the Senior Vice President for Airline and Commercial Affairs at Denver International Airport where he spearheaded stakeholder support for the 39 gate expansion project and also administered the opening of the new Westin Hotel.

Mookie was hired in 2017 as the Chief Aviation Administration Officer for San Antonio International Airport.  His responsibilities included fiscal administration, technology, properties, concessions, procurement and the Small/Minority-Owned Business office.

Mookie joined Austin-Bergstrom International Airport as the Airport Chief Revenue and Finance Officer in summer 2020. Since joining, he has taken on similar responsibilities, including oversight of the City’s finance and revenue functions. He is a passionate leader, a mentor and is always looking for ways to connect with industry professionals in a meaning manner.

Tye Payne

Tye Payne is the Program Director of Operations for the Lone Star Unmanned Aerial Systems Center (LSUASC) of Excellence and Innovation, Texas A&M Corpus Christi. He is responsible for ensuring smooth day-to-day operations for the Test Site while working extensively with the Chief Pilot and Safety Officer to ensure that all range operations are conducted within the regulations set forth by the FAA. He coordinates with new and returning clients to identify, quantify, and meet all testing requirements. At the Center, he oversees the engineering teams and coordinates their work with the operational requirements of the clients and pilots while synchronizing with the Business Team and Executive Director to safeguard and guarantee the financial success of the Center moving into the future.

Prior to joining the LSUASC team, Tye served as an Emergency Rescue Supervisor for the Oil & Gas industry. As a Supervisor, Tye led multiple rescue teams at construction, refinery, and plant sites focused on confined space and high-angle rope rescue in the South Texas and New Mexico sectors. Prior to his work in Emergency Rescue, Tye served as the Safety Director in the transportation industry.

Mr. Payne is an Army veteran with leadership experience in multiple theatres of operation. Mr. Payne graduated from DeVry University with a Bachelor of Science in Project Management and from Arizona State University with a Master of Arts in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. He is in the process of pursuing a Doctorate’s Degree in Aviation.

Steven Picou, A.A.E.

Steven Picou currently serves as the Executive Director of Aviation for the Lafayette Regional Airport. As the Executive Director, his duties include the oversight of Airport Operations, Airport Police, Airport Facilities, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), Contracts and Leases, the new terminal building, etc.

Prior to joining the Lafayette Regional Airport in 2015, Steven worked 7.5 years at Amarillo International Airport, another 7 years for the Albuquerque International Sunport. In this position he oversaw all environmental issues impacting the Sunport to include noise, wildlife, air / water quality compliance, and managed several large construction projects. Steven also worked 5 years at New Orleans International Airport as the Noise Abatement Coordinator, Wildlife Manager and Operations Officer.

He holds a degree in Professional Aviation from Louisiana Tech University and is a commercial/instrument rated pilot, and, an accredited member of the American Association of Airport Executives.

Jennifer Pysher

As the Chief Commercial Officer, Jennifer brings over 27 years of aviation industry experience. Most recently Pysher served the Uber Technologies Airport Business Development Team where she managed airport partner relations, served as a key negotiator for business deals, developed airport rate methodologies, and worked cross functionally to develop business strategies to optimize airport operations and elevate the shared passenger experience. Pysher’s experience includes management of portfolios for over 24 airports, including San Antonio International Airport while on the American Airlines ’ Corporate Real Estate and Airport Affairs team. Pysher, through a collaborate effort, led planning and design for large scale terminal and airfield capital projects, negotiated fair and effective airline lease and use agreements, developed and managed multiple Tech Ops facilities. Additionally, she developed and managed industry-leading land acquisition programs, FAA pilot projects and has also served on the Airline and Airports Council.

mike reilly

Mike Reilly is the President / CEO of Oakwells, an airport travel retail and food & beverage concession operator. Mike started the business in 2004 and has guided and grown the company, through comprehensively directing all operations, including inventory / asset management, new product selection, purchasing, vendor / pricing negotiations and new location development.

Prior to starting his own company, Mike worked for International Airport retail operator WH Smith, in the business development area.

Larry Sigler

Larry Sigler is Director of Food Safety for Waffle House. His main duties entail development of food safety policies for the company and coordination of these policies with the Operations Team. As a 22-year Associate, Larry has been instrumental in development of training for the Waffle House Team as well as working with numerous departments in the ongoing food safety initiatives in place.

As a member of the Corporate Crisis Team, he’s taken part in over fourteen responses to hurricanes as well as other crisis situations. His primary duty during a crisis is to coordinate Waffle House’s response activities with health department and emergency management teams in the affected area, whether on the ground or from the corporate office. Larry is a member of the Conference for Food Protection, AFDO, and numerous state organizations where Waffle House restaurants are located.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Larry has taken the lead in creating additional policies and procedures related to the crisis, such as development of enhanced sanitation procedures and coordination with local Health Department officials to ensure each location remains in compliance with mandates in their area. He has also overseen the tracking of positive Associate and Management cases along with the quarantine and testing of any staff as deemed necessary due to possible exposure in or outside of the workplace.

Kevin Smith

Kevin began his career in aviation at the age of 18, working for one of the most admired companies in America, Southwest Airlines. He served in many capacities for the airline including Ground Operations, Air Cargo, Customer Service, Corporate Recruiting and Management or as Southwest calls it Leadership.

During this time Kevin put himself through college and earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, then went on to complete a Master’s of Science degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fl. 

After working in multiple cities over his 17 years with Southwest Airlines, he decided it was time to settle down and began working at the 3^rd largest airport in the nation, DFW.  He served as the Assistant Vice President of Terminal Operations and Assistant Vice President of Customer Experience for over 19 years.

In April of 2020, Kevin joined the leadership team with the City of Corpus Christi, as the Assistant Director of Aviation, and one year ago in February of 2021 his lifelong dream was achieved when he was promoted to the Director of Aviation for the Corpus Christi International Airport.

Kevin has also served on many Boards throughout his career and is currently on the executive committee and the board of Directors for Visit Corpus Christi. 

Kevin lives on the island and enjoys all water/beach related activities.

JEff Switzer

Jeff Switzer has served as the President and CEO of Tailwind Hospitality since 2011. Tailwind Hospitality specializes in regional airport concessions for their unique local and terminal culture. He has achieved growth for the

company going from 5 to 36 airports in 10 years. He leads the company of 450 and a direct team of 19 employees based out of Wilmington, North Carolina. Tailwind seeks to lessen patron stress and enhance the airport concession experience through their offerings. Jeff is based in Denver, Colorado.

Steve Thompson, A.A.E. 

Steve leads the team of aviation professionals at the Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, a primary, Non-hub gateway to the world for East Texans.  His airport team insures the safe enplanement of over 50,000 passengers a year and provides a home base for 110 General Aviation Aircraft.  Steve previously served as the Manager of Airport Safety at the Denver International Airport, the sixth busiest airport in North America.  In this role he was responsible for providing oversight and direction for airfield safety, construction safety, and employee safety.   Steve is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, holds a Master’s degree in Management from Webster University, and a Certificate of Management in Aviation Safety from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. 

Craig Twibell, P.E., ACE

Craig serves as the Airfield Electrical Discipline Leader for RS&H’s Aviation Practice. He has 23 years of experience with a variety of airfield electrical projects, including runway and taxiway lighting and signage systems, precision and visual NAVAIDs, 400Hz ground power systems, electrical vaults, and airfield lighting control and monitoring systems. Craig is familiar with FAA, International Civil Aviation Organization, and Unified Facilities (Department of Defense) technical specifications, publications and criteria, and has completed product research, engineering studies, conceptual design, bid documents, and construction documentation and administration for airport facilities.

Sarah Wilbanks

Sarah Wilbanks concentrates her practice on representing airport clients, which involves advising public and private entities on a wide range of issues that touch on the firm’sregulatory, transactional, and litigation practices. She has particular experience negotiating and litigating contract disputes, drafting settlement agreements, advising on federal, state and local regulatory compliance, and conducting internal investigations. She has also been involved in litigation concerning airport operations. Prior to joining Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell, Sarah served as an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago Department of Law in the Aviation, Environmental, Regulatory & Contracts Division. While with the City of Chicago, her responsibilities focused on providing counsel to the Chicago Department of Aviation, the proprietor of Chicago O’Hare International and Midway International Airport.