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Speakers
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Grayson Ardies The Commission is a state agency in charge of promoting aviation and aerospace across the state, including the 108 public airports that comprise Oklahoma’s air transportation system. Ardies’ emphasis is on promoting the aerospace industry, the state’s second largest industry; planning and development of the state’s air transportation system; and encouraging public-private partnerships to enhance the aerospace industry and support workforce development. Director Ardies graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Aviation Management with minors in Business Administration and Air Traffic Control. As part of his education through the aviation program, he also received a commercial pilot’s license with single and multi-engine instrument ratings and is a certified flight instructor. |
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David Benner, CM David has approximately 15 years of aviation planning, operations, management, and consulting experience. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Bethel College and a Master of Business Administration degree in Aviation with a concentration in Airport Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. David has a commercial pilot license with instrument and multi-engine ratings, is a Certified Flight Instructor, and a Certified Member of AAAE. David has served as a key team leader on multiple ACRP projects including ACRP Report 213 (Guidebook for Estimating Market Value and Establishing Market Rent at Small Airports). |
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Daniel Bice Dan graduated from North Central College with a bachelor’s degree in economics. He worked in various management and leadership positions with United Parcel Service and ExxonMobil Corporation for 16 years. Thirteen years ago, he started his career with Paradies Lagardère and is a Regional Director overseeing 11 airport locations in 5 states. With a focus on operational excellence and customer service, his strategic leadership has been instrumental in opening 61 new stores and launching new airport programs reflecting his dedication to retail excellence. He actively reinforces the company’s mission to provide first-class service to the traveling public and is an integral part of the management team tasked with growing market share, negotiating lease extensions, and evaluating strategic business opportunities. Dan resides in Texas with his wife and is active in the local community. His passions include reading, history, and traveling on 28 cruise vacations. |
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Wally Bice Wally Bice has over 26 years of experience in the parking and transportation industry. He is currently tasked with procuring new business for ABM’s Aviation Division specifically for parking and transportation services on a national level. Mr. Bice is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, with a B.S. in Political Science-Public Administration. Mr. Bice is married with two adult stepchildren. He and his wife, Jacqueline, reside in Charlotte, NC. |
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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 Second Past Chair of AAAE. Kelly also serves on the Board of Directors for the Texas Commercial Airports Association. |
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Chely Caraveo Araceli “Chely” Caraveo – Talent & Workforce Development Manager for Dallas Love Field Airport. With over 16 years with the City of Dallas and two years in the Aviation Industry, Chely is a focused leader who delivers talent acquisition, retention, and talent development. Committed to developing a strong culture that fosters ongoing development. Chely collaborates with the leadership to develop goals and priorities that are meant to boost employee engagement and organizational effectiveness and developing strategies and initiatives that draw in, nurture, and keep Dallas's Love Field's talent. Chely holds a Bachelor’s degree from University of Texas at Arlington. |
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Caleb Coltrane, PE Caleb Coltrane is a senior project manager on Garver’s Aviation Team with 15 years of experience on commercial service, general aviation, and military airports. Caleb's project responsibilities include project management, planning, airport design, pavement design, writing specifications, cost estimating, construction management, and grant administration. Caleb's project experience includes construction and rehabilitation of runways, taxiways, aprons, hangars, snow removal equipment buildings, perimeter fencing, parking lots, access roads, approach lighting and NAVAIDs, and safety area improvements. Caleb has been the project manager in the design and construction management of over $100 million in airfield improvements in the last five years. |
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Rick Crider, A.A.E. Crider has an extensive airport management background-starting his career as a flight instructor and working in key operations and executive capacities at passenger and industrial airports in Ohio, California, Florida and Texas. He is an Accredited Airport Executive and one of the past presidents of the South Central American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) chapter, with experience serving on a number of airport association and advisory boards. Among his previous positions, he served as Director of Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus, Ohio, and Chief Executive Officer/Director of Aviation of the Gainesville-Alachua County Regional Airport Authority in Gainesville, Florida. Immediately prior to coming to Port San Antonio Crider was Vice President of Airport Development and Management Services at RW Armstrong in Austin, Texas—a firm specializing in aviation consulting for customers in the southwestern U.S., the Caribbean and Latin America. |
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Tyler Curry Tyler Curry serves as the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Manager and Project Manager with Burns & McDonnell in commercial fueling for the Aviation & Federal global practice. Tyler has lead planning, design, construction, and program management for a wide variety of fueling capital improvement projects at international airports throughout the country. These projects include design-build of airport bulk storage facilities, fuel distribution systems such as fuel truck loading and terminal hydrant systems, storage tank repairs, and facility assessments and improvements. Prior to his current work, Tyler gained industry knowledge beginning his career with airport infrastructure and navigational aid projects with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and then with Burns & McDonnell. |
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Mike Dmyterko, CM Mike Dmyterko, C.M. is a principal owner at Coffman Associates, the firm that took a chance on a college kid with an Aviation Administration degree. 28 years later, he serves as the President of the firm and has successfully participated in over 200 airport planning assignments ranging from airport master planning, environmental assessments, and Part 150 studies and all derivatives. He is passionate about aviation as well as his family, including his wife Amy, three adult children and two grandchildren. |
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Cassidy Ellis Ms. Ellis has worked in the renewable energy and sustainability industry since 2008, with a focus on program development, policy, and stakeholder engagement. She has expertise in energy efficiency, clean energy, energy equity, sustainability, environmental, social, and governance goals, including low-carbon solutions. At Ameresco she served as a project resource both internally and externally in areas of research, efficiency, sustainability, governance, policy, and grant funding, including the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. She serves on Ameresco ESG Ambassadors, the team that develops, implements, and executes the company ESG goals and initiatives. |
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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. |
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Chris Groh Chris is a Senior Project Manager at Kutchins & Groh, LLC, focusing on airport planning, program/construction management, and project funding implementation. He has a bachelor's degree in economics and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and he's currently working on his Ph.D. in Transportation Planning at the University of New Orleans. |
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Dan Harmon Dan Harmon serves as Director of TxDOT’s Aviation Division, which works closely with the FAA and local stakeholders to support the 271 general aviation airports in the Texas Airport System Plan. He is also responsible for operating the state’s flight services organization, providing passenger and utility service for state agencies, as well as maintenance services for all state-owned aircraft. He previously served as Director of TxDOT’s Maritime Division, as well as Director of Facilities for the Texas Department of Public Safety. In 2016, he was appointed as a member of the US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Transportation System National Advisory Committee, where he served as Co-Chair of the Marine Highway Sub-Committee and Domestic Shipping Sub-Committee until 2021. He currently serves as chair of the National Association of State Aviation Officials State Block Grant Program Committee. A U.S. Navy veteran, he served on active duty for over 22 years, as a Naval Aviator in the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance community flying the P-3 Orion. He holds a BA in Government from the University of Texas and an MBA from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, graduating with honors. |
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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. |
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Alexis Higgins, A.A.E. Ms. Higgins has been with the Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust for over 20 years, and was named Chief Executive Officer in March 2019 after serving previously as Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Director of Marketing & Community Relations. As Chief Executive Officer, she develops organizational policy, administers all activities associated with the operation of Tulsa International Airport and Tulsa Riverside Airport, and sets the organization’s annual and strategic business plans. She graduated cum laude from the University of Tulsa Business School, where she was named Outstanding Marketing Graduate, with a degree in Marketing and double minors in Management and Russian Language. She achieved the professional designation of Accredited Airport Executive from the American Association of Airport Executives in June 2010. In addition to her work at the airport, she serves on the advisory boards of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and Tulsa Community College’s aviation program. She also actively supports Challenge Air for Kids and serves on their Tulsa Fly Day event committee. |
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Jay Hinkel JC Hinkel recently retired as Deputy City Attorney for Wichita, Kansas, where he served for 25 years. His citywide responsibilities included legal development of all major city construction projects and IT installations during his tenure. He was also responsible for citywide procurement, transit with its FTA and SMS regulations and was involved in enterprise risk management. This collection of subject matter was recognized as the core of Airport law, and in 2010, Mr. Hinkel took the role as general counsel to the Wichita Airport Authority In that role, he participated in the construction of the new Eisenhower National Airport terminal and the extensive development of Jabara GA airport. Mr. Hinkel previously served as Anderson County Attorney, Finney County Attorney and was in the private practice of law. He currently provides municipal law consulting and training services to several Kansas cities. |
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Virginia Hunt, CM Virginia began her working career as a telephone operator for AT&T. In 1992, AT&T announced the local office was closing. At that time, she began her journey for her bachelor degree in business management taking one course a semester. She began her accounting career for a CPA firm at the end of 1994 as she continued her studies. In the next few years she changed from public sector to private sector working for one of the 3 biggest construction management firms in the Longview/Tyler area. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from LeTourneau University in 2000. For the next 14 years she worked in both the private and public sector accounting field. In late 2014 she began working for the Gregg County District Clerk. In late 2015 she transferred from the District Clerk to East Texas Regional Airport (GGG) as the Project/Grant Coordinator. Soon after she joined the South-Central Chapter of AAAE. It was while she was at GGG that she obtained her AAAE Certified Member status. In 2016 she began her journey to obtain her Master’s degree from Texas A&M Texarkana.In 2020 she moved to Tyler Pounds Regional Airport (TYR) to be the Project/Grant Coordinator. She obtained her Airport Security Certification and became one of the Airport Security Coordinators. While at TYR, she assisted in obtaining a Bipartisan Infrastructure Grant to design the relocation of the ATCT. In 2023 she became Vice-Chair of the SCCAAAE Professional Development committee. In January 2024 she became the Assistant Airport Director at Laredo International Airport (LRD) and is working on her AAAE ACE Financial Certification. |
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Libby Hurley As the Director of Concessions at Houston Airport System, Libby is responsible for planning, budgeting, reporting and oversight of all food & beverage and retail concessions, duty free, passenger services and advertising at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Houston Hobby Airport (HOU). Libby’s role focuses on developing a strategic business plan to maximize non-airline revenue, analyzing what the customer needs and the latest industry trends, and developing the business relationships needed to address those needs and trends. Libby has served in her current role since September 2021. Prior to that she worked for OTG Management as the Property Manager for United Airlines’ concessions program at IAH in Terminals B, C and E. |
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Lenny Irwin, MAS, CSHS As a retired US Army Aviator and Safety Director, Lenny Irwin is the current San Antonio Airport System’s (SAAS) Safety Manager, responsible for the administration of its Safety Management System (SMS) Program which include the system’s Safety Policy, Assurance, Risk Management and Safety Promotion. Lenny coordinates safety efforts daily with internal and external airport stakeholders to ensure compliance with agencies such as the City of San Antonio, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Texas Department of Transportation, and Texas Public Health. Lenny has an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice, a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Aeronautics, and a Master’s degree in Aeronautical Science & Aviation Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. |
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Ed Jones Bringing over forty years of industry experience, Mr. Jones is a vital member of the MSE team. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in accounting, Ed has a broad background in financial management in the publishing and vehicle rental industries. Ed manages MSE's Accounting and Operations departments while also providing valuable support to the Development team. Aside from his leadership qualities, he possesses a broad range of experience across many business disciplines. Ed's leadership skills, business acumen and problem-solving ability make him a prized asset to the company. |
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Paula Jordan, A.A.E. Paula Jordan-Foster AAE is the President/CEO of Jordan Aviation Strategies, LLC which provides aviation consulting services to airports of all size, both commercial and general aviation, specializing in airline relations and negotiations, airline use agreements, airport rates and charges, master plan financial modeling, aviation and non-aviation leasing and lease review and management. She earned her BBA and MBA from Texas A & M-Texarkana and is an Accredited Airport Executive (AAE). Paula started her aviation career as the Airport Director at Texarkana Regional Airport. Before accepting an early retirement offering from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Paula spent 23 years as the Senior Airline Property Manager for DFW. She is a past president of the South Central Chapter, served as a national board member of AAAE, and has received the Chair’s Award and Distinguished Service Award from AAAE. Paula currently serves as the Co-Chair of the SCC Loretta Scott Accreditation Academy Committee and is the Vice-Chair of AAAE’s Real Estate and Commercial Development Committee. |
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John Karrasch, A.A.E. John is the FAA Airports Division, Central Region Airspace Specialist responsible for processing on airport construction (NRA Studies) and serves as the Airports Division responder for off airport OE Studies. John is an instructor for the Airports Division Airspace Course (Part 77/Part 157/ OE Studies). He is a contributing member of the National Steering Committee for iOE/AAA enhancements and the recently published Advisory Circular 150/5300-20 Submission of On-Airport Proposals for Aeronautical Study. Prior to joining the FAA, John served in the US Army Reserves in support of Operation Desert Storm and obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture with a minor in Community Planning from Kansas State University. He worked as a Landscape Designer, Consultant, and Contractor covering a wide range of project types and scales. When he is not processing airspace studies, John and his wife Angie enjoy off-grid camping in their self-built camper van. |
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Tosin Kasali Tosin Kasali is Vice President of Business Development at HMSHost. Tosin’s responsibilities include managing a successful development staff in winning and retaining airport contracts, maintaining landlord relationships, and improving portfolio real estate values. Tosin joined HMSHost in 2016 as Director of Business Development Finance, where he was responsible for financial modeling and business case presentations — evaluating and communicating to the executive team the financial risk and return of new business opportunities. Prior to joining HMSHost, Tosin was Senior Manager of Business Development at Gategroup (parent company of Gate Gourmet). Tosin is an active speaker at top industry events such as the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) Airport Business Diversity Conference. He is also a member of the AMAC Board of Directors as an At-Large Director and is Chair of the Membership Committee. Tosin is currently a Techstars Mentor and was a 2023 recipient of Airport Business’ Top 40 Under 40 award. Tosin graduated with honors from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems and holds a Master of Business Administration degree with a focus in Finance & Strategy from The George Washington University School of Business. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, and their daughter and son. |
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Peter Kirsch Peter J. Kirsch is a founding partner with the law firm of Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell, dividing his time between the firm’s offices in Denver, Colorado and Washington, DC. For nearly 35 years, Mr. Kirsch has concentrated his practice on airport development and regulatory compliance matters. He has represented scores of airports on land use, regulatory and environmental issues that arise in connection with airport operations and development. Mr. Kirsch regularly advises airports of all sizes on federal legislation and regulations, and airport financial issues and has represented clients in precedent-setting litigation regarding the powers of airport proprietors. He actively advises many airport proprietors on governance issues, and often drafts rules, minimum standards and policies to helping governing boards become more effective decision makers. He is a frequent speaker at conferences on airport law in the United States and elsewhere and has contributed to many TRB Airport Cooperative Research Program publications. He is a graduate of Oberlin College and the University of Chicago Law School. |
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Michael Lawrance Michael Lawrance is a senior aviation planning specialist with the FAA’s Office of Airport Planning and Programming in Washington D.C. He is responsible for developing and coordinating various airport and aviation planning policy documents for the Office of Airports. He provides guidance and technical analysis on airport master and system planning, aviation demand forecasts, airport layout plans, airport facility planning, and related airport and aviation planning functions. He previously held senior planner positions at San Francisco International Airport in both Landside Operations and in the Bureau of Planning and Environmental Affairs. Prior to SFO, Michael was a Senior Airport Planner at Washington Group International (now AECOM), responsible for the preparation of Airport Master Plans, Airport Layout Plans, and environmental assessments and reports in Denver and Cambridge. |
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Tony LeCorte In his role, LaCorte oversees regulatory, policy and communication efforts supporting the development of eAviation’s electric aircraft and eVTOL offerings. He was most recently a leader within Textron’s Bell Helicopter Innovation Division where he led commercialization strategy, certification, and integration efforts for Bell’s emerging VTOL product lines. After retiring in 2009, he transitioned to Boeing Autonomous Systems where he held several leadership roles such as Senior Manger Flight Safety, Director of Global Training Services and Director of Commercial UAS Integration, Certification, Test and Training. In 2018, he became the FAA’s Integration Pilot Program (IPP) Program Manager for the City of San Diego, City of Reno and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. LaCorte has bachelor and dual master’s degrees in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and holds the title of Professor of Aeronautics. He is a large UAS pilot and holds certifications in Aviation Safety, AS9100 auditing, Occupational Instruction and Start With Why. |
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Derek Mayo, PE, PMP Derek Mayo is a senior project manager with over 14 years of experience. He has worked with airport clients ranging in size from international airports to small general aviation airports. His experience includes airport planning and programming, engineering, and construction management. He prioritizes project progress, budget, and schedule in a way that aligns with the owner's priorities. |
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Billy McCord Billy McCord has been working in the energy infrastructure space for twenty-four years. Mr. McCord has been with Ameresco since 2013 and assists clients in identifying, developing, and implementing energy efficiency, infrastructure, and power generation projects that meet their unique financial, technical, legal, and administrative objectives. These projects are designed to modernize and enhance building systems, reduce deferred maintenance backlogs, reduce energy and water consumption, and provide resiliency by generating on-site energy from traditional or renewable sources. The projects that Mr. McCord has successfully worked on with his clients at Ameresco have given him experience in sourcing applicable incentives and customizing financial strategies for the turnkey development and implementation of these critical solutions. These projects include numerous energy and water efficiency projects for municipalities and universities. Ameresco has completed projects for numerous airports in the U.S. and is also a DOD and DOE federally approved contractor, having completed projects for many critical facilities with DOE, NASA, and all four branches of the U.S. Military. |
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Tyler Miller, A.A.E., ACE Tyler Miller came to CCIA in April of 2021 to serve as Assistant Director. Tyler has been named Deputy Director of Aviation which will expand his role in managing the airport organization. A graduate of Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management, Tyler previously worked as Airport Operations Manager in South Bend, Indiana, and Airport Operations Supervisor at Clearwater Airport in Florida. |
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Dan Moran, CM Mr. Dan Moran, CM is the Staff Manager for the New Mexico Department of Transportation Aviation Division. He oversees the division’s budget which currently includes over $80,000,000 in grants to New Mexico Airports. Dan has served the Division for over 19 years in a variety of roles including acting division director. Prior to working for the State Aviation Division, Dan worked ten years for Fed Ex in a variety of Management positions with stops in Casper Wy, Ft. Collins CO and Albuquerque NM. Dan graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor’s degree in Management and has a Masters in Management and an MBA from Webster University. |
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Erik Nelson, PCIP Erik Nelson’s professional expertise includes parking access and revenue control systems (PARCS), Automated Parking Guidance Systems (APGS), payments and payment card handling (PCI), computer and network technologies, databases, and information security. He has created numerous equipment designs and operational plans for parking developments, acquisitions and expansions. He has also performed budgeting, procurement and management for a wide variety of technology solutions directly and indirectly related to parking. Erik has held a variety of roles from computer programming and network administration to senior information technology leadership and now consulting and has over 20 years of experience in the parking industry. |
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David Neyer Prior to joining Frasca & Associates, LLC in October of 2022, Mr. Neyer spent 14 years as an airport consultant with LeighFisher/Jacobs where his clients included Albany International Airport, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, Boise International Airport, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, Greater Rochester International Airport, Miami International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Santa Barbara Airport, T. F. Green International Airport, and Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, among others. With extensive knowledge in capital program financial planning, airline negotiations, and airline rates and charges, Mr. Neyer developed feasibility models and forecasts for the Albany International Airport, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Miami International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, and Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport; rates and charges models for the Greater Rochester International Airport, Santa Barbara Airport, and Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport; and master planning models for the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport and T. F. Green International Airport. At Frasca, Mr. Neyer continues to support airports through airline negotiations, financial planning, and rates and charges including airline negotiations at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Greater Rochester International Airport, and Tulsa International Airport; rates and charges at Albany International Airport and Boise International Airport; financial modeling and capital planning at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport; and financial modeling for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Prior to joining LeighFisher, Mr. Neyer was a licensed trader with The Vanguard Group where he traded equities, worked in problem resolution, and developed dashboards for the Vanguard Brokerage Services division. Mr. Neyer has a bachelor's degree in finance from Ohio University. He is an MSRB Municipal Advisor Series 50 Representative. |
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Kene Nwobu Kene Nwobu leads Product Management for ABM Industries. During his career of 20+ years in product management, Kene has led successful Digital Transformation efforts for multiple Fortune 500 organizations in E-Commerce, Automotive Retail, Transportation, Manufacturing, Energy, and Government Regulatory Compliance sectors. |
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Steven Picou 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. |
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Jesse Romo, A.A.E. Jesse Romo was appointed as the City of Wichita Airport Authority’s Director of Airports November of 2021. He has over 25 years of management and leadership experience in various industries and moved to Wichita after serving 6 and a half years as the Airport Director of the Manhattan Regional Airport in Manhattan, KS. Prior to that position, he was the Director of Aviation for the Kansas Department of Transportation for two years, served as the deputy director for four years, and was also the Assistant Office Chief for the KDOT Office of Management and Budget. Jesse began his airport management career as an intern at the Hollywood Burbank Airport while he was a completing his MBA at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is a native of Los Angeles, California, and in addition to his master’s degree, he also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He received his Accredited Airport Executive professional certification from the American Association of Airport Executives in 2018 and has held an FAA pilot’s license since 1993. Jesse has 12 years of teaching experience, having taught various management courses at Baker University and K-State University (Salina and Manhattan campuses). He has served on several state and regional boards, including the Kansas Association of Airports (President 2016-2019), South Central Chapter American Association of Airport Executives, Kansas Commission on Aerospace Education, and the Fly Kansas Foundation (co-founder). Jesse is currently serving on boards for the Kansas Aviation Museum and United Way of the Plains. |
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Ray Seifs Prior to becoming the Director of Aviation for KDOT, Ray spent the previous 8 years as an airport manager. He is an instrument-rated, commercial pilot with single and multi-engine land ratings, although has hasn’t flown for a couple of years. Ray’s personal and professional goals include implementing a statewide high school aviation education program that is accessible to every youth in the state, in addition to reducing homelessness throughout the state. Ray is an Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Graduate, earning a Master of Aeronautical Science Degree with Aviation Operations and Management specialties, in addition to an undergraduate minor in Aviation Safety. |
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Kriya Shortt In her role, Shortt oversees the development and expansion of Pipistrel as a Textron eAviation business. She is responsible for building external partnerships and creating a path for the further development and utilization of aircraft electrification and connected mobility technologies in the global market. Kriya began her career with Cessna in 1996 and has held various roles of increasing responsibility throughout her career including contract account management and aircraft sales. In 2012, Kriya joined the Cessna Senior Leadership Team as vice president of Sales for Europe, Middle East, and Africa, before joining the company’s executive leadership team as senior vice president of Sales and Marketing. Kriya then led Textron Aviation’s global aftermarket service and support for the installed base of Beechcraft, Cessna, and Hawker aircraft. Kriya currently serves as a member of the NBAA Leadership Advisory Council, which offers the NBAA Board of Directors guidance on business member interests, government representation, industry programs, communication efforts and educational initiatives. She resides in Wichita, Kansas, with her family and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Wichita Children’s Home. |
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Michelle Swanson, CM As Director of Administration and Finance of the Salina Airport Authority, Michelle helps lead the vibrant and thriving Salina Regional Airport and the Salina Airport Industrial Center. She obtained her B.S. in Business from Fort Hays State University in 1991 and her B.S. in Accounting from Kansas Wesleyan University in 2008. She began working for the Salina Airport Authority in 1998. Michelle's proficiency was instrumental in the selection of the Salina Airport as Mission Control and the launch/landing site for the 2005 Virgin Atlantic Global Flyer's international around the world solo, non-stop, and non-refueled world record. |
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Stacy Swigart Stacy Swigart joined the FAA in 2008 as a compliance specialist following a decade of aviation experience in both the general aviation and airline communities. In 2015, she was asked to join a small team in the Administrator’s office to implement the FAA’s four strategic initiatives. She then worked with the Aircraft Certification Service’s international division to implement the FAA’s global leadership strategic initiative before returning to the Office of Airports in 2017, where she served as the national legislative expert for the 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act. In this role, she drafted a significant number of provisions later codified in that reauthorization and then lead the implementation of the subsequent statutory and programmatic changes. Stacy has authored significant FAA policy documents including but not limited to the FAA’s Reauthorization Program Guidance Letters, the FAA’s Covid Relief and various Airport Improvement Program grant agreements and was a co-lead on the NPIAS-ACIP Order. In August 2021, she transitioned to the FAA Southwest Region as the Regional Financial Programs Manager, where she recently co-led a team focused on overhauling the FAA’s grant programming guidance implemented in April 2024. Outside of work, Stacy has her pilot’s license, is a serial dog rescuer, and a USA Hockey level 4 coach trying to find a frozen pond in Texas. |
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Dr. Sheree Utash, Ed.D. Dr. Sheree Utash is a distinguished leader in the field of education, serving as the President of WSU Tech and the Vice President of Workforce Development at Wichita State University. With a relentless commitment to fostering innovation and growth, Dr. Utash has dedicated her career to advancing workforce development and technical education. Her visionary leadership has been instrumental in shaping the future of career technical education, bridging the gap between academia and industry, and empowering students to excel in high-demand careers. Dr. Utash's strategic vision and tireless advocacy for educational excellence have made her a prominent figure in the world of higher education, transforming lives and communities through her unwavering dedication to expanding opportunities for all. |
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Mark Williams, PE Mark Williams was raised in Western Kansas and was influenced by airports at a young age.Mark earned his Civil Engineering degree from Kansas State University and began his career in the aviation design industry in 1993. Mark is currently a senior project manager with Burns & McDonnell with over 30 years of aviation experience related to the planning, design, and construction of airport improvement projects throughout the United States. He has served as a project manager, design engineer, and resident engineer on numerous projects at more than 130 airports in multiple FAA regions.Mark and his wife, Denise, reside in Overland Park, KS and have two grown children. The entire family is avid Kansas State fans and are passionate about serving on mission trips in Honduras. |
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Sharlette Wright As of September 19, 2022, Sharlette Wright is serving as the airport manager of Mid-Way Regional airport in Midlothian, Texas. Previously she served as the airport manager in Cleburne for 11 years. She started her aviation career working for the family business – a Part 135 FAA Charter operation. She then went on to Tavaero Jet Charter and American Jet International/Million Air. She moved up the ranks and, after relocating, became the airport manager at Fayette Regional airport in LaGrange, Texas. After serving 5 years at Fayette Regional, Wright saw the opportunity to grow and learn more about FBO operations and became the airport manager at Brownwood Regional Airport. In Brownwood she learned about fueling operations and the importance of daily testing and quality control. In 2018 Sharlette received the TXDOT Aviation Division General Aviation Airport Manager of the year award. She currently serves as immediate past-president of the Texas Airports Council, a certified member of the American Association of Airport Executives, a member of the South Central Chapter of the AAAE, represents Mid-Way on the North Central Texas Council of Government Aviation Transportation Advisory Committee, the Texas Airport System Planning Committee, the Texas Aviation Advisory Committee and actively mentors other airport managers. She lives in Cleburne, Texas. I have had many great mentors over the years and I just hope I am doing the same for my fellow managers. |
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Lily Wu Mayor Lily Wu was elected Mayor of Wichita on November 7, 2023, and was sworn in as the City of Wichita’s 103rd mayor on January 8, 2024. Mayor Lily is the first woman elected to a full term in the largest city in Kansas. She is the first Asian American mayor in the state of Kansas. Mayor Lily speaks Cantonese and Spanish, was born in Guatemala, and immigrated to Wichita, Kansas with her family in 1993. Prior to being elected, Mayor Lily spent 12 years as a journalist, serving as an anchor and reporter for Wichita television stations KAKE and KWCH 12 News. Mayor Lily is dedicated to serving the community as an active community volunteer for various organizations. She is a member of the Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, Civic Engagement Academy Alumni, Steve Clark YMCA Advisory Board, WSU Barton School of Business Dean’s Alumni Council, Wichita Crime Commission, and Wichita Asian Association. Mayor Lily previously served on the boards of Botanica’s Chinese Garden of Friendship, Diversity Kansas, Orpheum Theatre, Students In Free Enterprise, Visioneering Wichita, and WSU Alumni Association. Mayor Lily graduated from the International Baccalaureate program at Wichita East High School. As a Gore Scholar at Wichita State University, she graduated Summa Cum Laude with two bachelor’s degrees in international business and integrated marketing communication. While serving as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar, she also earned a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Hong Kong. |
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C. Edward Young C. Edward Young is a Senior Attorney for Jetlaw, LLC. He teaches Airport Law and Airport Environmental Planning for Kansas State University. He is a co-author of Jetlaw Explained: Airport Edition (2023). He is the principal investigator for ACRP Legal Research Digest 11-01/15-02 Legal Issues Concerning Safety and Security at General Aviation Airports. He is also a commercial pilot, certified flight instructor with airplane multi-engine land, single engine land and sea, including a tailwheel endorsement. Ed was inducted into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame in 2019. Ed received his B.A. from the University of Kansas in Latin American Studies and Sociology. He received his M.P.A. from the University of Kansas School of Public Affairs and Administration and his J.D. from the University of Kansas School of Law. He holds a certificate in Airport Risk and Safety Management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. |
