Ernesto Arriola

Chief Information Security Officer, El Paso

Ernesto Arriola currently serves as the Chief Information Security Officer for the City of El Paso, Texas. Mr. Arriola graduated from the University of New Mexico where he received his Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and subsequently earned a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Global Management. He has 25 years professional experience working in Information technology, healthcare and local government sectors. joined the City of El Paso in 2007 and created and developed the City’s cybersecurity program in 2016.

Mr. Arriola’s professional certifications include Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Certified Network Defense Architect (CNDA) , ITIL Foundation, Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Yellow belt. Ernesto is vice-president of the InfraGard local chapter, and was awarded Sector Chief of the year in 2025 by InfraGard National. Ernesto is also a member of the Paso del Norte Health Information Exchange (PHIX) Privacy and Security Committee, and Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC).

Justin Barkowski

Legislative and Regulatory Counsel, AAAE

Justin Barkowski is Legislative and Regulatory Counsel for the American Association of Airport Executives. In his role, Justin represents and advocates for AAAE's members before the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and other agencies overseeing the U.S. aviation industry. Prior to joining AAAE, Justin managed regulatory and policy issues at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), particularly airmen certification, aircraft certification, and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Justin served on the Drone Advisory Subcommittee, the Unmanned Aircraft Safety Team, and co-chaired the 26 Coalition for UAS Safety, which brought over 20 aviation associations together to collaborate on safe UAS integration. While at AOPA, Justin also handled a number of airport compliance issues under the FAA's Airport Improvement Program. Justin began his career practicing law in California, defending aircraft part manufacturers, pilots, mechanics, airports, and others in over a dozen fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft accidents across the country. He is also an avid writer, having authored a book on aviation legislative history and articles involving federal preemption of aircraft product liability and the Next Generation Air Transportation System. Justin is an instrument-rated commercial pilot. He is a native of Southern California, but currently resides in Washington, D.C. He also loves to travel, especially visiting national parks around the country.

Matt Bean

Project Manager, Ameristar Perimeter Security 

A seasoned professional with 16 years of experience at Ameristar Perimeter Security, I currently serve as the Project Manager overseeing the Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi markets. I hold a degree in Marketing from Oklahoma State University , where I developed a strategic foundation for managing complex regional operations. Outside of my professional life, I am a devoted spouse and a proud parent to five children.

Jon Bender

Safety and Emergency Management Coordinator, Albuquerque International Sunport

Jon Bender is the Safety and Emergency Management Coordinator for the Albuquerque International Sunport.  In his role, Bender manages and maintains both the Safety Management System (SMS) and Emergency Management programs for the Sunport.  He has over a decade of safety/risk management experience, and is currently in the process of building and implementing the Sunport’s SMS Program.

Bender earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology from The University of New Mexico, where he commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. Bender served as an Army Logistics Officer for seven years, and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (2009-10) and Operation Enduring Freedom (2013-14), the latter of which he served as the Company Commander for the 377^th Transportation Company (HET), based out of Fort Bliss, TX. Upon leaving the Army, Bender relocated to Albuquerque, NM where he worked as the Substance Abuse Program Manager and Fleet Safety Officer for the City of Albuquerque, until moving to his current position in 2024.

Jon Bender has a Master of Science in Emergency and Disaster Management, and his A.C.E in SMS. He is married to Megan Romero-Bender of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Maritza Burgos

Business Development, Sundt Constructions

Maritza Burgos is a seasoned AEC professional with over two decades of experience leading strategic pursuits across a range of infrastructure markets. In recent years, she has focused on the aviation sector, supporting teams in winning and delivering complex airport programs through insight-driven strategy and strong industry collaboration.

Lorena Cardona

Marketing and Business Development Manager at the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport (BRO)

Lorena E. Cardona is the Marketing and Business Development Manager at the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport (BRO), where she leads strategic initiatives focused on revenue generation, brand positioning, air service development, and community engagement. 
With a background in aeronautical engineering and experience in business aviation, Lorena brings a fresh perspective to airport communications, blending industry knowledge with creative strategy. She is passionate about helping airports better connect with their communities, challenge outdated perceptions, and build brands that people genuinely support. 
At BRO, she has driven marketing campaigns, airline recruitment efforts, and commercial initiatives that not only strengthen the airport’s presence in the region but also drive sustainable revenue growth. Her work focuses on aligning communication, business development, and community engagement to position the airport as a key gateway to South Texas.

James Cullison

Program Technician, Sacremento County Department of Airports

James Cullison began his aviation journey in San Diego, earning his Private Pilot’s License while working at Gillespie Field. In 2021, he joined SWAAAE and volunteered on the Zoo Audio/Visual Crew, where he met Cole Hartfiel — who introduced him to airport planning. That connection led James to Sacramento, where he now works as a Planning Technician for the Sacramento County Department of Airports. He became a Certified Member of AAAE in 2023.

Chris Dodder

Ameristar Perimeter Security, Tulsa, OK

Chris Dodder is with Ameristar Perimeter Security based in Tulsa, OK.  Chris focuses on protecting and securing the Aviation market throughout the US.  Chris collaborates with end users, facility managers, security personnel, architects, engineers and many others with the goal of providing the best possible solutions for the ever-changing industry with a comprehensive approach.

Chris has 27 years with Ameristar with roles ranging from Inside Sales, Market Development, Business Development, Management and Director roles just to name a few. He has been instrumental in securing thousands of projects nationwide. Highlighted are Apple World Headquarters, Dallas Cowboys AT&T Stadium, Las Vegas Raiders Allegiant Stadium, George Bush International Airport, Dallas Love Field, Los Angeles World Airport, United Flight Training Facility, Anzalduas International Bridge, and thousands of schools nationwide.  Each project is unique and with Chris’ vast experience, he can provide safety and security for any project. 

Chris enjoys time with his wife and 3 children, the culinary arts, local community outreach and mentoring others.  Chris also played college soccer and is a member of the University of Tulsa Hall of Fame.

Ignacio Flores

FAA Director, Office of Airport, Southwest Region, ASW-600

Ignacio Flores is the FAA Director for the Office of Airports, Southwest Region, ASW-600. He oversees airport development in the five states covered by the FAA ASW Region. His responsibilities include: airport design and safety requirements and airport infrastructure development; assuring sponsor compliance with terms of Federal agreements as a condition of receiving Federal aid; coordination of airport planning considerations, with public and private entities; assurances that airport development preserves environment quality; and administration of the Noise Compatibility Program. Previously, Mr. Flores was the Deputy Director of Airports Division for the Great Lakes Region, AGL-601, where he was responsible for managing the daily operation of the Airports Division. He also held the following positions: Manager of Safety and Standards Branch in AGL; Standards and Procedures Officer for International Civil Aviation Authority; FAA Airport Safety Inspector, and he worked at O’Hare International Airport in the operations department. Mr. Flores holds a Bachelor's degree in Aviation from Saint Louis University and a Master's degree in Finance from the University of Illinois. He also holds a multi-engine instrument rated pilot license.

Don Green, A.A.E.

Director of Transportation Services, City of Abilene

Born and raised in Arkansas (Go Hogs!), Don Green developed an early fascination with aviation that would shape his career. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Airways Science from Louisiana Tech University and began his airport career in 1997 as Operations Supervisor at Drake Field in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

From 1999 to 2004, Don held various roles at Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport and Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, gaining valuable experience in airport operations and management. In 2004, he joined Abilene Regional Airport as Assistant Director of Aviation and was named Director of Aviation in 2007. Today, Don serves as the City of Abilene’s Director of Transportation Services.

He earned his Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) designation in 2008 and has served as President of the South Central Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), as well as Regional Director on the AAAE national board. He has also served on several community boards in Abilene.

Don is married to Beth, and they have two children, Stephen and Katie. He’s currently enjoying a new adventure—life as a grandparent.

Perry Havenar

Senior Aviation Planner, Centurion Planning & Design

After serving over 10 years in the US Navy as a P-3 Pilot and Mission Commander, Perry transitioned into the aviation consulting industry through a master’s degree in aviation safety from the University of Central Missouri. He has spent the last 28+ years in aviation planning and leadership roles at several firms and now leads aviation planning at Centurion Planning and Design. Perry’s experience spans across master planning, airport layout plans, environmental assessments, DBE/ACDBE programs/goals, Passenger Facility Charge applications/administration, project management, regulatory compliance, government contracting, and strategic operations for general aviation and commercial service airports across the US. He is skilled in developing high-performance teams that deliver results on time and on budget while providing exceptional service to customers and stakeholders. Perry lives on a lake in the DFW area with his wife, Margaret, their dog, cat, and chickens, and, at times, multiple grandchildren. They enjoy fishing, water sports, and gardening. 

Dan Harmon

Director, TxDOT Aviation Division

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.

Jim Henry, C.M., ACE

Airfield Manager, Spaceport America 

Jim Henry is the Airfield Manager at Spaceport America in New Mexico, owned and operated by the New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA), where he oversees daily airfield operations and works closely with White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), to safely deconflict and schedule restricted airspace. He also supports and coordinates spaceport customer activities. His background includes progressive planning roles with the City of El Paso (TX),  Lewis & Clark County (MT), Cochise County (AZ), and the Town of Oro Valley (AZ), where he worked on land use, transportation, zoning, subdivision review, and public engagement, and supervised staff. Prior to Spaceport America, Jim worked at El Paso International Airport managing airport leases, enforcing FAR Part 139 and TSA security regulations, and leading the Foreign Object Debris (FOD) prevention program. His experience bridges municipal planning, traditional airport operations, and next-generation spaceport operations, with a strong focus on safety, regulatory compliance, and interagency coordination. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Texas at El Paso, an M.S. in Planning from the University of Arizona, and is a Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).

Scott Hill

Deputy Director of Infrastructure, Houston Airports 

Scott B. Hill is the Deputy Director of Infrastructure at Houston Airports. In this role, he provides executive leadership for the HAS Infrastructure Division, overseeing contracts, fleet management, asset management, project controls, design management and project delivery for all airport facilities. The Infrastructure Division manages the life cycle of physical assets and infrastructure, ensuring the on-time delivery of capital renewal projects at the three HAS airports.   

Scott has over 20 years of experience in the aviation industry, gained through his roles in the United States Air Force and the Houston Airports. While at HAS, Scott has held various positions, including Inspector, Management Analyst IV, Senior Project Manager, Interim Division Manager, Assistant Director and Deputy Director.

Scott holds a master’s degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and master’s degree in Political Science from Sam Houston State University. He also has a bachelor’s degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and associate’s degree in Electronic Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force.

He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with the Project Management Institute (PMI), Certified Facility Manager (CFM) with the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), and a Certified Member (C.M.) with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). In 2018, Scott B. Hill was one of the Airport Business Top 40 under 40.

Rebecca Hupp, A.A.E.

AAAE Chair / Airport Director, Boise Airport 

Rebecca Hupp has served as the Boise Airport Director since April 2012. Under her leadership the airport has experienced a period of unprecedented growth—both in the number of nonstop routes offered and in the number of passengers served, which has nearly doubled during her tenure. This exponential growth in passenger traffic led to BOI’s reclassification as a medium hub airport in 2021.

LaToya Joseph

Aviation Project Manager, Louisiana Office of Multimodal Commerce

LaToya Joseph is the Aviation Project Manager for the Aviation Division within the Louisiana Office of Multimodal Commerce. She oversees audit and training programs, supports daily operations, and ensures internal compliance across the division.

She also serves as Secretary for the Louisiana Advanced Aviation and Drone Advisory Committee and is a member of the SCCAAAE Awards Committee, contributing to the advancement and recognition of excellence in the aviation industry.

LaToya holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management from the University of Phoenix and a Business Manager Certification from Louisiana State University. She is married to Edwin, and they have three sons: Andrew, Ethan and Aaron. 

Paula Kedy

Statewide Aerospace Education Manager, Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics

Paula Kedy serves as the Statewide Aerospace Education Manager for the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics.  A life-long educator, Kedy now works to promote aviation education across Oklahoma by sharing the importance of the AOPA “You Can Fly” High School Aviation Curriculum as well as the “Choose Aerospace” Aircraft Maintenance Curriculum.  The department was awarded the “Most Innovative State Program Award” at the 2022 National Association of State Aviation Officials Conference for its work in implementing aviation education in Oklahoma high schools.

Kedy serves on the national AOPA High School Steering Committee and has been named to the advisory committees of Sooner Flight Academy, Southeastern University School of Aviation Science, and the Tulsa Community College ATC Program. She has helped to develop aviation programs in 149 Oklahoma high schools, making the state #1 in the nation in the number of schools teaching the AOPA curriculum.

Lance Lamkin, A.A.E.

Airport Director, Max Westheimer Airport

Lance Lamkin, A.A.E., is a seasoned aviation professional with extensive experience in airport management, aviation education, and industry leadership. Currently serving as the Airport Director at Max Westheimer Airport (KOUN) since 2018, Lance has successfully secured over $60 million in federal and state funding since 2020 for major airport improvement projects, ensuring the facility's continued growth and modernization. His leadership spans supervising operations, managing tenant and business contracts, budgeting, and directing air traffic control tower functions.

Lance has been an Professor at the University of Oklahoma's School of Aviation since 2018, where he inspires future aviation leaders through courses in airport management and operations. His innovative teaching approach blends academic instruction with practical field experiences, preparing students for real-world challenges in the aviation industry.

Lance is deeply committed to advancing the aviation profession through his volunteer efforts with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). As a researcher for the General Aviation (GA) ACE program, he played a pivotal role in developing training modules for GA airport managers across the U.S. Additionally, his long-standing involvement with AAAE includes leadership roles such as Vice Chair of the Academic Relations Committee and board member for the FAA Contract Tower Program.

Lance's professional journey began with operational roles at regional airports and airlines, where he honed his skills in airfield safety, security, and management. His achievements have been recognized through numerous awards, including the SCCAAAE General Aviation Professional Award (2024) and AAAE Leadership Awards (2022).

Jessi Litz-Rowden

Director of Aviation, New Mexico Aviation Division

Jessi Litz-Rowden leads the New Mexico Aviation Division with a community-first approach—strengthening airport infrastructure, championing safety, and opening doors to aviation careers for students statewide. Before state service, she supported 170+ chapters as Chapter Relations Manager at Women in Aviation International and broke barriers as the first female General Manager at Cutter Aviation across DVT, COS, and ABQ. An NBAA Top 40 Under 40 honoree, Jessi’s work centers on partnerships that keep communities connected and the state’s aviation system strong.

Jane Lucero, A.A.E.

Airport Develpment Administrator, New Mexico Department of Transportation, Aviation Division

Mrs. Jane Lucero, AICP, A.A.E. serves as the Airport Development Administrator for the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) Aviation Division. With more than 25 years of dedicated service to New Mexico’s airports, she brings extensive expertise in airport planning, development, and operations.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Lucero has held numerous leadership roles in both the public and private sectors. She previously served as Associate Director of Operations and Planning at the Albuquerque International Sunport and has worked as an aviation consultant in the private sector. Within the NMDOT Aviation Division, she has fulfilled key responsibilities in airport management, engineering, and planning, and has also served as Acting Director of the Division.

Mrs. Lucero holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology from New Mexico State University and a Master of Community and Regional Planning from the University of New Mexico. She is a Certified Planner (AICP) through the American Planning Association and an Accredited Executive (A.A.E.) with the American Association of Airport Executives.

In addition to her professional work, Mrs. Lucero is an avid fan of the Seattle Seahawks and is proudly celebrating this season as Super Bowl Champions. Go Hawks!!!!!!!!!!!!

Manny Manriquez

Acting Director of Aviation, Albuquerque International Sunport

Manny Manriquez serves as Acting Director at the City of Albuquerque’s Aviation Department, which operates the Albuquerque International Sunport and Double Eagle II (a general aviation/reliever airport). In this role, Manny directs the core operations and development efforts of the department, including the ongoing Dream of Flight: Sunport Reimagined renovation project.

Manny grew up in Oakland, CA and Albuquerque, where he attended Harrison Middle School and Rio Grande High School. He earned his B.A. in political science and Asian Studies at UC Berkeley (2008) and his M.A. in International Affairs at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service (2012). For the last 20 years, Manny’s academic and professional careers have focused on various policy issues—especially global commerce, next-generation mobility, emerging technology, and national security.

After graduate school, Manny worked in Washington, D.C. for the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of Nonproliferation and International Security, supporting former Soviet Union weapons scientists’ peaceful R&D projects and developing protocols for information security. He then worked at the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association’s (JAMA) D.C. office for 9 years, first as Director of Government and Public Affairs, then as the office’s General Director and JAMA’s chief representative in the U.S.

Manny joined the City of Albuquerque in late March 2022. He’s a long-time, old-school country, folk, rock’n’roll, and heavy metal guitar player and vocalist. He also enjoys mountain biking and exploring the wide-open spaces of New Mexico.

Megan McLellan, C.M., MBAA

Strategic Funding Manager, Garver 

Megan McLellan has 22 years in the aviation industry. In 2022, Megan joined Garver’s Aviation Team to start and lead the Aviation Strategic Funding Team, serving as the Strategic Funding Manager. In this role, Megan helps airports maximize their funding for strategic capital planning and assists airports with competitive funding applications. Megan enjoys helping airports with funding and project solutions.

Before Garver, Megan worked at the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Aviation Division where she assisted general aviation airports on strategic planning and project funding/development as an Airport Planner for seven years. In addition, before joining TxDOT Aviation, Megan was at the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s Aviation Division for six years, assisting many airports throughout Louisiana with planning, funding, and development of airport capital improvements as a State Aviation Program Manager. Megan also has experience working at airports, previously serving as Executive Director of Acadiana Regional Airport – a large general aviation airport in New Iberia, Louisiana – and as Director of Planning, Marketing, and Development at Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Megan has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in Aviation Management and received her Master of Business Administration in Aviation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Megan is also a Certified Member (C.M.) of AAAE.  

Heather Neisen

Chief Customer Officer, Enliven 

Heather Neisen is the Chief Customer Officer of Enliven, the leading vendor management partner for the aviation industry. Enliven develops and manages best-in-class partnership programs at airports around the world. Heather’s work has reshaped how airports approach airport wide programs—transforming them from fragmented vendor relationships into strategic drivers of long-term value. She has driven millions in new non-aeronautical revenue and made lasting enhancements to the passenger experience. Heather and her family live in Denver, Colorado. She spends her time outside of work cultivating her backyard garden, adventuring to mountain towns and national parks, and going on runs in her local community. 

Andrew Nelson

Vice President, Discipline Leader, RS&H Aerospace

Andrew Nelson is a commercial space leader working with senior corporate and government officials across policy, technology, regulatory, and investment domains. 

Nelson has led RS&H’s Aerospace Practice as Vice President and National Discipline Leader since 2022. The Aerospace Practice: (1) performs spaceport feasibility studies, master planning, and license applications; (2) designs and engineers aerospace-centric buildings, specialized facilities, and spaceport infrastructure; (3) supports construction administration; and (4) delivers turnkey ground support equipment and manufacturing tooling.

Within the industry, Nelson is Chairman of ASTM F47 - Commercial Space Standards and a member of NFPA Committee 461 - Spaceport Fire Protection. 

Nelson’s career started at PanAm World Services (Cape Canaveral) as an engineer designing missile tracking ship systems and range facilities. At MITRE, he was an avionics engineer and DoD representative to NATO and ICAO standards committees. Recruited by Booz Allen, Nelson led the international space team from London and Paris through the first wave of proliferated LEO satellite constellations. After graduate work at MIT, Nelson served the investment banking firms Lehman Brothers and Morgan Stanley for ~10 years. In 2008, Nelson joined XCOR Aerospace as Chief Operating Officer and then President, leading business operations, client/spaceport development, regulatory, and fundraising. Starting Nelson Aerospace in 2014, he advised commercial space companies, spaceports, and led due diligence teams that evaluated ~$8+ Billion in closed space investments by VC, PE, and public security firms.

Nelson graduated from Ohio University (BSEE) and MIT’s Sloan School of Management (MBA).  He also attended the London School of Economics (microeconomics).

Willie Paris

Assistant Director of Operations and Security, El Paso International Airports

Willie Paris is a strategic leader in airport operations and security with more than two decades of experience managing complex environments and safeguarding critical infrastructure. As Assistant Director of Operations and Security at El Paso International Airport, he directs integrated operations and security programs, oversees multimillion-dollar contracts, and ensures compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and applicable state and local regulations.

Throughout his career, Willie has demonstrated a consistent ability to drive innovation and operational excellence, including securing substantial federal funding. He advanced several initiatives including cybersecurity, safety management system and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). His background includes service in the United States Marine Corps, where he led airfield operations and meteorological support in both domestic and deployed environments, managing personnel, classified materials, and high-value equipment exceeding several million dollars.

He holds a Master of Business Administration and maintains multiple professional certifications in airport operations, security, and safety. Willie is recognized for his disciplined leadership, strategic mindset, and unwavering commitment to safety, security, and mission success.

Joseph Riccillo

Vice President and Regional Manager, Sundt Construction

Joseph Riccillo is Vice President and Regional Manager for Sundt Construction, an employee-owned firm and the 46th largest contractor in the nation. Since establishing Sundt’s regional presence in 2013, Joseph has led its vertical market growth from $0 to over $1 billion in total revenue, including more than $220 million in residential development across the region.

With a background in electrical engineering and a graduate degree in business administration from the University of Texas at El Paso, Joseph combines technical expertise with business and community leadership. His professional accreditations include LEED AP, PMP, and DBIA.

Deeply engaged in civic life, Joseph serves on multiple nonprofit and community boards, including the El Paso Chamber of Commerce, Kelly Memorial Food Pantry, and as Vice President of the Sundt Foundation Board. A former UTEP football team captain, he continues to mentor future builders as a volunteer instructor for the construction management program at UTEP. Joseph’s leadership reflects his passion for resilient, sustainable, and community-driven development throughout the El Paso region.

Eren Selcen

City Engineer, Houston Airport Systems

Eren Selcen currently serves as the City Engineer for the Houston Airport System. The Houston Airport System is responsible for the management and operations at George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), William P. Hobby (HOU), and Ellington Field (EFD) Airports. Eren completed his Mechanical Engineering studies at Gazi University in Ankara, Turkey, and pursued further education with a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University, along with an MBA from the University of St. Thomas. With more than twenty years of experience predominantly centered on commercial building systems within the aviation sector, Eren holds professional engineering licenses in MN, CA, TX, and FL, as well as a Project Management Professional Certificate. Additionally, he is accredited as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional specializing in Building Design and Construction, and he holds the esteemed Accredited Airport Executive designation from the American Association of Airport Executives. Eren's expertise spans both construction and aviation domains, encompassing various facets of aviation infrastructure such as Airfield, Airport Terminal Buildings, Utilities, MEP, and Airport Ground Support Systems.

Robert Sendek 

Protective Security Advisor, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency

Robert Sendek is a Protective Security Advisor (PSA) with CISA in West Texas, specializing in security and resiliency. He connects various organizations with CISA and conducts vulnerability assessments on Critical Infrastructure. Previously, he was an Emergency Management Specialist for the Department of Veterans Affairs in El Paso, ensuring safety during incidents.

Before that, he served 21 years as a Federal Law Enforcement Agent with Customs and Border Protection, rising to supervisory roles and overseeing emergency planning initiatives. He coordinated FEMA response missions and developed key operational plans, including a response plan for Pope Francis’ visit.

Robert is a FEMA Certified Master Exercise Practitioner and has completed various specialized training courses. In his personal life, he is active in his church and enjoys family activities, sports, and recreational shooting.

Austin Wheeler, C.M.

Airport Manager, Tulsa Riverside Airport

Mr. Wheeler joined the Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust (TAIT) in August 2015 as an Airfield Operations Officer. He graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Administration and Operations. He has received the designation of Certified Member as well as Airport Certified Employee in Operations through the American Association of Airport Executives. He was in the inaugural class of OAOA’s Oklahoma Certified Airport Professionals. He has completed FEMA emergency training in ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, ICS-700, and ICS-800. In June 2019, Mr. Wheeler was promoted to Airport Manager at Tulsa Riverside Airport, the reliever airport to Tulsa International Airport. Mr. Wheeler enjoys overseeing the day-to-day operations at the busiest airport in the state of Oklahoma.

Dr. Heather Wilson

President, The University of Texas at El Paso

Dr. Heather Wilson became President of The University of Texas at El Paso in 2019 after serving as Secretary of the United States Air Force. She is the former president of the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, and she represented New Mexico in the United States Congress for 10 years. 

Active in community and national affairs, she is a member of the National Science Board, which oversees the National Science Foundation, and serves as a board member of the Texas Space Commission. She was the inaugural Chair of the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities, and is a member of the board of directors of Lockheed Martin Corporation and Google GPS.

Dr. Wilson is the granddaughter of immigrants and was the first person in her family to go to college. She graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in the third class to admit women and earned her master’s and doctoral degrees from Oxford University in England as a Rhodes Scholar.

UTEP is located on the U.S.-Mexico border – in the fifth largest manufacturing region in North America – and serves over 26,000 students with 171 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in nine colleges and schools. In the top 5% of public universities in the United States for research and designated an Opportunity University for achieving both high access and high earnings for graduates by the Carnegie Foundation, UTEP is America’s leading Hispanic-serving university. It is the fourth-largest public research university in Texas and serves a student body that is 84% Hispanic.

President Wilson is an instrument-rated private pilot. She and her husband, Jay Hone, have two adult children and four grandchildren.

Nick Young, C.M.

Airports Division Manager, Oklahoma Department of Aerospace & Aeronautics

Nick Young was named Airports Division Manager for the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace & Aeronautics in August 2021. He joined the Department in October 2019 as an Aviation Program Manager. As head of the Division, he is responsible for the agency’s many airport programs, including the Airport Master Record safety and standards inspection program at Oklahoma’s public-use general aviation airports, as well as the airport pavement management program. Nick oversees the development and execution of the agency’s five-year Airport Construction Program (ACP), which provides federal and state grant funding for airport infrastructure and updates to the Oklahoma Airport System Plan (OASP).

Other activities within the Division include airspace zoning reviews and related permitting authority in accordance with the Aircraft Pilot and Passenger Protection Act (APPPA), overseeing military training airspace regulations within Title 17, airport grant administration, and outreach for operational and technical support at Oklahoma’s 108 public airports. Prior to joining the Department, he served as an Airport Operations Officer for Max Westheimer Airport in Norman, Oklahoma, and as Construction Assessment Lead for the Oklahoma Disaster Recovery Project. Nick earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in Aerospace Logistics from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. He is also a Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).