Emerging Leaders Conference
January 14-16, 2025 | Virtual
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About the Conference
Our Young Professionals (YoPro) Committee provides career development, networking, and educational opportunities for the next generation of airport professionals. As the premier event of the year for young professionals in aviation, the Emerging Leaders Conference offers a unique, three-day virtual experience where participants can engage in all three of these core initiatives. We invite all ambitious aviation young professionals to join us this upcoming January for the committee’s sixth annual conference, and take advantage of this invaluable opportunity to grow and connect.
Conference Agenda
Click below for full agenda. Subject to change. Please check back for updates.
Tuesday, January 14
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Networking
12:00-12:30 p.m. ET
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Welcome
12:45 - 1:00 p.m. ET
AAAE Chairman of the Board Rick S. Crider, A.A.E., Airport Director, Prescott Regional Airport/Ernest A Love Field and AAAE Young Professionals Committee Chair Abhaya Tripathi, C.M., ACE, Airport Security Compliance Manager, Allegheny County Airport Authority will kick off the 6th Annual Emerging Leaders Conference. -
Session 1: Decoding Decisions for Emerging Airport Leaders: Strategies for Thinking Clearly
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET
Ever wonder why smart, committed professionals make "bad" decisions? This session will reveal the hidden traps in our thinking patterns and explore strategies tailored for emerging aviation leaders to overcome them. Attendees will learn how to spot cognitive biases and make clear, informed decisions—even under stress. Whether you're navigating complex leadership challenges or everyday organizational dilemmas, this session will equip you with the tools to think more clearly, act more decisively, and lead more effectively.
Participants will leave this session with:- Enhanced Awareness of Cognitive Biases: An improved ability to identify and understand common cognitive biases and the ways they can distort decision-making, especially under stress, within the unique context of aviation work.
- Practical Decision-Making Tools: A toolkit of proven strategies and frameworks for clear thinking and effective decision-making, adaptable to a variety of scenarios.
- Skills to Navigate High-Pressure Decisions: Techniques to maintain clarity of thought and make informed decisions, even in high-pressure or complex situations, fostering better leadership and problem-solving capabilities.
Keynote Speaker:
Paige Oxendine, Director of Consulting Services, Habitat Communication & CultureModerated by:
Angela Pitts, C.M., ACE, Airport Operations, Springfield-Branson National Airport
Abhaya Tripathi, C.M., ACE, Airport Security Compliance Manager, Allegheny County Airport Authority -
Session 2: Ready, Set, Certify : Your Path to Airport Leadership
2:15-3:15 p.m. ET
Unlock the doors to your future in airport management! Join this engaging session to discover the certifications and training opportunities offered by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). Whether you’re aiming for accreditation or looking to expand your expertise, we’ll cover everything you need to know from a high-level overview of the programs available to how and when to sign up. Get clarity on membership requirements, essential resources, and practical advice to help you prepare. Walk away with a clear roadmap and the next steps to advance your career through AAAE certifications!Moderated by:
Katie L. McCallum, C.M., Airport Operations Specialist, Fort Wayne Allen County Airport Authority
Taurion Shelvin, C.M., Concessions | Small Business Development Administrator, Denver International AirportPanelists:
Amy Calliari, Vice President, Professional Development, AAAE
James R. Nilo, C.M., ACE, IACE, Owner, JRN Consulting
Jeffrey C. Price, C.M., ACE, Owner, Leading Edge Strategies & Professor, Metropolitan State University of Denver
Kevin D. Smith, A.A.E., Planning Market Leader, Aviation, Mead & Hunt, Inc. -
Session 3: Navigating AAM Integration: Key Steps for Effective Implementation
3:30-4:30 p.m. ET
Discussing the current AAM/UAM market, ongoing developments, and careers within the markets.
Panelists:
JC Asencio, State/Local Ecosystem Partnerships Manager, Wisk
Clifford Cruz, Chief Executive Officer, Skyway
Toni Drummond, President & Co-founder, Future Flight Global
Wednesday, January 15
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Networking
12:15-12:45 p.m. ET
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Session 4: Fireside Chat with Executives
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Join us for an insightful fireside chat featuring industry leaders. These executives will share their experiences, challenges, and visions for the future of the aviation industry. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a candid discussion, gain valuable insights, and ask questions about the strategies driving change in their sector. Whether you're an industry professional, policymaker, or aviation enthusiast, this session promises to illuminate the path forward for aviation in a rapidly changing world.Moderated by:
Austin Wheeler, C.M., Airport Manager, Tulsa Riverside Airport
Aaron M. Williams, C.M., ACE, Airside Operations Officer, Norfolk Airport AuthorityPanelists:
Beatrice Batty, Director, Fuel Operations, Signature Aviation -
Session 5: Securing the Skies: Navigating Cyber Threats at Airports
2:15-3:15 p.m. ET
Industry experts will explore the unique cybersecurity challenges faced by modern airports. The session will cover emerging threats, best practices for safeguarding critical infrastructure, and innovative technologies that enhance resilience. Participants will gain valuable insights and practical strategies to bolster their airport's cybersecurity posture in an increasingly digital landscape.Moderated by:
Michael Zoia, CPP, PSP, RCDD, Business Development Manager, Aviation & Federal Group, Burns & McDonnellPanelists:
Eric J. Bowerman, Assistant Vice President, Technology Security, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
Kyle Miller, Senior Manager Management Consulting, Plante Moran, PLLC
Madison R. Strong, ACE, Information Security Analyst, Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust -
Session 6: Cleared for Takeoff: Unlocking Potential and Navigating Career Growth in Aviation
3:30-4:30 p.m. ET
Industry experts will share insights on maximizing your potential in the aviation sector. This session will cover essential strategies for skill development, networking, and mentorship to help you navigate your career path. Whether you're just starting out or seeking to advance, you'll gain valuable tools to propel your career to new heights.Moderated by:
Caleb Rosenberg, C.M., ACE, Graduate Airport Planner, Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. (SEH)Panelists:
Dillon P. Chado, C.M., ACE, Director of Facilities, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport
Sierra L. LePore, Director of Planning, Tampa International Airport
Travis M. Jones, C.M., Operations Supervisor, Louisville Regional Airport Authority
Thursday, January 16
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Session 7: Startups & SkyMiles: The Air Service Development Process from Idea to Inception
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
This session offers an airport-focused exploration of the air service development process, covering everything from marketing initiatives and engaging with potential airline partners to the planning and operational readiness required to successfully launch new services. Participants will learn about the complex relationships and cooperation needed to secure new air service.Moderated by:
Brady Brewster, Senior Aviation Planner, McFarland Johnson, Inc.Panelists:
Anthony Gilmer, Vice President, Air Service Development & Strategic Marketing, Louisville Regional Airport Authority -
Session 8: Breaking Barriers in Aviation: Designing a Future of Accessible Air Travel for All
2:15-3:15 p.m. ET
This session will explore the critical role of accessibility and inclusion in airport design and operations. Expert speakers will discuss key accessibility programs, how resources are secured to implement these initiatives, and the technologies driving accessibility forward. Attendees will gain insights into the practicalities of executing projects, moving above and beyond ADA standards. This session highlights the broader impact of these efforts and the role of planning and project management in building a truly inclusive airport experience for every traveler.Moderated by:
Kristina Conklin, A.A.E., Assistant Manager, Terminal Operations, Metropolitan Airports CommissionPanelists:
Phil T. Burke, Assistant Director, Customer Experience, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
Kirk W. Goodlet, Ph.D., Senior Director, InterVISTAS Consulting USA LLC -
Session 9: Airport Technology Lightning Round
3:30-4:30 p.m. ET
Hot topics for Emerging Technologies. This session will focus on 3 areas of emerging technologies that relate to all areas of the Airport. From the Aeronautical viewpoint, a member from Beta Technologies will be discussing the future of EvTOLs. From the Airport efficiency side, Joanne will discuss new technology in Airport SMS implementation, and from the passenger experience, 2 members from Grand Rapids Airport will discuss the new sign language video boards.Moderated by:
Angela Pitts, C.M., ACE, Airport Operations, Springfield-Branson National AirportPanelists:
Tom Cizauskas, A.A.E., Business Manager, Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Joanne M. Landry, MBA, PMP, Principal, Landry Consulting LLC
Gerald D. Swain, Jr., C.M., IT Manager, Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Nate Ward, Lead of North American Charging Equipment Sales Team, BETA Technologies -
Closing Virtual Reception
4:45-6:00 p.m. ET
Registration Deadlines
You acknowledge that in registering for and attending this AAAE event, you agree to adhere to the cancellation policy noted below, AAAE's Duty of Care, and AAAE's Code of Conduct and Terms and Conditions.
If you would like assistance with registration, please contact member.services@aaae.org.
AAAE accepts registration regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, sex, physical disability and national or ethnic origin. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment and educational services.
NOTE: AAAE reserves the right to postpone or cancel an event if the number of registrants is insufficient; due to acts of God; or any other reason beyond AAAE’s control. In this event, we will notify all registrants by email and credit the full registration fee towards another AAAE meeting, product or service. However, any costs incurred by the registrant, such as hotel cancellation or airline penalties, are the responsibility of the registrant. Confirmation letters will be emailed to attendees within two weeks of receipt of registration. However, if you have not received a confirmation email two business days prior to the meeting, and you enrolled at least two weeks prior to the meeting, please contact the AAAE Meetings Department at AAAEmeetings@aaae.org.
Please note, failure to receive a confirmation letter before an event will not be grounds for a refund.
AAAE Media Access Policy:
The American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) reserves the right to grant at their sole discretion access to TV, radio and print media organizations or individuals that have registered and received prior authorization from AAAE at least 72 hours prior to an AAAE event they wish to cover. Due to the sensitive nature of some discussions, not all sessions at some AAAE events will be open to media. AAAE retains the sole right to grant or refuse media access for any event or section of an event it operates. Please direct all inquiries to Brian Kalish.
Emerging Leaders Planning Committee
Patrick A. Barnes, P.E., Burns & McDonnell
Brady Brewster, McFarland Johnson, Inc.
Lindsey A. Brithinee, C.M., Louisville Regional Airport Authority
Dillon P. Chado, C.M., ACE, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport
Kristina Conklin, A.A.E., Metropolitan Airports Commission
Shaun P. Cookson, A.A.E., ACE, IACE, ASC, Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport
Steven T. Derengowski, C.M., InterVISTAS Consulting USA LLC
Tracy Guerrero, Indianapolis Airport Authority
Noah R. Gunter, Raleigh Executive Jetport at Sanford-Lee County Airport
Throy A. Josephs, Chrysalis Global Aviation
Richard J. Lepore, C.M., Chrysalis Global Aviation
Jerome Lim, MBA, Jacobs
Medhi Maadir, Geometrics Engineering
Katie L. McCallum, C.M., Fort Wayne Allen County Airport Authority
Arjun Nair, C.M., ENV SP, Syracuse Regional Airport Authority
Adam Nicholas, McFarland Johnson, Inc.
Angela Pitts, C.M., ACE, Springfield-Branson National Airport
Lillie B. Rentz, C.M., LBR Strategies, LLC
Graham Ritz, C.M., C.A.E., ACE, Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority
Blanca Rocha Becerra, Blast Deflectors, Inc.
Maria Romanick, C.M., Minot International Airport
Caleb Rosenberg, C.M., Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. (SEH)
Taurion Shelvin, C.M., Denver International Airport
Cameron A. Sidor, C.M., ACE, Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport
Matthew Stewart, C.M., ACE, Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. (SEH)
Abhaya Tripathi, C.M., ACE, Allegheny County Airport Authority
Austin Wheeler, C.M., Tulsa Riverside Airport
Aaron M. Williams, C.M., ACE, Norfolk Airport Authority
Nicole Zinger, Utah Division of Aeronautics
Aviation Emerging Leaders
Natalie Pavelock, C.M.
Jacobs
Earned August 2022
Shon L. Dempsey, A.A.E., ACE
Frederick Municipal Airport
Earned August 2023
Matthew C. Parker, C.M., ACE
DM AIRPORTS, LTD.
Earned August 2023
Chasen Congreves, C.M.
Pease Development Authority
Earned August 2023
David Montiverdi, C.M., A.M.F.
Avports - ALB
Earned August 2023
Joshua Cobb, C.M.
Portland International Jetport
Earned August 2023
Contact Information
Questions? Contact Us!
Program Information
Jennifer Richards
703.575.2479
Registration Information
Nikki Kince
703.797.2533
