36th Annual
Finance & Administration Conference

7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

7:15- 8:15 a.m.

Sponsored by Flash Parking and AMCG 

8:15 - 8:30 a.m.

Speakers:

Holly Ackerman, Associate Vice President, Global Operations, AAAE

Ethan Croop, A.A.E., (Conference Committee Chair), Senior Manager - Maintenance Administration, Lee County Port Authority

Robert Hancik, A.A.E., Board Chairman, Punta Gorda Airport official (TBD)

8:30 - 9:45 a.m.

Join us for a session outlining the latest insights from industry experts on critical trends and developments impacting airports. This session will cover key issues shaping the future of the aviation industry.

Moderator:

Matt Townsend, Director, Frasca & Associates, LLC

Speakers:

Seth Lehman, Managing Director, Fitch

Tom Cai, Director, Bank of America

Caldwell Kerr , Director, RICONDO

9:55 - 10:45 a.m.

As airports face increasing capital demands with limited funding sources, many are turning to the bond market, some for the first time in years. This session brings together a financial advisor, feasibility consultant, and investment banker to discuss key aspects of bond issuance, including roles, timing, best practices, and common pitfalls. Learn how to navigate the complexities of bond deals to ensure a successful outcome for your airport's financial needs.

Moderator: 

Brian Drake, Associate Vice President, Unison Consulting

Speakers: 

John Gillen, Director, Unison Consulting

Matthew Jiang, Director of Public Finance Investment Banking, Bank of American

10:45 - 11:15 a.m.

Sponsored by Cherry Bekeart

11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

CS 1: Key Considerations for Your Next Major Airport Construction Project

This session will provide attendees with a comprehensive overview of the top 10 considerations for managing large-scale ($50 million-$100 million projects). The discussion will emphasize the importance of robust project planning and governance in accordance with operational/political landscape, the necessity of a strong procurement strategy delivery methods to secure the right team players, and the critical role of effective project controls, communication, and reporting throughout the program. Additionally, the session will address various challenging aspects of extensive projects, offering practical strategies to navigate these complexities successfully. This is an essential session for professionals seeking to enhance their project management skills and ensure the success of their capital projects.

Speakers:

Andy Fountain, Principal, Plante Moran

Gregory P. VanKirk, CPA, Partner, Plante Moran

CS 2: The Right Approach: Taking the Foundational Path Towards Individualized Talent Development

In today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape, the "one-size-fits-all" approach to talent development no longer suffices. The foundational aspects of talent development are crucial to building a thriving workforce now and for the future. This session explores the core principles necessary to implement individualized talent development strategies. Attendees will gain a deep understanding of the foundational aspects of today’s talent development, learn how to identify and leverage key resources, and discover ways to cultivate working environments that empower employees to think critically and thrive. Participants will also learn how to take the first steps in their journey toward implementing these strategies and ensuring long-term success for individuals and organizations alike.

Speakers:

12:30 - 2 p.m.

Sponsored by Plante Moran and FLCLASS

2-2:50 p.m.

CS 3: General Aviation Roundtable

CS 4: Innovative Financial Models

Objective: Is your ACIP bigger than your airport’s budget? Have you been looking for ways to innovatively fund projects and improvements at your airport? This will be the session for you!

Panelists will discuss challenges, opportunities, and solutions that have helped with their airport’s funding needs. Innovative funding techniques to be discussed to include TIFIA, P3, and additional grant funding resources.

Moderator:

Megan McLellan, Strategic Funding Manager, Garver

Speakers:

Gisela Shanahan, Managing Director, Frasca & Associates, LLC

Robert “Bob” Campbell, A.A.E., Deputy Airport Director, Wilmington (N.C.) Airport

Pamela Kantor, Finance Director, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)

2:55 - 3:45 p.m.

Moderator:    

Andrew Louder, Founder and CEO, Louder Company

Speakers: 

Doug Wycoff, Director of Digital Technologies & Innovation, Tampa International Airport

Allen Allos, Plante Moran

3:45 - 4:15 p.m.

4:15-5:30 p.m. 

Moderator:     

Korey Campbell, Chief Financial Officer, Birmingham Airport Authority

Speakers: 

Basil Dosunmu, Chief Financial Officer, Richmond International Airport

Damian Brooke, Chief Financial Officer, Tampa International Airport

Jeremy Brandon, Regional Director - Airport Affairs, Delta Air Lines

James Parish, P.E., CEO, Punta Gorda Airport

Charles Breer, Senior Director of Airport Affairs, Sun Country

6 - 9 p.m.

Hosted and sponsored by Punta Gorda Airport, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport and Naples Airport Authority

Dress is casual. 

7:15 a.m. - 4 p.m.

8-8:30 a.m.

Sponsored by Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport and Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport

8:30 - 9:45 a.m.

Moderator:

Barry Molar, Director, Unison Consulting

Speakers:     

Dave Cushing, Manager, Airports Financial Assistance Division, Office of Airports, FAA

Jesse Carriger, Manager, Airports Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Branch, FAA

9:55 - 10:45 a.m.

Session 5: Maximizing Airport Revenue Growth and Enhancing the Passenger Experience Across Airport Sizes

Join representatives from small, medium, and large hub airports as they share strategies to drive revenue growth while elevating the passenger experience. This engaging panel will explore tailored approaches to balancing commercial innovation, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction, highlighting the unique opportunities and challenges faced by airports of different sizes. Gain actionable insights and best practices to optimize your airport's potential, regardless of its scale.

Moderator:

Cameron Sidor, C.M., A.C.E., Business Development Manager, Birmingham Airport Authority

Speakers:

Travis Crilly, A.A.E., Vice President, Commercial Development, Lexington Blue Grass

Jeffrey Taylor, Senior Properties Administrator, Jacksonville Airport Authority

Kate Webb, Assistant Vice President, Concessions, Orlando International Airport

Session 6: Rates and Charges (Rates by Ordinance)

This session will delve into the intricacies of setting airport rates and charges in the absence of an agreement by ordinance, examining how airports can establish transparent, equitable, and legally compliant pricing structures. Attendees will learn about key rate-making principles and hear from airport panelists who have implemented rates by ordinance at their airports. Experts will share insights into rates and charges structure to support long-term financial sustainability while ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and airport business goals as well as ratings and credit implications. This session is ideal for airport professionals seeking practical approaches to managing airport fees, leases, and tenant relationships effectively.

Speakers:

Ursula Cassinerio, Analyst, Moody's

Thomas Brooks, CPA, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Greenville-
Spartanburg Airport District

10:45 - 11:15 a.m.

11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

This session will explore the critical role of cybersecurity in safeguarding aviation operations against an evolving landscape of digital threats. Terrence "Terry" McGraw, a retired Lieutenant Colonel and seasoned cybersecurity expert, will draw on over 20 years of experience in both military and commercial sectors to offer valuable insights into building, and securing robust cybersecurity architectures, as well as best practices in recovery from cyber attacks. McGraw’s background with the U.S. Army's Cyber Command and National Security Agency, along with his leadership in global cyber threat response, brings a unique perspective on proactive incident response, risk management, and system resilience. Attendees will learn about practical strategies for securing aviation networks, drawing from real-world applications in high-stakes environments. This session will be essential for aviation leaders looking to fortify their cybersecurity infrastructure and improve their response to both emerging and persistent cyber threats.

Speaker:

Terrence McGraw, CEO, Cape Endeavors Inc.

12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Sponsored by Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport

2-3:15 p.m.

Moderators: 

Donna Watts, CPA, C.M., Finance Director / Auditor, Port of Pasco (PSC)

Speakers:

Kenneth Strickland, Director, Air Service Development, Crawford, Murphy & Tilly

Kari Goetz, Chief Flying Squirrel, Winzig Consulting

Anthony Gilmer, Vice President of Air Service Development and Strategic Marketing, 
Louisville Regional Airport Authority

3:15 - 3:45 p.m.

3:45 - 4:15 p.m.

- Administrative and Risk Management
- Planning and Programming
- Accounting
- Current Issues

4:15-4:30 p.m.

Breakout specifics TBD.