Aviation Workforce & Culture Forum

7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Sponsored by Mead & Hunt

8:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.

Maria Bremis, J.D., Senior Vice President, HR, Compliance & EEO, AAAE

Zachary Sundquist, A.A.E., IACE, Assistant Airport Director, Portland International Jetport

Sean Hammer, A.A.E., Acting Director, Office of Regional Aviation Assistance, Maryland Aviation Administration

Lawrence J. Krauter, A.A.E., AICP, FRAeS, CEO, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport  

8:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

Hear from airport leaders as they share how they intentionally define, build, and sustain organizational culture amid shifting workforce expectations, operational demands, and continuous change as well as leadership practices and people strategies they use to strengthen trust, engagement, and belonging; develop employees and future leaders; and retain critical talent.    

Moderator: 

Panelists:

• Lawrence J. Krauter, A.A.E., AICP, FRAeS, CEO, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
• Charlene Reynolds, C.M., Airport Director, John Wayne Airport - Orange County
• Gil Turner, C.M., Aviation Director, James M. Cox Dayton International Airport
• Melissa W. Cooper, A.A.E., Director of Aviation, Kansas City Aviation Department   
   

9:45 a.m. - 10:10 a.m.

 Sponsored by Arora Engineers

10:10 a.m. - 11:10 a.m.

In this session, industry leaders will share how airports of all sizes are advancing language access as a core component of safety, accessibility, organizational culture, and the passenger experience with practical approaches that help travelers and employees understand critical information and navigate airport environments with greater confidence.   

Moderator: 

Panelists:

• Gina Stough, SHRM-SCP, Vice President, Human Resources, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
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11:10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

As airports continue to invest in infrastructure, operations, and community partnerships, ensuring equitable access to business opportunities remains a critical priority. Hear from airport leaders and business owners on the current role of ACDBEs and DBEs, and the opportunities to build stronger, more inclusive pathways for business growth and participation within the aviation industry.

Moderator: 

Panelists:

• Isela Toledo, Director, Business Opportunities, Ontario International Airport Authority
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12:15 p.m. - 1:40 p.m.

Sponsored by Michael Baker International

1:40 p.m. - 2:40 p.m.

Employee well-being is essential to building a strong, engaged, and resilient workforce in the fast-paced environment of airports. This session will explore how mental wellness influences workplace culture, employee retention, and organizational performance, while highlighting strategies for creating a supportive and inclusive environment where employees can excel.

Moderator: 

Panelists:

2:40 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Sponsored by 

3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Once again, we are borrowing from the tech world by applying the hack-a-thon concept to workforce culture and belonging in aviation and bringing together attendees to engage in collaborative conversations about specific topics faced in this current climate. We will have table discussions led by moderators and will come together at the end to discuss the issues that have been shared and ideas for the impactful solutions. Topics this year will include Homelessness at Airports, The Widening Gender Gap and the Growth of Bro Culture, Accessibility Challenges, and more.   

Moderator: Maria Bremis, J.D., Senior Vice President, HR, Compliance & EEO, AAAE

Table Moderators:

5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Hosted by Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport 

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Sponsored by 

9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Join us for a dynamic discussion between GE Aerospace and CVG Airport in which they will explore how strong community partnerships can foster a positive workplace culture while strengthening the region’s talent pipeline. Leaders will share real-world examples of workforce development, community engagement, and cross-sector collaboration that connect employees, students, and local organizations to meaningful career opportunities.

Speaker: Deb Silverman, Director of Philanthropy, GE Aerospace and GE Aerospace Foundation

10:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Sponsored by C&S Companies

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

In today’s highly competitive talent environment within aviation, HR can be a powerful strategic partner in building a workforce that stays, grows, and thrives. This panel of HR leaders will explore creative, practical approaches to employee development and retention and share their expertise on turning workforce challenges into opportunities for long-term growth.

Moderator: 

Panelists:

• Tony Cross, Human Resources Director, Jackson Hole Airport
• Megan Thoben, A.A.E., Vice President, Operations & Customer Engagement, Louisville Regional Airport Authority
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11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

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

In these 20 minute talks, attendees will learn about creative placemaking, developing AI literacy, a successful local businesses approach to workforce development, and the future of productivity. 

Speakers:

2:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Maria Bremis, J.D., Senior Vice President, HR, Compliance & EEO, AAAE

Zachary Sundquist, A.A.E., IACE, Assistant Airport Director, Portland International Jetport

3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Join us as we give back to the community that has hosted us.