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Young Professionals Committee

The AAAE Young Professionals (YoPro) Committee is committed to providing career development, networking and educational opportunities for the next generation of airport professionals and to bridge the gap between current and future aviation leaders.

The AAAE YoPro Committee is open to all current AAAE members 40 years of age or younger. The AAAE Young Professionals Committee is intended for those just entering the workforce or early in their career. There is no additional cost for members who wish to participate in the AAAE Young Professionals Committee.

2025-2026 Goals of the Committee:

  • Recognizing our members
    • Aviation Emerging Leaders program
      • Promote once a quarter
      • Increase completion by eight (8) members
    • Recognition of two (2) members through spotlight
  • Driving membership engagement
    • Regional Chapter participation in monthly meetings – 75%
    • Increase monthly meeting participation by 10%
    • Invite IAAE members to monthly meetings
    • Create opportunities for YoPros with alternative work schedules
    • Connect YoPro members to other AAAE Committees
  • Further developing YPAC to enhance information sharing
    • Share updates with YPAC group
    • Participate in two YPAC initiatives 

Join the conversations:

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Committee Leadership and Liaisons

Tracy Guerrero

Chair
Indianapolis Airport Authority

Steven Derengowski, C.M.

1st Vice Chair
InterVISTAS Consulting USA LLC

Cameron Sidor, C.M., ACE

2nd Vice Chair
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

Melinda Montgomery, A.A.E.

Committee Advisor
Norfolk International Airport

Patrick A. Barnes, P.E.

Secretary/Industry Coalition Lead
Olsson

Lindsey A. Brithinee, C.M.

Professional Development Mentorship Lead
Louisville Regional Airport Authority

Kristina Conklin, A.A.E.

Learning and Development Lead
Metropolitan Airports Commission

Graham Ritz, C.M., C.A.E., ACE

Marketing Promotion Lead
Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority

Blanca Rocha Becerra

Membership Engagement Lead
Blast Deflectors, Inc.

Jennifer Richards

Staff Liaison
AAAE

Jordan Bydume

Staff Liaison
AAAE
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The Young Professionals Aviation Coalition (YPAC) was established in 2023 with the mission of connecting young professionals’ groups across the aviation industry. YPAC aims to serve as a valuable resource for aviation professionals looking to advance their careers by uniting members from five distinct organizations. These organizations include the American Association of Airport Executives, Airports Council International - North America, Airport Consultants Council, Airport Minority Advisory Council, and the National Business Aviation Association. YPAC focuses on fostering professional development, networking opportunities, and other career-enhancing activities for its members.