AAAE Young Aviation Professionals: Leadership & Networking (YoPro)

Advancing the Next Generation of Young Aviation Professionals

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.

Career Development Resources

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YoPro Hub Online Community

YoPro Hub Online CommunityRead More

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Aviation Emerging Leaders Program

Aviation Emerging Leaders ProgramRead More

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Professional Development Grants

Professional Development GrantsRead More

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Young Professionals Group on LinkedIn

Young Professionals Group on LinkedInRead More

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Tour an Airport

Tour an AirportRead More

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Speak to Students

Speak to StudentsRead More

Meet the Young Aviation Professionals Committee Leadership

Steven Derengowski, C.M.

Chair

InterVISTAS Consulting USA LLC

Cameron Sidor, C.M., ACE

Second Vice Chair

Louisville Regional Airport Authority

Blanca Rocha Becerra, C.M.

First Vice Chair

Blast Deflectors, Inc.

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, A.A.E., C.A.E., ACE

Marketing Promotion Lead

Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority

Caleb Rosenberg, C.M., ACE, ENV SP

Membership Engagement Lead

Denver International Airport

Jennifer Richards

Staff Liaison

AAAE

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

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.