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- 2026 Spring "Dutch Bertholf" Conference
- 2026 Annual "Dutch Bertholf" Spring Conference Speakers
2026 Annual "dutch bertholf" spring conference speakers and moderators
March 29 - 31, 2026
Conference Speakers |
Cameron Atkins
Cameron Atkins is the Airport Deputy General Manager for the Sedona-Oak Creek Airport Authority. Cameron is responsible for property development as well as supporting the General Manager in all aspects of operation and management of "America's Most Scenic Airport". Prior to his current role, Cameron was the Airport Manager for Safford Regional Airport for four years and also previously worked in airport operations in North Dakota. Cameron is also actively serving as a Military Intelligence Officer in the Army Reserves. Cameron holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ and is a Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives. Gladys Diva Brown
Gladys Diva Brown, C.M., C.A.E., serves as the Airport Director at Yuma International Airport (NYL) and Rolle Airfield (44A – Aux 4), the small rural airport located in the City of San Luis. Yuma International Airport is co-located with MCAS Yuma and operates as a shared-use facility under a Joint Use Operating Agreement. Her leadership has been instrumental in ensuring compliance with FAA regulations and state laws, while strengthening partnerships with military stakeholders and advancing both commercial and general aviation initiatives. Under her guidance, Yuma International Airport was recognized as Arizona Airport of the Year in 2015 and 2021 by the Arizona Department of Transportation Aeronautics Group. Ms. Brown’s honors include recognition as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Arizona for 2025 by Women We Admire, the California Maritime Academy Distinguished Alumni Award (2018), the SWAAAE President’s Award (2016), the SWAAAE Award of Distinction (2025), and the Arizona Airport Association Executive of the Year (2017 & 2024). She was also featured in Airport Business 40 Under 40 (2017) and received the Yuma Chamber of Commerce Athena International Award (2017). Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ms. Brown is deeply committed to community engagement. She actively volunteers in STEM and AVID programs, contributes to the Arizona@Work Youth Services Adult Mentoring Program — including the launch of its first corporate community mentorship initiative and is a founding member of the Naval Sea Cadet Committee, Yuma Sea Eagles Squadron. She also participates in a variety of educational and youth sports initiatives. A passionate musician, she performs as a bass clarinetist with the Yuma Civic Orchestra and the Arizona Western College Community Band. Ms. Brown holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the California Maritime Academy and a U.S. Coast Guard Third Assistant Engineer License, along with an MBA from the University of Phoenix. She is a Certified Member (C.M.) through the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and a Certified Airport Executive (C.A.E.) through the Southwest Chapter of AAAE (SWAAAE). She currently serves as President of SWAAAE and is a Past President of the Arizona Airport Association. Known throughout the industry for her enthusiastic personality, collaborative leadership style, and dedication to service, Ms. Brown is a strong advocate for mentorship and leadership development. She believes in inspiring progress through passion, purpose, and forward movement. Ms. Brown is a proud mother of three young men and cherishes her beautiful blended family of six children. She loves cooking, baking, and spending time with her family whenever they can be together. Joel Ericson  Joel Ericson, PE got his start in aviation civil engineering in 2004 on the Indianapolis International Airport midfield terminal program. He fell in love with working on airport projects and has never looked back. His work on airports has taken him from remote GA airports in the mountains of Morocco to large hubs like Heathrow, Dubai, and Sky Harbor. He was worked with teams from all walks of life, from a whole host of different countries, and across generational lines. Joel now serves as Arizona’s Area Leader for RS&H's infrastructure business, focused on delivering projects for aviation clients in Arizona and across the Southwest. Jeff Gergal .jpg) Jeff Gergal brings more than 40 years of experience, including leadership on multiple Mesa Gateway Airport and other projects, providing his team with the capability needed to meet stakeholder expectations and deliver timely, cost-effective solutions. He oversees project delivery from preconstruction through execution, ensuring resources, scope, schedule, and quality remain aligned with client objectives and industry standards. His portfolio includes major Phoenix-area and airfield programs such as the Mesa Gateway Runway 12R–30L Rehabilitation, Taxiway K and RIM Improvements, and the Alpha Apron IV project. CERTIFICATIONS & APPLICABLE EXPERTISE
Patrick Heaton
Patrick Heaton is currently serving as Kimley Horn’s lead planner on the 2024 Arizona Statewide Land Use Manual (ALUM). In his five years of aviation planning experience, Patrick has worked on planning projects with more than 15 airports in Arizona and statewide projects around the country, including the 2021 Arizona Aviation Economic Impact Study. Matthew Munden
Jarrett Moore
design, apron and airside roadway geometric design, site planning, grading and drainage design, pavement inspection, pavement design, pavement rehabilitation, airfield pavement markings, utility coordination, security fencing, and developing efficient/effective project phasing plans for complex airport projects. Jarrett has experience with several different types of design/modeling software including AutoCAD, AutoTURN, AviPlan, FAARFIELD, ProjectWise, and Micro-PAVER. Jarrett has served in the roles of Project Manager and Lead Design Engineer for many of Kimley-Horn's local and regional airport projects. He has worked for numerous airports across the Southwest including: Phoenix Sky Harbor, Mesa Gateway, Deer Valley, Flagstaff, Tucson, Denver, Aspen, San Diego, San Antonio, El Paso, and several other small/general aviation (GA) Arizona airports.
John Pudlas has been the Safety and Permitting Coordinator with Smiley Lifting Solutions since June of 2025. Tho a short time in the industry, he assists in many areas which include working closely with cities and municipalities to coordinate road closures and ensure projects are completed safely and efficiently. He also plays a key role in maintaining compliance with OSHA standards, managing incident response, and helping teams operate safely in complex work environments. John collaborates with the FAA and local airports to help keep airspace safe during operations, making sure all necessary permits and safety requirements are in place. Through his work, he focuses on protecting both workers and the public while supporting successful project execution.
Heather Shelbrack
Heather Shelbrack is the Deputy Aviation Director for Public Relations at the City of Phoenix Aviation Department, which operates Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix Deer Valley Airport and Phoenix Goodyear Airport. Heather oversees communications, guest and employee experience, community outreach, and the Phoenix Airport Museum. With more than 20 years of experience in the public relations industry, Heather has worked for the City of Phoenix Aviation Department since 2007 in various roles of increasing responsibility within the Public Relations division. Prior to joining the City of Phoenix Aviation Department, she worked in corporate communications for a financial services company and an airline. She holds bachelors’ degrees in telecommunications and history from Indiana University and a master’s degree in communications from the Johns Hopkins University. Heather is a Past Chair of the Airport’s Council International – North America’s (ACI-NA) Marketing, Communications, and Customer Experience Steering Group and is a board member of the East Valley Partnership. She also successfully earned her Certified Member designation from the American Association of Airport Executives in 2023. | David Barr
Curt Castagna
He is the President and CEO of the Ascension Group Partners, overseeing general aviation and business aircraft centers, located at the Long Beach, Van Nuys, and Dallas Love Airports. Curt’s firm also oversees the majority of the management of the City of Santa Monica’s aviation real estate, leasing and self-serve fueling operations. Castagna is the President of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), is the immediate past Chairman of the Los Angeles County Aviation Commission and he is a certified member of the American Association of Airport Executives. Besides overseeing the complete development, construction, management, leasing, sales, and service and promotion of complex and diverse aviation projects, Castagna has a long history of taking leadership roles in airport tenant and aviation trade associations. He is recognized by his peers and colleagues for establishing collaborative partnerships when negotiating through complex general aviation challenges, while maintaining a focus on compromise and consensus building. Devoted to mentoring future aviation professionals, he has over 30 years of experience as an adjunct professor, teaching various classes in the Aviation Administration Bachelor of Science program at California State University, Los Angeles and the Associate Degree program at Cypress Community College. A certified private and instrument-rated pilot, Castagna’s background and experience bring great value to every client. Katie Franco
Ms. Franco has two decades of experience providing award-winning strategic outreach for both commercial and general aviation airports. Alongside her capable team, she has led clients through the rebranding process, spearheaded effective public relations campaigns, managed website development projects, and provided outreach for airport master plans Passionate about promoting the impacts airports have on their regions, Ms. Franco has helped advocate for airports from Florida to California. She has worked in several noise-sensitive communities and has initiated and implemented airport noise programs. She is also a co-author of Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) Publication 217, “Communicating a Balanced Look at Local Airport Activity and Climate Change (2025).” Katie has extensive knowledge in public relations, community outreach, and digital marketing. Her campaigns have been recognized nationally in both the aviation and public relations fields, garnering multiple ACI-NA Marketing and Communications Awards, Gold SABRE Awards, and Silver Anvil Awards. She was also in the inaugural class of Airport Business magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40.” Katie holds a BA in English from the University of California at Santa Barbara. She is a Certified Member of American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), a member of Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), and is on the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Access Committee. Teresa Gresham  Teresa has 24 years of experience with Kimley-Horn in environmental documentation, planning, and engineering. She graduated from Michigan Tech University and has a Masters in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. Teresa focuses on leading NEPA and planning projects at airports and commercial space ports. She is also experienced preparing environmental documents on infrastructure projects with FHWA, FTA, FRA, MARAD and others. Margaret Martin  Margaret is the founding partner of the airport practice group at the law firm Thompson Burton, PLLC. Margaret advises clients on projects at the intersection of the public and private sectors, focusing on airports, aviation, public-private partnerships, and public contracting. Since she joined the firm three years ago, her work has increased Thompson Burton’s nationwide airport practice to four attorneys and one paralegal. Margaret’s team represents airports of all sizes and businesses that work on and with airports and is the only airport-specific practice in Tennessee.Before joining Thompson Burton, Margaret was the founder of Martin Airport Law, LLC, a firm certified by the State of Tennessee as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and an Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE). Margaret began her career in aviation as an attorney at the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, eventually moving to the business side as the Chief Development Officer at MNAA. As Chief Development Officer, Margaret was responsible for delivering and managing annual revenues exceeding $170M and overseeing approximately 2,500 commercial agreements with tenants, operators, business partners, and governmental agencies. Margaret graduated in 1999 from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC with a Bachelor of Arts in English, cum laude. She attended law school at Tulane Law School, in New Orleans, and graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in 2003. Messar Mustafa
Carmen Parks
Carmen Parks, P.E. is the Director of Engineering and Facilities at Mesa Gateway Airport. She oversees airside and landside development at the airport as well as facility maintenance of airport owned buildings. Prior to joining the airport, Carmen served as the State Airport Engineer for ADOT Aeronautics. Her career in the airport industry began in 2006 with a three-year internship at a small airport engineering consulting firm while she was still in college. During that time, she worked on pavement and drainage improvement projects for Arizona airports. After graduating from ASU, Carmen worked for three different consulting firms transitioning from Engineer-In-Training to Project Engineer to Sr. Project Manager, with a 90% focus on airport development projects in Arizona. Her project experience ranges from planning projects and small airfield electrical improvements at small general aviation airports to large runway reconstruction projects at commercial service airports. Carmen graduated with her BSE in Civil Engineering from ASU in 2010 and her MSE in Transportation Engineering from ASU in 2011. Ryan Spicer
Ryan Spicer is a Civil Engineer with the FAA Phoenix Airports District Office, where he specializes in airport planning, programming, and engineering oversight. With eight years of experience in aviation infrastructure, including four years at a private consulting firm and four years at the FAA, he has been involved with a wide variety of projects including pavement reconstruction and rehabilitation, lighting and signage improvements, and terminal construction projects located at large hub, small hub, and general aviation airports. Ryan holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Oregon State University and is a licensed professional engineer in Arizona and Nevada. Russell Waldron  Russel Waldron is a scientist and senior natural resources team lead with more than 32 years of experience in biological resources consulting, with an emphasis on environmental regulations compliance for federal, state, and local laws throughout Arizona. Over his career at SWCA, Russell has worked on many environmental projects for airports. He has developed an understanding of the nuances of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance. His responsibilities have included preparing resource reports, conducting jurisdictional waters and wetlands delineations, reporting for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers CWA Section 404 permitting, conducting and directing biological field studies of special interest species, preparing biological evaluations and biological assessments for ESA compliance, and preparing sections of environmental assessments and categorical exclusions for NEPA compliance. |
Matthew Munden is the State Airport Engineer at ADOT-Aeronautics. He joined ADOT in June 2018 and the Aeronautics Group within ADOT in October 2019. He serves as the state technical and administrative authority for airport design and construction grants. He provides engineering and administrative inspection, audit, and review and oversight of both ADOT airport development grant project, and for the Airport Pavement Management System (APMS). Prior to employment with ADOT, he earned his Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering from the University of Arizona where he also worked as an intern for Dr. Wu at the Smart Transportation Lab, located in the U of A’s Civil Engineering Department. 
Jarrett has over 19 years of experience in aviation design. His experience includes a wide range of both airside and landside design work, but Jarrett’s area of expertise and where his passion for engineering lies is in runway, taxiway, and apron design. Jarrett specializes in runway/taxiway horizontal and vertical geometric
Mr. Barr is a Lead Archaeologist and
project manager in SWCA’s Tucson office for over 21 years. He has 29 years of
experience conducting archaeological site surveys and excavations, resource
condition assessments, federal archaeological site inventory, and private
consulting compliance projects in the Southwest. During his career, he has
conducted, managed, overseen, and participated in more than 1,000 projects,
including archaeological survey, monitoring, testing and data recovery,
mapping, and compliance projects.
Curt Castagna has a diverse background in general aviation and more than 40 years of proven expertise in all aspects of airport development, aviation consulting, and management services.
Katie Franco is the owner and principal of Aviatrix Communications, a full-service marketing and communications firm that works exclusively with airports and aviation clients.
Messar Mustafa is a Civil Engineer, airports division at the FAA. Graduated from Arizona State University in 2020 with a degree in Civil Engineering. Then joined the FAA and began my career in aviation. Messar has been with the PHX ADO for nearly six years, working with airports throughout Arizona and Nevada.
Conference Moderators
Jake Allen
Early in his aviation career, Jacob spent several years working in the airline industry, holding various supervisory positions in customer service and ground operations for major Part 121 air carriers. Jacob spent time as the Airport Coordinator for Sedona-Oak Creek Airport Authority where his responsibilities included assisting the Airport Manager to plan, direct, and coordinate airport operations as well as oversee construction and facility maintenance in accordance with all relevant regulations among other duties. Jacob also has experience working as an Airport Planner for Coffman Associates. In 2016, he became an aircraft owner and founded an aircraft rental LLC. He enjoys flying in his free time and volunteers as a pilot for the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Young Eagles program to help inspire the next generation of pilots and aviation professionals. Mike O’Shaughnessy
Mike began his career with United Airlines working in multiple airports including Salt Lake City and Phoenix as General Manager and Director of Operations for one of the United Divisions. Before joining the City of Phoenix in 2017 Mike started and ran his own business in the Legal and Security industry. Scott Rinkenberger
Ed Rose
Edward started his career in the U.S. Air Force; he won’t say how long ago…next he secured a job as an Airport Maintenance Mechanic at his hometown airport, Hudson Valley Regional. After a few years of full-time work and full-time studies, he advanced into airport management as Director of Airport Operations and later as the Airport’s Director. Edward led teams on a myriad of improvement projects. After 33 years, he departed New York for an Operations Manager position at the Sedona Airport. Shortly after arriving Edward was made Sedona’s Interim Airport Manager and subsequently, the Airport Manager. Edward has served state aviation organizations in the past. He has gone through the Chairs of the New York Airport Manager’s Association representing the Port Authority of NYNJ, the Capital District Transportation Authority, and the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority as well as numerous other Airports in the state. As NYAMA President, he leads a team that worked, successfully, to establish a state aviation grant program. Edward advanced a number of projects during his career touching on almost every aspect of airport operation. Some of the more interesting projects have been: regrading and recapping of an abandoned landfill/Superfund site; over 330 acres of tree obstruction removal, including EAs and Supplemental EAs, endangered species habitat and land set-asides; relocation of a congregation/historic church and chapel from Part 77 intrusion (this included SHPO coordination, dismantling and rebuilding on a new foundation); and establishing a new turf runway for taildragger practice. In Sedona, his first action was to develop a Water Master Plan to address needs identified in the Airport’s Master Plan. Next, improve drainage features adjacent to the runway. Third, replacement of an aging fuel storage facility. Edward is also on the Board of Directors for the Sedona Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau. He is a big believer in staff development and have educated staff on offerings through AAAE. Jenny Watts
Jenny Watts, C.M., is a senior aviation planner and project manager in Kimley-Horn’s Aviation practice based in Mesa, Arizona. She has more than 18 years of comprehensive experience in the aviation industry related to airport management, corporate aviation operations, aviation education, and aviation planning consulting. Her experience as an aviation planning consultant spans 12 years. As a senior planner and project manager with Kimley-Horn, Jenny assists in creating traditional aviation planning, specialty, and environmental documents for airport clients at general aviation and commercial service airports throughout the U.S., as well as providing quality assurance/quality control for internal documents, assisting with business development efforts, and fostering client relationships. Her affiliation with the AzAA organization spans over 20 years, beginning as a two-time student scholarship recipient in college, to now serving in her second term as Associate Director. AzAA has been very instrumental in shaping Jenny’s career, for which she is very grateful. | Mike Hill
Michael Hill has been a member of Southwest Chapter of American Association of Airport Executives (SWAAAE) for approximately 18 years and a member of Arizona Airports Association (AzAA) for approximately 19 years. He served two terms as the Corporate Director on the AzAA board and is now serving as the Corporate Director on the SWAAAE Board. Michael has been in the commercial construction industry for almost 40 years and built a career with Sundt Construction for over 20 years “KAPBCS”. He is a Project Director supporting the aviation industry. Sundt Construction is recognized as the Top Ranked Contractor by ENR across the Southwest. Sundt’s Mission is to be the most skilled builder in America. With his time at Sundt he has had the opportunity to work on numerous aviation projects ranging in size from a few million dollars to San Diego Airport Landside project. Sundt Construction itself has an extensive aviation history including the launch pad for the Apollo missions. He earned his degree in Construction Management from Colorado State University and worked his way thru high school and college as a certified welder, heavy equipment operator and carpenter. He has been exposed to all facets of the industry and understands how it relates to the aviation industry. During Michael’s tenure with AzAA and SWAAAE, he has served on the Conference Committee, the Conference Program Committee, Chair of the Sponsorship and Exhibitor Committee, Vice-Chair of the Education and Engagement Committee, the Nomination Committee and supports the Legislative Committee. He lives in Phoenix Arizona enjoys spending time with his family, boating, camping, and supporting his grandsons football aspirations. David Reffner
Prior to working as an Airport Manager, David was the Airport Operations Technician for the KCGZ – Casa Grande Municipal from August 2012 to June 2018. He worked on the management of airport lease agreements and was the acting FBO operations. David is ACE Fuel Safety Supervisor Certified and NATA Safety 1st Professional Line Service Technician. David is also a Reserve Firefighter II/EMT/SRT and has been since September 2013. He provides fire protection and emergency medical services to the citizens of Rural Pinal County. He is Firefighter 1 & 2 certified and is a certified Arizona DHS Emergency Medical Technician. David currently attends Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is in the Aviation Business Administration Program. He previously attended the Central Arizona College from 2013 to 2014 in the Emergency Medical Services Program. He also holds a Business major and Fire Science minor from Northland Pioneer College. Jeff Webbe, C.M., ACE
After serving 20 years on the Phoenix Police Department, Jeff launched a second career in Aviation Management. His experience includes 10 years as a supervisor, two years overseeing operations of the Phoenix Police Department’s Air Support Unit, two years as an entrepreneur, and most recently, spent the last few years managing the Buckeye Municipal Airport. Jeff recently received his Airport Certified Employee (ACE Operations) Certification, is a Certified Member (CM) in the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and is in the third and final phase in achieving his Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) designation. Jeff is also a pilot, holds a Commercial Pilot Certificate, and is a Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII). Jeff holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocational Education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. |
Mike O’Shaughnessy is the Deputy Aviation Director for Operations at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Mike oversees Airside, Landside and Terminal Operations as well as Ground Transportation and the PHX Sky Train®. Prior to being promoted to Deputy Aviation Director Mike was an Airport Duty Manager where he managed the day to day function of all aspects of Phoenix Sky Harbor.
Scott Rinkenberger is the Operations Manager at KCHD – Chandler Municipal Airport since June 2022. He is responsible for 
