PRESIDENTTai Jye Chen, C.M., P.E.Chief Administrative Officer - Planning and Development | 1St VICE PRESIDENTCourtney M. Johnson, C.M., C.A.E.Director of Airports |
2nd Vice President
GLADYS D. BROWN, C.M., C.A.E.
Airport Director Read more about Gladys Brown.Gladys Diva Brown, C.M., C.A.E. is the Airport Director at Yuma International Airport. Yuma International Airport is co-located with the MCAS Yuma and is a Shared Use airport with a Joint Use Operating Agreement. Ms. Brown’s primary function is to operate the airport in compliance with applicable FAA regulations and state law, as well as, to maintain the positive relationship with Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, and to promote Commercial Air Service and General Aviation in a safe and secure manner. Yuma International Airport was the 2015 Arizona Airport of Year recipient, which is awarded and recognized by the Arizona Department of Transportation Aeronautics Group. Gladys was the Southwest American Association of Airport Executives (SWAAAE) 2017 Executive of the Year, the Arizona Airports Association (AzAA) 2017 Airport Executive of the Year, recognized as one of aviation’s best and featured as one of the brightest in the 2017 Airport Business 40 Under 40, the 2017 Yuma Chamber of Commerce Athena International Award recipient, received the California Maritime Academy 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award and featured in Cal State University “Made in the CSU” as one of the notable CSU Alumnus in the Aerospace and Aviation Sector. Prior to becoming the Airport Director, Ms. Brown was the Deputy Airport Director and originally joined Yuma International Airport in March 2009 as the Director of Operations. In addition to the duties of the positions she has held, Ms. Brown was the airport project manager overseeing all engineering, cost estimating and construction at the airport. Ms. Brown worked previously in various capacities as a Civil Engineer, Mechanical & Electrical Integrity Consultant and a High School Math Teacher. She earned her Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the California Maritime Academy accompanied with a USCG Third Assistant Engineer License. Ms. Brown obtained her AAAE Certified Member (C.M.) designation, is an active member of the Southwest AAAE chapter and is recognized as a Certified Airport Executive (C.A.E.). Ms. Brown is a Past President of the Arizona Airports Association and continues to support the one voice approach for key issues in aerospace and aeronautics for the State of Arizona, and previously served on the Board of Directors for the Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (SWAAAE). On a national level, Ms. Brown is the vice-chair on the Industrial Aviation and Military Relations committee of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). Ms. Brown volunteers in the STEM/AVID curriculum, recently elected to the Cal State Maritime Academy Foundation (CMAF) Board of Directors and is the CMAF External Relations Committee Chairman, serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation, Vice-Chair for Visit Yuma, Yuma 50 Board Member, United Way of Yuma County, participates in the Expect More Arizona and on the Yuma County Education Advisory Council, President of the National Society of Professional Engineers Yuma Chapter leading the annual competitive mathlete competition MathCounts, participates assisting in various youth sport teams, and officiates basketball. Ms. Brown has a strong commitment to her community, believes in mentoring to help build leadership for tomorrow and leads to inspire through passionate forward movement. | Immediate Past PresidentCorinne C. Nystrom, A.A.E.Airport Director Read more about Corinne Nystrom.Corinne has been employed in the airport management profession for over 35 years. She is the Airport Director at Falcon Field Airport in Mesa, Arizona, which is home to over 800 based aircraft and over 120 businesses. Corinne previously served as the Airport Manager in Grand Junction, Colorado. She has served as the president of both the Arizona Airports Association and the Colorado Airport Operators Association, as well as serving on various community-related boards. In 2002, she was appointed by the Governor of Colorado to serve as the Airports Representative on the Colorado Aeronautical Board and served in this capacity until accepting her current position in Arizona. Corinne is an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) and earned a bachelor of science degree in business management from the University of Colorado with emphases in human resources and transportation management. Corinne’s favorite activities include snow skiing and high altitude mountain hiking. |
Director (Southern California)welton Trang, C.M.Airport Operations Officer | Director (Southern California)ANGI DAUS, MPAMarketing Supervisor |
Director (Northern California)Brett J. Godown, C.A.E., C.M.Airport Director | Director (Northern California)Gretchen kelly, C.M.Airport Manager |
Director (Nevada)Graham Ritz, C.A.E., C.M., ACEDirector of Airport Operations | Director (Arizona)ALEX SMITH, A.A.E., C.A.E. Economic Development & Real Estate Project Manager |
Director (At-large)
Mark GibbsDirector of Aviation | Corporate DirectorMichael D. HillProject Director Read more about Michael Hill.Michael Hill has been a member of Southwest Chapter of American Association of Airport Executives (SWAAAE) for approximately 17 years and a member of Arizona Airports Association (AzAA) for approximately 18 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 over 35 years and built a career with Sundt Construction for over 20 years “KAPBCS”. 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. Most of that time supporting the aviation industry. 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 as Director, 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. |
Corporate Directorkenneth g. moen, a.a.e., c.a.e.Special Project/Program Manager | At-large board member of aaaeharry barrett, jr., a.a.e.Executive Director |
At-large board member of aaaeKevin Bumen, A.A.E., C.A.E.Chief Commercial Officer | AAAE Nominating Committee RepresentativeJON STOUT, A.A.E., C.A.E.Airport Manager |
AAAE BOE RepresentativeRosalyn F. Bond, A.A.E., ACEDeputy Director of Operations | AAAE DirectorMark Witsoe, A.A.E., C.A.E.Airport Manager |
aaae directorchad makovsky, a.a.e., IACEAviation Director Read more about Chad Makovsky.Chad Makovsky was named Aviation Director of the City of Phoenix Aviation Department in March 2021. He provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the Phoenix system of airports, including Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT), and Phoenix Goodyear Airport (GYR). In his role, Mr. Makovsky leads one of America’s largest airports with 24 airlines providing nonstop service to more than 140 destinations across North America and Europe. Mr. Makovsky returned to Phoenix after serving as the Executive Vice President of Operations at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Prior to DFW Airport, Mr. Makovsky held a variety of roles with the City of Phoenix Aviation Department, Burbank Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and America West Airlines over his 33-year professional career. Mr. Makovsky is an Accredited Airport Executive with the American Association of Airport Executives and serves on their International Board (IAAE) and national Policy Review Council. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Airports Council International – North America, as well as on the Airport Oversight Committee for the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP AOC). He also serves on several state, regional, and local boards including the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association, the Arizona Governor’s Tourism Advisory Council, and the Arizona Humane Society. He holds a Private Pilot’s License, a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Operations from St. Cloud State University, and a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business. | Executive DirectorCathy Herring, CAEPresident & Owner |
Click here to view the pathway to getting involved in the chapter and serving on the SWAAAE Board of Directors. |