2026 Conference Speakers
Welcome Speaker
Keynote Presentation
Lieutenant Governor Stravos Anthony
Stavros Anthony, a Las Vegas resident for 44 years, has made community service and public safety his focus as a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer, a member of the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents, as a City of Las Vegas Councilman and now as Nevada Lieutenant Governor.
Anthony began his career with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in 1980 and most recently served the community as a captain overseeing the Financial and Property Crimes Bureau of the department. As a captain, Anthony spent time in charge of many divisions within Metro including Vice/Narcotics, Northeast Area Command and the Transportation Safety Bureau. He retired after 29 years of service.
Anthony graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan in 1980. In 1987 he graduated with a Master of Arts from the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), and in 1999 he received his Ph.D. from UNLV. He has also attended the University of Louisville Southern Police Institute Administrative Officers Course and the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA.
Anthony was elected in 2002 to a four-year term as a regent with the Nevada System of Higher Education and served a second term. As chairman of the Board of Regents, Anthony led the way in developing a master plan, system goals and a value statement.
In 2009, Anthony was elected to the Las Vegas City Council, representing Ward 4, where he served three terms. He also served as Mayor Pro Tem for 7 of those years. In 2014, Anthony was appointed to the Board of Commissioners for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). He also served on the board of Goodwill of Southern Nevada, Founders Academy Charter School, and St. John Greek Orthodox Church. Anthony received an Exemplary Service Award from Metro Police in 2006 and received an Award of Excellence in 2002 from the Community College of Southern Nevada where he was an adjunct faculty member.
Anthony was elected as Nevada’s Lieutenant Governor in 2022.
Married for 44 years, the Anthony's have two daughters who are both graduates of the University of Nevada Reno. Anthony enjoys golfing in his free time and playing with his grandsons.
Session 1: LAS Modernization Plan
Moderator
Chris Fenton, Managing Director - Planning Division, CCDOA
Chris Fenton serves as the Managing Director of Aviation, Planning for the Clark County Department of Aviation (CCDOA). In this role, he is responsible for leading planning efforts for the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport (SNSA), overseeing the LAS modernization efforts that includes improvements to Terminals 1 and 3 along with roadway and aircraft apron enhancements, and guiding long-term planning and upgrades across the department’s four general aviation airports: North Las Vegas, Henderson Executive, Jean Sport Aviation Center, and Overton/Perkins Field.
Fenton holds a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering from the Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston and a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He is a licensed architect in Nevada and Arizona, a LEED Accredited professional in Building Design and Construction, and a longtime member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Las Vegas Chapter. Over his career, he has managed design and construction projects for higher education, local and federal government, and aviation – including more than 15 years working on projects at Harry Reid International Airport. His work included the D Gates northwest wing addition, the Airport Control Center relocation, the international gates expansion at T3, the pedestrian tunnel connecting T3 to the D Gates, and the airport-wide CCTV upgrade program.
Before assuming his current leadership role in 2025, Fenton served as the Airport Manager of Design for the CCDOA, overseeing a team responsible for planning and executing airport design and construction projects. During that timeframe, Chris’s team oversaw the design phases of 107 different airport related projects with a total construction valuation exceeding $1.3 billion.
Speakers
Justus Pang, Airport Supervising Architect - Planning Division, CCDOA
Justus Pang is an Airport Supervising Architect in the Planning Division at the Clark County Department of Aviation in Las Vegas, Nevada. In his role, he serves as the project manager for the proposed modernization at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), directing and overseeing the pre-design activities of one of the largest campus maximization initiatives.
Prior to joining the Department of Aviation, Pang was a Project Manager for the State of Nevada Public Works Division, managing capital projects including the Education Building at Nevada State University, West Charleston Mental Health Campus Master Plan, and several facility renovations. In his private sector experience, he served as a staff architect, contributing to a diverse body of work encompassing projects of varying scales, complexities, and building types.
Pang holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of California at Berkeley, and a Master of Architecture from Rice University.
Layne Weight, Managing Director, Construction & Engineering, CCDOA
Layne Weight has worked for the Clark County Department of Aviation since 2008 and now serves as Managing Director of Construction and Engineering. In this role, he oversees a team of design and construction experts who work diligently to coordinate projects and address the ever-changing needs of the department's five airports.
Weight started his career with the department as a senior engineer. At that time, he spent most of his days helping to protect the organization's interests during construction of the $2.4 billion Terminal 3 complex at Harry Reid International Airport. Since then, Weight has continued to manage and complete scores of design and construction projects for the department, many of them essential for day-to-day airport operations.
Prior to joining the Department of Aviation, Weight spent the first decade of his career working as a structural design consultant for firms in Nevada and Montana. He is a licensed professional civil and structural engineer in Nevada and a licensed civil engineer in California. A native of Las Vegas, Weight studied at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in Civil Engineering.
Session 2: MoreRNO Program Update
Moderator: Cris Jensen, Interim President/CEO, Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA)
Speaker
Jackie Caulk, MoreRNO Program Director, Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority
Jackie Caulk is the MoreRNO Program Director for the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA). In this role, she oversees the airport’s billion-dollar+ infrastructure improvement program, which includes two new concourses, a new headquarters building and police station, a ground transportation facility, ticketing hall expansion, and terminal road improvements. Previously, she served as the Engineering and Construction Manager for the RTAA.
Prior to joining the RTAA, Jackie served for five years as the Assistant Director of Construction and Project Management at Washoe County School District, overseeing their billion-dollar infrastructure program for new schools, repairs, and expansions. Jackie began her career at HDR, and in her 16 years, she was a program and project manager, a staff engineer, a risk and value engineer, a construction inspector, and a contract manager.
Jackie received her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Session 3: The Evolution of NEPA and What That Means for Airports and Consultants
Moderator: David Full, RS&H National Discipline Leader, Aviation Environmental
Speakers
Jonathan Aunger
Jon Aunger comes to the FAA with a wealth of experience. He received his undergraduate degree in Health Sciences from the University of Nevada Reno; He received his Graduate degree in Environmental Management/Energy Resources from the University of Maryland. He has served in the US Air Force as an Inventory Management Specialist and Retired from the US Army as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Officer.
Jon has service in the federal government for the last 37 plus years (12 as a civilian) working for the US Marine Corps, US Navy, US Park Service, US Army and now the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). He has held the following positions Security Specialist, Environmental Specialist, Environmental Resource Manager, Facilities Operations Specialist, and currently detailed as a community planner.
Lissa Butterfield, Manager of Planning & Environmental Services, RTAA, FAA ADO Envrionmental Specialist
Katie Van Heuven, Attoreny/Partner, Kaplan Kirsch Rockwell
Presentation by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) sUAS Program -Project Blue Sky
Officer Jordan Pelley, First Responder Officer and sUAS Pilot with the LVMPD
Jordan Pelley is a Drone as First Responder Officer and sUAS Pilot with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, bringing nine years of law enforcement service to his community. Prior to starting a career in law enforcement, Jordan worked within the Operations Control Center for Allegiant Air as a Customer Operations Coordinator; within this role, Jordan helped coordinate day-to-day operations for the airline. While working for Allegiant Air, Jordan earned his associate’s degree in aviation technology and commercial pilot certificate with instrument rating. As a police officer, Jordan finished his bachelor’s degree in aviation emergency management and has worked in various roles including patrol officer, area command intelligence officer, and fusion watch officer. Jordan has also had the opportunity to train alongside pilots from the department’s air support section. His background reflects a lifelong passion for aviation, technology, real-time problem solving, and airborne law enforcement. Known for his passion toward manned and unmanned aviation, Jordan plays a key role at training new department sUAS pilots. Outside of work, Jordan enjoys spending time outdoors.
Moderator
Kenneth G. Moen, A.A.E
Ken Moen is the Senior Director for Aviation at LJA Engineering, bringing decades of expertise in air traffic control, airport management, and aviation planning.
Ken's aviation career began in the U.S. Army as an air traffic controller, serving in Kentucky, South Korea, and Alabama from 1977 to 1981. In 1982, he joined the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an air traffic controller while earning his Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics and Aviation Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. After retiring from the FAA in 2009, Ken spent a year at Baghdad International Airport with Washington Consulting Group, where he trained Iraqi air traffic controllers and supported U.S. military operations.
In 2011, Ken transitioned to the civilian airport sector at Reno-Tahoe International Airport, where he advanced through roles in operations and administration. He earned his Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) certification in July 2016. In 2018, Ken was appointed Airport Manager at Carson City Airport (CXP), serving until his retirement in March 2021. The following month, he joined Armstrong Consultants as a Special Projects Manager and Airport Planner. Ken started the LJA Aviation Division, March 17th, 2025.
Ken is a committed aviation advocate, serving as a Commissioner on the Nevada Governor’s Air Service Development Commission, a Corporate Board Member of SWAAAE (Southwest Chapter of AAAE), Vice Chair of its Legislative Committee, and President of the Nevada Aviation Association.
Outside of aviation, Ken has been happily married to Denise for 42 years—in a row!—and is a proud father of two and “Papa” to three grandsons.
Speakers
Chris Bley has a BA in Biology from UC Santa Cruz. He has been involved in renewable energy for 20 years and currently focused on the aviation industry. Chris founded Rope Partner in 2001, a rope access service company based in Santa Cruz. In 2012, Chris focused on the growing needs of Internet of Things in wind energy, solar and utility industries, thus co-founded InspecTools. This new company built drones, integrated sensors and developed software to capture imagery and deliver objective insights into a cloud based GIS software for OEM & owners of wind, solar and grid infrastructure assets. In September, 2018, InspecTools was acquired by PrecisionHawk and in January of 2020, Rope Partner was acquired by Magnesium Capital. Chris is currently focused on several drone/aviation related projects including Monterey Bay DART (a non-profit, supporting and connecting aviation innovations, training & collaborations between industry, academia and government). Insight Up Solutions (drone and sensor resale) and AirSpace Integration (managing CA66’s grass airfield, unmanned aircraft test range and shared workspaces) on California's Central Coast.
Kim Benson, Administrator, UAS Center at SBD, Carlos Cardillo
Session 5: Advanced Air Mobility and UAS Integration
Speakers
Lindsay Anderson, RTAA Government Affairs
Lindsay Anderson serves as Director of Government Affairs for the Reno Tahoe Airport Authority, where she leads advocacy for the Authority’s policy and funding priorities at the federal, state and local levels. As the RTAA’s subject matter expert and primary liaison to elected officials, agency leaders, legislative staff and community stakeholders, she advances the board’s legislative agenda and secures strategic partnerships that support airport operations and growth. Lindsay works closely with agencies including the FAA, CBP, TSA and NDOT, and is known for cultivating strong, collaborative relationships with aviation policymakers. A University of Nevada graduate with a Master’s degree in Economics, she resides in Reno with her husband and two children.
Senator Fabian Donate, District 10
Reece Keener, Mayor of Elko, Brian Hibbetts, District 13
Joanna Jacob
Joanna Jacob joined Clark County in December 2019 and now serves as Director of Government Affairs, overseeing federal, state, and local advocacy and leading the County’s legislative team before the Nevada Legislature. Clark County is the nation’s 11th largest county and includes jurisdiction over the Las Vegas Strip. For purposes of this conference, her work includes advocating at the state level for the Clark County Department of Aviation, with oversight over not only Harry Reid International, but Henderson Executive Airport, North Las Vegas Airport, Overton-Perkins Field and Jean Sport Aviation Center.
Prior to joining the County, Joanna worked as a contract lobbyist in Nevada from 2011 to 2019, representing clients primarily in the construction and health care sectors across five regular and two special legislative sessions. Earlier in her career, she practiced law in California for four years, focusing on family law and civil litigation. Joanna earned her Juris Doctorate from California Western School of Law in 2006 and holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and French from Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts.
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Rosemary Vassiliadis, Retired CCDOA Director
Rosemary A. Vassiliadis served as the Director of Aviation for Clark County, Nevada, before retiring from the role in September 2025. The aviation system she led was anchored by Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), consistently ranked among North America’s top 10 commercial airports, which handled a record 58.4 million passengers in 2024. As the gateway to one of the world’s premier leisure and convention destinations, LAS functioned as a $35 billion economic engine driving Southern Nevada’s primary industry.
In addition to directing all operations at LAS, Vassiliadis oversaw four general aviation airports in Southern Nevada and brought more than 25 years of experience to the industry. Her leadership guided airport operations through global and national emergencies, including the aftermath of the September 11 attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2022, she was appointed to the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco Los Angeles Branch Board of Directors, where she contributed industry expertise toward the formulation of national monetary and credit policies.
Previously, Vassiliadis served on the board of the U.S. Travel Association and played an active role on Capitol Hill, educating and advising senators, House members, and administration officials on issues critical to domestic and international travel.
Under her direction, LAS joined efforts to combat human trafficking by working with law enforcement and subject-matter experts to train airport employees, create escape opportunities for victims, and raise awareness of the issue.
Vassiliadis’ focus on operational efficiency and financial stewardship stemmed from her educational and professional background. She earned a degree in accounting from DePaul University, served as the budget chief for the City of Las Vegas, and was later appointed Clark County Director of Finance.
Vassiliadis has been married for more than 40 years, raised two successful children, and is the proud grandmother of a little boy. She’s also a fanatic supporter of the Chicago Cubs.
Congresswoman Dina Titus
Dina has been a persistent champion for average Nevadans and has been rated one of the most effective Democratic members of the House of Representatives by the Center for Effective Lawmaking. Dina is addressing the affordable housing crisis in Southern Nevada with legislation to provide more rental housing vouchers for lower-income families. She also is pushing legislation to help homebuyers by forcing outside institutional investors to divest themselves of the thousands of homes they have bought in Southern Nevada. Dina wants those homes to be owned by people, not corporations. She has brought jobs to Southern Nevada as a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She has introduced legislation to raise the minimum wage, and she has fought to protect a woman’s right to choose. Dina serves as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee where she brings common-sense expertise to international problems. Within the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Dina serves as ranking member of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials where she works to support our nation’s rail workers, expand opportunities for high-speed rail, and ensure goods are moved safely and efficiently. Dina played an integral role in making the Brightline West High-Speed Rail Project possible. The train which will connect Southern California to Southern Nevada is anticipated to generate over $10 billion in economic activity and create more than 35,000 good-paying construction jobs. After helping the Las Vegas community recover from the deadliest shooting in modern American history, Dina has emerged as one of the leading voices in Congress for substantive action to reduce gun violence. She introduced legislation to ban bump stocks that convert rifles into machine guns. Dina supported capping the price of insulin at $35. She has fought every Republican effort to overturn the Affordable Care Act, which provides health insurance to tens of thousands of Nevadans. Dina is a strong advocate for the DREAM Act and comprehensive immigration reform that provides a legal pathway to citizenship. Dina has worked to preserve Nevada’s special environment through creation of two national monuments. She also has fought to protect Nevada’s environment and its people through her three-decades-long opposition to the storage of nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain. She is also a founding member of the Colorado River Caucus and a strong advocate for renewable energy. Dina understands the importance of education because she has been an educator herself. She taught American and Nevada political science classes at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas from 1979 until 2011. A noted non-fiction writer, she is internationally known for her expertise in the history and policies related to nuclear power, weaponry and waste. Dina is a proud Greek American and serves as Vice Chair of the Hellenic Caucus in Congress, representing her heritage and fostering cooperation between the United States and Greece. She has called for the reunification of Cyprus and protections for the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. Dina grew up in the small town of Tifton, Georgia, with her parents, Joe and Betty Titus, and her younger sister, Dr. Rho Hudson, who is a professor of special education and a founding faculty member of Nevada State College. Dina is a graduate of the College of William and Mary, holds a master's degree from the University of Georgia, and earned her doctorate at Florida State University. Dina has been married to Professor Thomas C. Wright for over 40 years. Tom, a Latin American historian, received the prestigious UNLV Distinguished Professor award in 2008 and is the author of a number of award-winning books, most notably on political exile and human rights. John Wright Hall on campus is named after his father, pioneer professor at UNLV. |
Serving the First Congressional District of Nevada for more than a decade, Rep. Dina Titus is the dean of Nevada’s delegation. Previously she served as State Senate Minority Leader from 1993 to 2009.Session 6: State of The Industry
Moderator: Kenneth G. Moen, A.A.E
Speakers
Phil Derner, National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA)
Niki Britton, Aircraft Owners and Pilot's Association (AOPA)
Jim Chrisley, Director Clark County Department of Aviation
James C. Chrisley was appointed Director of Aviation for Clark County, Nevada, in 2025, bringing more than three decades of leadership experience across commercial, general aviation, and military airport operations both nationally and internationally.
In his current role, Chrisley oversees one of the most dynamic aviation systems in the United States, managing five airports: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Henderson Executive Airport (HND), North Las Vegas Airport (VGT), Jean Sport Aviation Center and Overton-Perkins Field. Under his leadership, LAS continues to rank among the top 10 busiest airports in North America – serving more than 58.4 million passengers in 2024. While LAS is most widely known for being the gateway to the sports and entertainment capital of the world, it also generates an annual economic impact of $35 billion and supports more than 18,000 jobs.
Chrisley has been leading the long-term revitalization of the airport system, including the HND and VGT master plans, as well as the LAS modernization and maximization projects to meet future aviation demand. Additionally, he has played a key role in planning, coordinating and advancing the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport (SNSA) project, which once permitted and completed, will serve as the region’s second commercial airport.
With more than a decade of experience at the Clark County Department of Aviation (CCDOA) previously serving as the Senior Director of Aviation, Chrisley has played a pivotal role in the airport system’s support for high-profile regional events. He was a critical member of the Las Vegas Super Bowl LVIII Host Committee’s Transportation and Parking Committee, leading the coordination and execution of airport operations in support of the first-ever mega event. Under his direction, the CCDOA began preparations for both the Super Bowl and the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix races a year in advance to ensure efficient and seamless coordination. His leadership helped the airport system manage record-breaking volumes of commercial, general aviation, and cargo operations, as well as create a memorable guest experience for all passengers.
Prior to joining the CCDOA, Chrisley served more than 21 years in the U.S. Air Force as a Civil Engineering and Mission Support Officer. His oversight included executing security operations, airfield and facility maintenance, logistics, fire services, human resources and communications. He supported global military operations and held assignments at Creech and Nellis Air Force Bases in Southern Nevada.
Chrisley holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy, and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. He is also Certified Member (CM) of the American Association of Airport Executives.
He has been married to his wife Sunny for more than 27 years, raised three children and is the proud grandfather of two. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, camping, playing racquetball and cheering on his favorite sports teams – the Raiders and Vegas Golden Knights.
Juliet Jordan, National Air
Session 7: FAA and NDOT: State and Federal Regulator Update
Moderator: Kenneth G. Moen, A.A.E
Speakers:
Natasha Ashby, State Aviation Manager, NDOT
Kyler Erhard, FAA Airport District Office Manager
LaMonte Forgays, Vice President, Q&D Construction
LaMonte Forgays serves as Vice President of Aviation at Q&D Construction, bringing more than 18 years of experience leading complex airport development projects across the United States. Since joining Q&D in 2008 as a carpenter apprentice, LaMonte has advanced through every operational role, gaining a deep understanding of aviation construction and a reputation for collaboration, innovation, and reliable delivery.
Throughout his career, LaMonte has managed and directed a wide range of terminal projects. His recent work includes serving as Project Executive for the $27 million Rock Springs Airport Terminal Expansion, directing the near-complete $130 million Glacier Park International Airport Terminal Expansion and Modernization, and leading the $300 million next phase of the Spokane TREX program to construct the Central Hall. He is also overseeing the $275 million Reno-Tahoe International Airport Consolidated Rental Car Facility (ConRAC), one of the largest aviation projects in Nevada’s history. His portfolio further includes the Spokane International Airport TREX concourse C, Fresno Yosemite International Airport Terminal Expansion, the Sonoma County Airport Terminal Expansion, and the award-winning San Luis Obispo Regional Airport Terminal project.
Within Q&D, LaMonte focuses on refining preconstruction planning, advancing project delivery methods, and mentoring the next generation of aviation construction professionals. His leadership emphasizes communication, teamwork, and technical excellence, ensuring every project aligns with the goals of the client and the community it serves.
In 2024, LaMonte was recognized by Airport Business magazine as one of the Top 40 Under 40, honoring his achievements and leadership within the aviation construction industry. He remains an active member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and the Airport Consultants Council (ACC), where he contributes to professional development and industry advancement initiatives.
Outside of work, LaMonte enjoys hiking, off-roading, carpentry, and exploring the outdoors with his wife Kindal and their family. He credits his success to the mentors who believed in him early on and strives to do the same for the next generation of builders and leaders.Session 8: Unleaded Fuel Transition: Where are We Now?
Speakers:
Chris D’Acosta, Swift Fuels
Mr. D’Acosta has worked in leadership positions in the oil & gas industry his entire career. After college, he worked as a business consultant for 16 years in Houston, London, Mexico City and Buenos Aires serving major oil & gas clients including Diamond Shamrock, Shell UK, Shell Oil, BP/Amoco, Pemex, and YPF. In 1996, he joined Koch Industries in Wichita Kansas working in various leadership positions responsible for Operations Reengineering, Regulatory Compliance Auditing, and Mergers, Acquisitions & Divestitures. Following its acquisition from Dupont in 2004, he led the integration of the Global Logistics, Procurement & Supply Chain operation with INVISTA, Koch’s $4.2 billion wholly-owned international petrochemical business.
In 2012, D’Acosta was appointed CEO of Swift Fuels - a privately held R&D company located in West Lafayette, IN at the Purdue University Research Park. Under his leadership, Swift has become a global leader in the development of novel next-generation fuels and process technologies. The company has developed proprietary processes for producing premium gasoline, blendstocks and diesel fuels from light gases - without crude oil, refining or syngas processing. The company is also leading the development and commercialization of high- octane piston-engine aviation gasoline to eliminate toxic lead in 100LL avgas on a global scale. D’Acosta serves as an industry advisor for a chemicals research consortium called CISTAR, and he serves on the Industrial Advisory Board for the Purdue University Chemical Engineering Department. He is co-inventor on 12 US patents. He recently retired as chairman of global missions at his local church.
D’Acosta was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. He graduated with a BS Industrial Engineering from Texas Tech University in 1980. He is married to Elisa, and they have 2 sons who both graduated from Purdue University.
Todd Green, CDOT AeronauticsMike Fronapfel, Executive Director CEO Centennial Airport
Moderator
Fred Steinmann, PhD, University of Nevada, Reno, Center of Economic Development
Dr. Frederick Steinmann is currently the Director of the University Center for Economic Development (UCED), part of The College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno, and is the Principal Investigator for the Nevada Lithium Battery and Other EV Materials Loop Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (Nevada Tech Hub), designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration in October 2023. Frederick holds a Bachelor’s of Science and Masters of Science in Economics from the University of Nevada, Reno and a Doctorate of Policy, Planning, and Development from the University of Southern California.
Speakers
Nathan G. Strong, Strategic Planning & Economic Development Program Coordinator, University Center for Economic Development, University of Nevada, Reno
Nathan G. Strong is a Strategic Planning and Economic Development Program Coordinator at the University Center for Economic Development (UCED), part of the College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno. He collaborates with the Nevada Native Nations Center, an initiative of the Nevada Tech Hub, supporting Indigenous communities in organizational capacity building through assessment and planning. He provides similar assistance to other organizations, including the Nevada Air Service Development Commission, part of the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). Nathan holds a Bachelor of Arts in History with a Certificate in Computer Programming from Point Loma Nazarene University and is completing a Master of Arts in Anthropology at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Heather Wessling-Grosz, Vice President of Entrepreneurial Development, Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN)
Joseph Lema, Professor, Hospitality & Tourism Management, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Joseph Lema, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Harrah College of Hospitality at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). He served as a Fulbright Scholar to the Republic of Maldives, US-ASEAN Fulbright Specialist (Thailand and Indonesia) and Fulbright Specialist to Guyana, South America through The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State. Prof. Lema conducts research in the area of international hospitality and tourism services and is an appointed Global Labor Organization (GLO) Fellow in the area of workforce development.
Moderator: Ben Czyzewski, Managing Director, General Aviation Airports
Speakers:
Bruce Daugherty, Airport Manager, Henderson
Corey Jenkins, Airport Manager, Carson City Airport
Cris Jensen, Interim President/CEO RTAA
Jim Foster, Airport Manager Elko Regional Airport
Heather Wessling-Grosz
Heather Wessling-Grosz is proud of her 25-year career in economic development to date. Early in her career, Grosz completed a diplomatic assignment in Moscow, Russia for the American Embassy, serving the United States State Department. Much of her career involved improving or adding to the development of industrial, commercial and residential base of small cities and counties in the Midwest. Grosz served the Kenosha Area Business Alliance for just under 10 years, attracting and securing large projects from the Chicago-land area into Wisconsin. Grosz forged significant relationships with hundreds of companies such as Nexus Pharmaceuticals, Jockey International, Snap-on Tools, Ferriere di Stabio, and Rehrig Pacific during her tenure there. In her current role, Heather serves as the Senior Vice President for attraction and business development for the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN). Grosz led multiple data center projects, advanced manufacturing, as well as assisting in regional expansions. Grosz and her family moved to Reno to be closer to the world class amenities, such as Lake Tahoe, the Sierras, all of which Northern Nevada is so famous for. Grosz graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a bachelor’s in economics and a master’s in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She holds her certification in Economic Development (CEcD) since 2012.
Moderator: Kristsen Morris, PE, Ardurra
Speakers: Mark McClardy, McClardy Strategies, LeMonte Forgays, VP Aviation Division, Q&D Construction