Director of Marketing & Air Service | Aviation Trailblazer | Cornhusker at Heart

Rachel Barth grew up in the small town of Bennet, Nebraska, where her big dreams took off faster than a jet on a clear runway. She pursued higher education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, earning a bachelor’s degree in advertising and a master’s degree in marketing and communications. While her career has soared through various industries, it’s in aviation where Rachel found her ultimate passion—and plenty of turbulence to conquer.

Since joining the Lincoln Airport Authority in 2020, Rachel has made her mark in ways that have truly elevated the LNK experience. She earned her Certified Member Designation from AAAE, launched the wildly popular LNK Drive-In Movie Program, and helped land LNK as the official airport of the Nebraska Huskers. Her innovation and leadership haven’t gone unnoticed—she was named one of Airport Business’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2023.

Rachel is also a proud member of Women in Aviation’s Cornhusker Chapter, where she works to inspire and empower women navigating a male-dominated field. She sits on several industry boards, loves volunteering in her community and of course enjoying life on her family acreage raising her two boys. Her mantra? Challenges are just opportunities in disguise. She believes in standing up for yourself, lifting others along the way, and building a community that helps everyone soar.

Thanks to Rachel’s creativity, dedication, and flair for connecting with people, the Lincoln Airport isn’t just a stop on the map—it’s a thriving hub for the community and a testament to how high ambition can take you.

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Ryan M. Bauer, C.M., ACE

Airport Development Manager | Fort Wayne--Allen County Airport Authority 

Ryan Bauer was born and raised in Portland, Michigan. He graduated from Michigan State University with a BS in Psychology. Ryan then had the opportunity to explore his interest in aviation graduating from Western Michigan University with a BS in Aviation Science and Administration. While at WMU, Ryan earned his Private Pilot certificate and Instrument Rating. Since 2011, he has held various airport management positions at the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Airport, Battle Creek Executive Airport, Midland International Airport, and Fort Wayne International Airport.

Ryan is currently the Airport Development Manager with the Fort Wayne Allen County Airport Authority, serving both Fort Wayne International Airport and Smith Field Airport. His responsibilities include overseeing land development, market research, business attraction, leasing of airport facilities, and promotion of the airport. Previously, Ryan served as the Airport Operations Supervisor where he led airport staff towards earning "zero discrepancies" findings from the FAA nine years consecutively.      

When Ryan isn't working, he enjoys spending time with his wife Alicia, taking his dog Luna on walks, as an active pilot and Board Member in the Back Forty Flying Club, as an avid Detroit Red Wings fan, and eating pizza whenever possible.

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Burdette (Pete) Fullerton, PhD, CEcD

Deputy Director - Kansas City Aviation Department 

Burdette (Pete) Fullerton is the Deputy Director for Commercial Properties & Development with the Kansas City Aviation Department, a position he has served over the last year. He has been with the Aviation Department since 2015. The Commercial Properties & Development Department within the Kansas City Aviation Department works to increase revenues for the department through existing building/terminal leases and real estate development. Pete has been a Community Economic Development professional in Kansas City for over 35 years. Before coming to the Aviation Department, Pete served as President/CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City and Executive Director of the Platte County Economic Development Council in Kansas City, Missouri. In his career, Pete has participated in the completion of projects that have directly invested over $5 billion, which currently employ over 10,000 in Kansas City. 

Pete, in 2017, earned his Doctorate at the University of Southern Mississippi in Human Capital Development with the publication of his dissertation, The Effects of Tax Increment Financing on Assessed Land Values. Pete attended Texas A&M University and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Missouri.  Pete has earned certifications as an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP), Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), Professional Community Economic Developer (PCED), Certified Return on Investment Professional (CRP), Certified Professional Coach (CPC), and Certified Executive Coach (CEC).

Additionally, Pete is Past Chairman with the economic development industry associations, the Southern Economic Development Council and the Missouri Economic Development Council.

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As the Director of Business Development for Paradies Lagardere, Mark is responsible for working with our airport partners and operations teams to develop/implement growth strategy in key markets.  He has held a number of company leadership roles over the past 10+ years in both the support center and field.  Some of his experience includes overseeing airport operations in ATL & JFK, company operations support, and directing business transformation/systems initiatives.  Mark is committed to delivering exceptional dining and retail experiences that will drive revenue growth in his markets.

Doug Faour is an experienced aviation professional with nearly 30 years in the aeronautical industry. His passion for flying began at an early age, and it has fueled his ongoing commitment to improving and developing his community's airports.

Doug joined TBI Airport Management in 2012, where he initially served as the Aviation Director overseeing both Middle Georgia Regional Airport and Macon Downtown Airport. He held this position until 2016 before moving on to serve as General Manager of Atlantic City International Airport and later as Deputy General Manager of TBI Operations at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. In 2021, Doug returned to Macon as the Interim Airport Manager for both of Macon's airports once again and in 2022, he became a direct employee of Macon-Bibb County and has served as the Director of Aviation for the past three years.

Before his work with TBI, Doug spent six years managing Herlong Recreational Airport with the Jacksonville Aviation Authority in Jacksonville, FL. There, he was responsible for day-to- day operations and FBO management. In his first three years at Herlong, Doug significantly increased the airport’s net revenues and operating margins. He also played a key role in modernizing airport security, resolving safety concerns, and providing exceptional customer service to the general aviation community in Northeast Florida.

Even though Doug has faithfully served in the aviation industry for many years, perhaps his proudest achievements was his service in the United States Marine Corps. After graduating high school in 1989, he enlisted and worked in the intelligence community until 1993.

Doug was stationed in Rota, Spain, for three years, which he describes as a highlight of his

career and life.

Doug holds a Bachelor's Degree in Professional Aeronautics with a Minor in Safety from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is a certified pilot with instrument and multi- engine ratings and is a Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives.

Doug is happily married to Elizabeth and is the proud father of three children: Mac, Sophie, and Abbie. While he still enjoys flying, his greatest passion is spending quality time with his family. A dedicated UGA fan, Doug endured nearly eighteen years of living in hostile territory among Florida Gator diehards while residing in Jacksonville. He has been back in a Dawg-friendly community for 13 years and enjoys the football rivalry from a much more favorable perspective.

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                      Danny Adams

Airport Director, St. Louis Regional Airport

Danny Adams is the Airport Director at St. Louis Regional Airport, a position he has held since 2022. With previous experience in airport operations, Danny has developed a strong foundation in managing and optimizing airport functions. His career includes roles at several other airports, where he focused primarily on operational efficiency, compliance, and safety.

Danny graduated from Saint Louis University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Flight Science and Aviation Management, and he holds a Commercial Pilot Certificate. Additionally, he is a proud Accredited Airport Executive through the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).

Beyond his role at St. Louis Regional Airport, Danny is passionate about sharing his aviation knowledge and experiences. He teaches an Airport Management and Planning course at Southwestern Illinois College, where he mentors aspiring airport professionals and provides valuable insights into the complexities of airport operations and management.

In his current role, Danny is committed to strengthening the operation of St. Louis Regional Airport by leading strategic initiatives to ensure the current and future growth of the Airport.

In his free time, Danny enjoys traveling to National Parks with his wife and is a dedicated fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, often spending time at Busch Stadium to catch a game.

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               Marc Miller

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               Kevin Walsh

Kevin Walsh has been producing and consulting on high quality, profitable aviation events across North America for more than 30 years.

Kevin is the Michigan Flight Museum's THUNDER OVER MICHIGAN Air Show Co-Founder and Event Director. Additionally, he has held positions with the Michigan Flight Museum’s Board of Directors as the Governance/Nominating Committee Chairman, Long Range Planning Committee Chairman and is the Michigan Flight Museum’s current President and CEO.

Kevin’s belief to give back lead him to serve as both Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Board of Directors and as a former ICAS Regional Representative for the Northeast Council of Air Shows. Kevin currently holds the position as Chairman of the ICAS Foundation, the philanthropic arm of ICAS.

Outside of the aviation world, Kevin is a Level 2 USA Hockey Coach is part of the coaching staff with the HoneyBaked AA Hockey Program in Farmington Hills, Michigan. 

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              Herb Gillen

Herb Gillen is president of Herb Gillen Airshows, a company specializing in full air show production, premium seating, and marketing for air shows and aviation-related clients.  Herb has written articles and presents regularly about air shows, marketing, social media, e-marketing, public relations, crisis communications, premium seating sales and other marketing topics.  He is recognized nationally as one of the foremost authorities on air show and aviation marketing.  His agency has been recognized with awards more than 45 times by the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) during their 20 years working in air shows.   Herb has more than 30 years of experience working primarily in advertising agencies, but also in non-profit and client-side positions.  Herb served for nine years on the Board of Directors for the International Council of Air Show Foundation.

 

 

 

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      Robert Emmet

Robert Emmett leads the G100UL avgas project for Vitol Aviation. Mr. Emmett has over a decade of experience in energy commodities experience and regulatory compliance. He is also an instrumented-rated private pilot who owns and operates a Bellanca Super Viking.

 

 

 

 

 

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              Matt Heil

Matthew currently serves as a Deputy Aviation Director for the City of Phoenix, focused on strategy, policy, and administration. In his role, Matt supports the Aviation Department’s work with elected officials and the city’s Office of Government Relations, as well as work with the Phoenix Aviation Advisory Board, among other duties. Over his 18+ year city career, Matthew has served in a variety of administrative and public information roles, including Deputy Communications Director and interim City Council Chief of Staff.

Matt holds two master’s degrees, one in public administration and one in creative writing, and a bachelor’s degree in English, all from Arizona State University.  He is also a Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives.

 

 

   

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     Andrew Holesko, CM

CEO / Sr. Planner / National Director of Aviation Services

(Over 37 years of experience)

Andrew Holesko is the Chief Executive Officer and National Director of Aviation Services for Passero Associates. Andrew continues to lead projects as a Senior Aviation Planner, serving airports throughout the Midwest, Southeast and Northeast US, as far south as the Caribbean Islands.

During his tenure of more than 37 years as an airport consultant, Andrew has completed over 150 airport planning, design, and construction projects at more than 60 general aviation, regional, and international airports in eleven states. He is active in the areas of airport finance, economic development, strategic planning and (S-W-O-T) analysis.

Andrew is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he has been teaching as an adjunct professor for more than 20 years. He received his MBA in Transportation and Distribution Management from Syracuse University.

He proudly started his career in aviation as a flight crew chief in the U.S. Army at the age of 18 and currently lives with his wife of 40 years in St. Augustine, FL. .

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Barbie Schalmo, AICP

Barbie Schalmo is a certified planner, shareholder and associate director at C&S Companies. She leads the C&S Land Use + Economics practice and is a trusted project manager in aviation planning. Barbie has been providing planning, land use, real estate and economic development expertise to public and private entities for the better part of two decades. She has extensive experience working with airports from GA to large hub to identify and implement land use and revenue opportunities that are aligned with economic development and market support, responsive to economic context and community interests, and compatible with the airport area, local controls and federal regulations. She also helps airports and local officials understand and follow FAA requirements, including the processes set forth in new land use policy, Section 743, and formerly Section 163.

She also co-authored a comprehensive guide on Section 163 and non-aeronautical development with legal experts, Kaplan Kirsch, and is working with them to update it for the newest changes. Barbie is a sought-after speaker on issues of airport real estate, land use, economic development and a practical take on changing FAA rules and regulations affecting airport land. She is involved in various aviation organizations and chairs the corporate audit committee at C&S.