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- 2025 Annual "Walter Burg" Fall Conference
- 2025 Annual "Walter Burg" Fall Conference Speakers
2025 Annual "Walter burg" Fall conference speakers and moderators
October 8-9, 2025
Conference Speakers |
Ryan Reeves
Mr. Reeves is the Airport Manager at Chandler Municipal Airport. His posting at Chandler comes after two-years as the Airport Coordinator of Buckeye Municipal Airport, which followed a 10-year tenure as General Manager of the Lux Air Jet Centers FBO at the Phoenix-Goodyear Airport. Born into a General Aviation family, he took his first ride at three and is an aircraft owner, following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps. He began managing aircraft and flight crew support services in 1995. Outside of aviation, Mr. Reeves has instructed at both the high school and university levels and served as an administrator for program and course development. Mr. Reeves is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University and holds a Masters Degree from the University of Illinois. Mr. Reeves is the current Vice-President of Research for the Arizona Aviation Historical Group, an organization focused on the celebration and preservation of our state’s aviation history. He has served as the President of the Arizona Airports Association and the Phoenix Wing of the American Aviation History Association. He is a member of the Eighth Air Force Next Generation Association, the Foundation of the U.S. Air Force Museum, the Arizona Aerospace Foundation, the Experimental Aircraft Association, The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and a former docent at the Pima Air & Space Museum, as well as a public lecturer on a variety of aviation historical subjects. He is currently conducting research for a text on the history of Naval Air Facility Litchfield Park and a book on the heritage of U.S. flight crews in WWII. Pete Townsend
Matthew Munden
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. Rob Grotefend
Ram Chirumamilla Ram Chirumamilla is a technology leader with nearly 20 years of IT experience — including 14 years with the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Aiport. A proud ASU graduate with degrees in Computer Science and Computer Systems Engineering, Ram is a certified memebr of the Amercian Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), Ram leads the teams responsible for Business Applications, GIS, Databases, and Business Intelligence at Sky Harbor. He’s one of the key drivers behind the airport’s digital transformation — helping implement its enterprise integration platform, data warehouse, and CRM system — and he’s part of the team that is working on Sky Harbor’s new AI-powered website concierge. Ram is passionate about how technological adavances in GIS, AI, and cybersecurity can come together to make airports smarter, safer, and more connected — not just at Sky Harbor, but across Arizona’s entire aviation network |
Juliet Jordan
In this role, Jordan monitors executive branch agency activities and serves as the team liaison to NATA’s Airport Business, Environment, and AAM Committees. She represents the association at industry and government meetings, hearings, and events, including the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Technical Committee on Airport Facilities and Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) initiative. She also oversees the activities, projects, and organization of all NATA Committees. Jordan’s industry exposure began as Safety Administrative Analyst for Moylan Safety Services, LLC, while still an active student. During her time with Moylan Safety Services, LLC, she was given the opportunity to play an instrumental role in developing NATA’s Sustainability Standard for Aviation Businesses and analyzing FBO safety processes and practices data. She further dedicated much of her coursework and academic writings to the study of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). In her past profession, Jordan advanced uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) deployment for Fortune 500 companies, configuring and writing groundbreaking regulatory waivers and technical documents for the industry and coordinating commercial solutions in accordance with federal and state regulations as the Policy and Government Affairs Officer of Percepto Autonomous Solutions. Jordan received a Master of Public Administration in science, technology, and infrastructure policy from Cornell University. She has two related certificates from Cornell in Infrastructure Policy Management and Finance and Systems Thinking Modeling and Leadership. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Binghamton University, and an Associate of Applied Science in sustainable farming and food systems from Tompkins Cortland Community College. LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julietrjordan/
Kyler Erhard
Kyler Erhard has over 15 years of aviation experience. Kyler joined the FAA in 2012 as a community planner in the Phoenix ADO and had been in the role of Lead Program Manager from 2017-2023. In June 2023 Kyler moved into the role of assistant manager in the ADO. Over the course of his career with the FAA, Kyler has participated in multiple Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) projects, graduated from the Federal Executive Board Leadership Program and has worked with sponsors to complete planning studies at a variety of airports. Kyler also currently teaches Airport Planning and Design courses at Arizona State University Kyler holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Airport Management from the University of North Dakota and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Phil Derner joined NBAA (Western Regional Director) in 2018 after 13 years working as a Loadmaster, Dispatcher, and in operations management of Part 121, Part 121 Supplemental, Part 135, and Part 91 operations. He also owned and operated a New York City-based aviation news and consulting business for 14 years before moving to Southern California. He now serves as NBAA's Western Regional Representative, working hands-on with legislative efforts, industry advocacy, and workforce development initiatives in 7 western states." Niki Britton
Mr. Ritchie serves as the Interim Assistant Chief Information Officer for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, where he leads IT strategy, innovation, and operational management for Sky Harbor, as well as the city’s two general aviation airports—Deer Valley and Goodyear. With over 24 years of public sector technology experience, including nearly two decades dedicated to airport IT. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Geographic Information Systems from Arizona State University |
Pete was born and raised in Colorado, where he enlisted in the Navy in 1983. After initial training as a Gunner's Mate, he was assigned shipboard duty in San Diego, CA. After leaving active duty, Pete joined the US Navy Reserves as a Diver. In 1988 Pete was hired by the San Diego Police Department in 1988 where he worked a 28- year career in various assignments in Patrol, SWAT, Field Training Officer, Training Division, Supervision, Investigations and Traffic Division. He remained in the Navy reserves until 2008, where he retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 Ordnance/Diving Officer. Pete retired from the San Diego Police Department in 2015, living at the Colorado River as part owner of the 19th Hole Bar and Grill in Needles, CA. Pete and his wife moved to their ranch in Prescott Arizona in 2016. After failing miserably in retirement, Pete again went back into the workforce in 2018 at the Legend Aviation as a Line Service Technician. This position led him to being hired at the Prescott Regional Airport Operations Department as an Airfield Operations Technician. He then moved to the airport maintenance department handling airfield lighting and other maintenance duties on the airfield. He promoted to Airport Superintendent where he currently works today. Pete holds Airport Certifications as an AAAE Certified Member, AAAE Airport Certified Employee (Airfield Lighting and Maintenance), Airport Security Coordinator, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management. 
Rob serves as the National Geospatial Discipline Leader at RS&H, where he leads a team that develops innovative GIS solutions for airport clients utilizing the latest geospatial technologies. His extensive industry knowledge and experience enables him and his team to comprehend clients' needs and create innovative solutions that address their specific challenges.
Juliet Jordan holds the position of Managing Director of Industry Affairs and Innovation for the NATA (National Air Transportation Association), where she actively works with members to evolve the aviation infrastructure landscape, aiport and FBO relationships, Advanced Air Mobility arena, and sustainaiblity initiatives and programs.
Phil Derner
Niki Britton serves as the Western-Pacific Regional Manager for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), advocating for airports, pilots, and aviation communities across California, Nevada, Hawaii, and Arizona. She is also a professor in the Aviation and Technology Department at San José State University. A third-generation pilot, Niki brings professional experience in advocacy and aviation storytelling to her work. She also manages her local airport’s annual fly-in and community open house and runs an aviation scholarship program that has awarded more than $80,000 to students pursuing careers in aviation.
Jamie RitchieConference Moderators
Cameron Atkins
Cameron is currently the Airport Manager for Safford Regional Airport. In his current role, Cameron has been responsible for creating new value for the community through the untapped value of the airport, driving a rapid period of growth. Prior to taking his current role, Cameron worked for Williston Basin International Airport in North Dakota. Cameron is also a member of the Army Reserves and currently serves as an intelligence officer. Cameron holds a bachelor’s degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ in Aeronautics.
Kimberly L. Brown, C.M. Kim brings over 28 years of aviation experience and currently serves as a Facilities & Services Superintendent at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. In this role, she oversees key operational areas including Fleet Maintenance, Landside Maintenance, Landscape Maintenance, and the Airport Sign Program. Kim has been with Sky Harbor’s Aviation Department for over 17 years, holding leadership positions in both Airport Operations and Facilities Maintenance. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics with a minor in Aviation Safety from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. In addition to her academic achievements, Kim is a certified flight instructor and holds multiple pilot ratings. She is currently a Certified Member (C.M.) of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).
Linda Duarte has dedicated nineteen years to public service with the City of Phoenix. The majority of her career has been in procurement, where she developed deep expertise in public sector purchasing and contract management. For the past two and a half years, she has served as an Administrator with the Facilities Management team in the Aviation Department, supporting operations that ensure the functionality and efficiency of airport infrastructure. Linda holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her children, family, and friends. | Dave Reffner
David Reffner has been the Airport Manager at the KCGZ – Casa Grande Municipal since June 2018. His primary duties include planning and directing the daily operations of a busy general aviation airport; developing short and long term planning and goals for the Airport; promoting airport development through marketing and development of airport policies and procedures. He also works on ACIP preparation and presentation and grant/project management. He coordinates with FAA, ADOT and other agencies on Airport and Air Transportation matters and has been affiliated with AzAA since 2015. 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. Edward 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. |
Linda Duarte
