Aviation Pros to Know July 2025

John Mafera has been promoted to Vice President and Director of Aviation at McFarland Johnson (MJ).

In his new role, Mafera will lead MJ’s national aviation practice, overseeing a wide range of airport planning, design, and development projects. He will be responsible for guiding the firm’s strategic direction within the aviation sector and supporting client service across its portfolio.

Mafera has nearly 30 years of experience in the airport industry. He joined McFarland Johnson in 2014 and has held leadership roles within its aviation group. He is a licensed Professional Engineer and holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Clarkson University.

Bill LaManque has been appointed as Director of Airports for Kern County, California.

In this role, LaManque will oversee the Kern County Airports System, managing daily operations, maintenance, construction, fiscal activities, and personnel. He will also be responsible for developing airport policies and procedures, directing passenger air service development at Meadows Field Airport, administering contractual agreements, and handling environmental, grant, and safety compliance efforts.

Prior to this appointment, LaManque served as a senior planner with the Virginia Department of Aviation and as business development director at Newport News/Williamsburg Airport (PHF). He holds relevant qualifications consistent with the requirements for the Director position, including a bachelor’s degree in a related field and extensive experience in airport operations and management

Max Kiesling has joined RS&H as Vice President and National Discipline Leader for Aviation Consulting Services.

In this role, Kiesling will oversee RS&H’s aviation consulting practice nationwide. His responsibilities include leading aviation planning contracts, business development initiatives, and supporting airport master planning and development programs across domestic and international markets.

Kiesling has more than 30 years of experience in airport planning and development. Prior to joining RS&H, he held leadership roles at Ricondo & Associates, where he managed large-scale planning contracts and capital programs. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and degrees in civil engineering and architecture from Texas Tech University and the University of Texas at Austin.

Joshua Blum has been named Chief Executive Officer of Conrac Solutions. The announcement was made by Conrac Solutions, a Meridiam-owned firm specializing in the development, financing, and operation of consolidated rent-a-car facilities (ConRACs).

In his role as CEO, Blum will oversee the company’s strategy and operations across its national portfolio of ConRAC projects and broader airport mobility initiatives. He will lead project delivery and foster partnerships with rental car companies and airport authorities.

Blum brings over 20 years of experience in public-private partnerships and airport infrastructure development. He most recently served as Vice President of Real Estate & Concessions at The Hertz Corporation, where he managed Hertz’s airport and off-airport real estate portfolio and led major development efforts including ConRAC projects and electric vehicle infrastructure at airports such as ORD, CVG, LAX, and EWR. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Illinois and a Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law

Two new hires have joined Appleton International Airport.

In his role as Air Service and Business Development Manager, Jesse Funk will focus on expanding the airport’s revenue sources and strengthening community relations. He will oversee the development of new air service destinations, airport development initiatives, and marketing activities.

Cody Gustafson has been hired as General Manager of the Appleton Flight Center. He will manage general aviation and fueling operations, as well as coordinate ground-handling services for Allegiant Air.

Funk brings more than 20 years of experience in the travel industry, including roles as Regional Travel Manager for the University of Wisconsin System, and work with a regional travel agency, Wisconsin hotels, and a chauffeured black-car service. Gustavson has 17 years of experience in transportation, holding positions at private flight services and commercial airlines, and played a key role in establishing Allegiant’s aircraft and crew base at the airport.

Michael Nelson has been appointed as Airport Manager for Cape Cod Gateway Airport, the Cape Cod Gateway Airport Commission announced on July 10, 2025.

In his new role, Nelson will oversee daily airport operations at Cape Cod Gateway Airport (HYA), including regulatory compliance, community relations, and overall administrative

functions. He will be responsible for ensuring effective management of airport systems and interfacing with stakeholders across the region

Nelson brings over 30 years of aviation experience to the position. He has served as interim airport manager since April and previously held roles in air traffic control and operations at Logan International Airport and Otis Air National Guard Base. He also worked in leadership positions with Midwest Air Traffic Control Service, Inc., and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Three leaders have been added to the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority’s executive team. The appointments include Chris Davidson as Assistant Vice President of John C. Tune Airport, Randy Dorsten as Assistant Vice President of Human Resources, and Jeffrey Wooden as Director of Emergency Management.

In their new positions, Davidson will manage operations at John C. Tune Airport, Dorsten will oversee HR strategy and programs for both Nashville International Airport (BNA) and John C. Tune, and Wooden will lead emergency management planning and response for the authority.

Davidson previously served as Deputy Director at Salisbury Regional Airport and Airport Manager at Music City Executive Airport and holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University. Dorsten comes from OneGI, where he was Chief Human Resources Officer, and earlier roles at HCA; he earned degrees from the University of Dayton and the University of Kansas. Wooden has held leadership roles in aviation security and crisis management with Amazon, the U.S. Department of Defense, DHS, and the CIA. He holds a BBA from Illinois Institute of Technology, a master's in international affairs from Catholic University of America, an additional master's from the U.S. Air War College, and a doctorate in public policy and administration