2025 Airport Business Top 40 Under 40
The Airport Business Top 40 Under 40 program is one of the industry’s most respected recognitions, designed to spotlight the professionals who are shaping aviation’s present while building its future. Each year, the program highlights 40 individuals under the age of 40 whose work is already influencing how airports, airlines, consultants, and partners operate, innovate, and serve their communities.
What sets the program apart is the depth and competitiveness of the nomination process. Airport Business receives hundreds of nominations annually from across North America, submitted by airport executives, industry peers, colleagues, mentors, and organizational leaders. These nominations represent a broad cross-section of the aviation ecosystem, including airport operations, planning and development, engineering, sustainability, finance, technology, communications, and emerging areas of innovation.
Every nomination is reviewed and vetted by the Airport Business editorial team, using a consistent set of criteria focused on both current impact and long-term influence. Candidates are evaluated on:
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Innovation and leadership – how they are introducing new ideas, approaches, or solutions within their role or organization
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Outstanding professional attributes – including responsibility level, career progression, and the ability to influence outcomes beyond their job title
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Commitment to the aviation industry – demonstrated through industry involvement, mentorship, professional organizations, community engagement, and thought leadership
The selection process is intentionally rigorous. Recognition is not based on popularity, company size, or sponsorship, but on the measurable contributions nominees are making to the industry today and their potential to shape aviation in the years ahead.
Being named a Top 40 Under 40 reflects more than individual achievement—it signals peer recognition, industry trust, and leadership potential. Collectively, each class represents the next generation of decision-makers, innovators, and advocates who will guide airports and aviation organizations through an era of rapid change, investment, and opportunity.
Check out the past year's winners here.
Muhammad Usman Akram, LEED GA, PE(Pak)
Director Field Services
CONNICO
Luke Anderson
Fleet Planning Analyst
American Airlines
Timothy A. Bannon, A.A.E.
Executive Director
University of Illinois – Willard Airport
Paul B. Bobson
Vice President - Airline Business Development
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
Brady C. Brewster
National Aviation Planning Lead
McFarland Johnson
Lindsey Brithinee, C.M.
Airport Security Manager
Louisville Regional Airport Authority
Michon L. Mulder Budziszewski
Manager, Environmental Services
Allegheny County Airport Authority
Stephanie A. Burke, PMP
Director, Center of Equity & Excellence in Aviation
Denver International Airport
Chelsie Bush, AIA, NCARB, DBIA
Associate Studio Leader, Aviation Architect
RS&H
Ian Carter
Vice President – JFK
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield Airports
Jennifer M. Cochran
Coordinator, Maintenance
Lee County Port Authority at the Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
Caleb R. Coltrane, PE
Kansas Aviation Leader
Garver
Teresa (Tess) Cook CM
Airport Manager for APV, DAG, EED, TNP, 0O2
San Bernardino County Department of Airports
Masha Drozdov, AIA, NCARB
Director of Design, Major Programs
Arora Engineers
Andrew Edgar
Lead Airport Certification Safety Inspector
Federal Aviation Administration - Central Region
Hollie M. Foley
Marketing and Brand Manager
Appleton International Airport
Zach Frese, C.M., ACE, ENV SP
Senior Airport Planner
Sacramento County Department of Airports
Shannon Gunn, PE, ENV SP
Aviation Project Manager
Kimley-Horn
Emily G. Hackler
Airport Manager
Jasper County Airport Authority
Seth Hatchell, MBA
Executive Director
Laurinburg-Maxton Airport
Corey Johnson
Director, Aviation Sustainability
C&S Companies
Jacob Johnson, C.M.
Airport Manager
Knox County Regional Airport
Lance Lamkin, A.A.E.
Airport Director
University of Oklahoma: Max Westheimer Airport
Stephanie Lane
Senior Project Manager, Enterprise Resilience
Mead & Hunt
Tarryn Little, PE
Associate Vice President
RS&H
Tiara Lupanko
Manager, Human Resources and Corporate Services
Regina Airport Authority
Patrick Mac Carthaigh, A.A.E., ACE
Vice President of Operations
South Bend International Airport for the St. Joseph Co. Airport Authority
J. Emmanuel Maldonado, MBA, CM.
Project Manager II
Indianapolis Airport Authority
Dawn Mineker, PE
Senior Vice President of Infrastructure
Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC)
Sarah Moratto
Small Business Engagement Manager
City of Phoenix Aviation Department
Svet Neov, PE CCM
Director of Project Management
AERO BridgeWorks
Jocelin Padilla
Access Control Specialist
Santa Fe Regional Airport
Matt Rodriguez A.A.E., GSP, ASHM
Director of Aviation
Bellingham International Airport, Port of Bellingham
Ray Ryan, PE, ENV SP
Sr. Business Development Manager
Burns & McDonnell
Alex Smith, A.A.E., C.A.E.
Economic Development & Real Estate Project Manager
Mesa Gateway Airport Authority
Sam Sprague, AICP
Senior Managing Consultant
Landrum & Brown
Molly Statler
Director of Business Development, Senior Associate
PGAL, Inc.
Jordan H. Tatton A.A.E., MBA, ACE
Airport Operations Manager—Terminal/Landside
Salt Lake City International Airport
Ryan Tenny, C.M.
Senior Manager of Customer Experience & Terminal Services
Connecticut Airport Authority
Bradley International Airport
Phillip R. Wellington
Senior Project Manager
Daifuku Airport America Corporation