The Schedule

Check in for Golf Tournament (Contraband Golf Course)

Boxed Lunch served with tee-off at 12:00 p.m.  Expected end time is 4:00 p.m.

Registration / Check-in Open

Exhibitor Setup

Welcome Reception with Exhibitors

Opening Party

Entertainment provided by local musician, Rusty James.

SHUCKS! Seafood Restaurant.

Transportation provided.

Hospitality Suite (Speakeasy Room)

Registration / Check-in Opens

Exhibit Hall Open

Breakfast with Exhibitors

Welcome

Opening Keynote: State of the Industry

Kevin Dolliole, Chair, Airports Council International / Director of Aviation, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

Kevin Dolliole began his aviation career at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport before going on to lead and transform the San Antonio and St. Louis Airports. Now with over 40 years of experience in various facets of the aviation industry, he is once again back at the helm of Armstrong International where he continues effectively managing operational, organizational, and development initiatives like the new $1 billion airport terminal that opened in fall 2019. Under his leadership, MSY was ranked as the number one large airport in North America for customer satisfaction based on J.D. Power’s 2021 North America Airport Satisfaction Study. Dolliole was also selected as Airport Experience News’ 2020 Director of the Year in the Medium Airports Category as well as Biz New Orleans Magazine’s 2019 CEO of the Year. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) and American Association of Airport Executives’ (AAAE) Policy Review Committee, and previously served on the Board of Directors for Airports Consultants Council. 

Risk Management - Mass Casualty Events

Mark Malcolm, Chief Executive Officer, DMI Global Risk Solutions

Mark Malcolm has served as the CEO for DMI Global Risk Solutions for 18 years, leading the company as a global provider of security solutions, risk and threat assessments, and integrated security technologies.

Luncheon Session: Airports as Engines - Elevating Louisiana’s Economy through Aviation and Infrastructure

Louisiana’s airports are not just transportation hubs. They are economic engines, supporting business attraction, freight logistics, workforce mobility, disaster response, and tourism. This session explores the strategic value airports contribute to Louisiana’s economic landscape, and how LAMA can help shape state strategy around the aviation industry’s growth and development. 

Rachel Shields, Chief Engagement Officer, Louisiana Economic Development Updates

Rachel Shields is responsible for leveraging and enhancing LED’s relationships with the corporate and private sector to ensure Louisiana businesses are better served by the state. She is a member of the senior staff team with a significant role in the department’s overall business modeling and strategy development. Prior to her role at LED, she served Chief of Staff at Greater New Orleans, Inc., southeast Louisiana’s regional economic development agency. At GNO, Inc., Shields was a member of the executive strategy team; coordinated the organization’s special events including international business summits, and business conferences; and managed the activities of the organization’s Boards and Committees including the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, NextGen Council, and the SoLA Super Region Committee. Shields holds multiple program certificates from a number of institutions including the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business. She is a graduate of The New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute (NORLI) and Jefferson Leadership, and a Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy Fellow.

Aviation Storm Warnings: Building Resilient Airport Partnerships and Preparation

This session explores how airports can minimize disruption and accelerate recovery by building partnerships and securing pre-event contracts before disasters strike. Drawing on lessons from Louisiana’s recent federally declared disasters, the presenter will share best practices for preparedness, coordination, and an update on the evolving federal disaster funding landscape.

Allison Davis Atkinson, Disaster Recovery Program Delivery Director, CSRS

At CSRS Allison Davis Atkinson has helped increase funding and manage over $5 billion in recovery funds. Mrs. Davis oversaw operations for the company’s disaster recovery programs for the City of New Orleans, Recovery School District, Orleans Parish School Board, the Regional Transit Authority, St. Bernard Parish, and others. Now a Practice Lead for FEMA Programs, she has led CSRS’ efforts to help five clients establish their recovery programs in response to the August 2016 Baton Rouge area flooding. As CSRS’ resident expert in FEMA Public Assistance Program and Grants Management, and an advocate for local and state entities, she helps public entities bringing disrupted infrastructure services back on line to harness available federal funding quickly. 

The AI Runway: Preparing Airports for the Next Era of Growth

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how organizations think, work, and grow. This session will break down what AI really means for business leaders, with practical examples across industries. We’ll also highlight specific ways airports and aviation professionals can use AI to forecast demand, improve marketing, and enhance the passenger journey.

Alexander Romei, Regional Director, LocaliQ | USA Today Network

Alexander Romei has extensive experience in marketing, strategic growth and development and navigating the growing digital world. He is an AI Specialist and uses this unique skill and credential to consult among mutiple industries, including aviation.  He holds a Bachelor of Engineering from LSU and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alabama.

Networking Break

Aviation History and Aviation Hall of Fame

Hollie Boudreaux, Executive Director, Chennault Aviation and Military Museum

Hollie Boudreaux serves as the Director of the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Monroe, Louisiana, where she leads with passion and purpose, inspired by her deep family military roots as the daughter and granddaughter of U.S. service members and the wife of a disabled veteran.  Coming from a long line of patriotic military families, Hollie is driven by a profound desire to ensure the service and sacrifice of our nation's heroes are never forgotten - and to pass that sense of honor and gratitude on to others.  Under her leadership, the museum has expanded its mission through impactful programs like Warrior Wellness and the Veterans Closet, as well as major events such as Chennault Fest and the Red, White, and Blue Airshow.  Her work blends advocacy, education, and community engagement to support veterans and instill patriotism in future generations.

LADOTD Leadership Update

Join this session for an update on organizational changes for DOTD, the aviation system in Louisiana, and the airport construction and development program.

Secretary Glenn Ledet, Jr., Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
Julia Fisher-Cormier, Deputy Secretary, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
Bradley Brandt, Interim Deputy Commissioner / Aviation Director, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development

An accomplished leader with 20 years of expertise, Secretary Glenn Ledet, Jr. has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors building public infrastructure across the Gulf Coast. Most recently, Mr. Ledet spent the last 1.5 years serving as the Executive Director of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, leading the agency’s implementation of the state’s $50 billion Coastal Master Plan.

No stranger to public service, Mr. Ledet also spent additional time at CPRA as the Assistant Administrator of the Operations Division, managing the implementation of large-scale flood protection infrastructure projects. 

Mr. Ledet also has an extensive engineering and business background serving for over 13 years in the engineering industry, including multiple years in management positions with nationally renowned engineering, planning, and construction management firms, where he led strategic growth, business development, and operations efforts. In those capacities Mr. Ledet had the opportunity to work for various Departments of Transportation across the Southeast U.S. including DOTD.  

Mr. Ledet has a bachelor’s of science degree in environmental engineering from Louisiana State University, and is a licensed civil engineer in multiple states in the gulf coast.

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Julia Fisher-Cormier recently appointed as Deputy Secretary of LADOTD where she will also lead the newly created office of transformation. Prior to her current role was appointed to Commissioner of Multimodal Commerce at DOTD by Governor Jeff Landry in 2024.

Before her time at DOTD She served as chief commercial officer for the Port of South Louisiana where she led historic growth and revenue generation. She also spent 12 years as a commercial property and casualty insurance agent in the New Orleans region.

In addition to her time in ports, she was elected as the District 7 councilwoman for the St. Charles Parish Council from 2012-2024. She has served twice as the council’s chair and vice chair and has also chaired the Hurricane Protection Projects Commission.

As a 3rd generation native of St. Charles Parish and a resident of Luling, La for more than 40 years Julia has served her community in many ways. Her public service includes 8 years as an executive board member of United Way of St. Charles, where she served two years as president. She has also served as a member of the River Region Chamber of Commerce; Ducks Unlimited, St. Charles Chapter; Coastal Conservation Association; police jury association executive board member for 8 years and National Association of County Officials (NACo) sub committee chair of public safety and justice member.

She is a graduate of Hahnville High School in Boutte and furthered her education as a political science major at the University of New Orleans and in 2021 completed the Louisiana Economic Developer Curriculum by the Louisiana Industrial Development economic association. 

Julia’s diverse background has prepared her for the important work ahead for the state of Louisiana. 

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Bradley Brandt is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management and a master’s degree in Aeronautics. Additionally, he has earned an Aviation Law Diploma from the International Air Transport Association.

Brad began his aviation career in 1998 in Airport Operations at the Denver International Airport. He then relocated to Louisiana with the W.D. Schock Company where he managed the Noise Mitigation Program for the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport. He joined the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s Aviation Division in 2001.

He currently serves as the Interim Deputy Commissioner and Aviation Director for DOTD where he serves with a staff of 11 administering a $1.3 million Operations Budget and a $28.5 million capital outlay construction budget.

Brad served as a member of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), where he held numerous positions with the organization as a Regional Director for the Southwest Region, Chairman of the Finance Committee, and Chairman of the NASAO Center for Aviation Research and Education. He also served as Chairman of the NASAO Board of Directors in 2017. He also serves as chairman of the Louisiana Drone Advisory Committee.

Hospitality Suite (Speakeasy Room)

Registration / Check-In Opens

Exhibit Hall Open

Breakfast with Exhibitors

Federal Legislative Update

This session will provide an update on recent federal aviation policy, including implementing reforms from the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 and enhancing safety measures. In addition, it will provide an update on federal aviation funding and status of FY26 funding negotiations.

Emily Bacque Da Silva, Partner, The Picard Group

Emily Bacque Da Silva is a recognized leader on infrastructure investments, with two decades of experience advancing transportation, airport, port, and economic development priorities in Washington, DC. She began her career as a Legislative Assistant to Senator John Breaux and has since represented airports, transit agencies, ports, harbors, cities, counties, joint powers authorities, and private industry at the federal level. 

Emily has successfully executed legislative and regulatory strategies for a broad range of infrastructure interests including airport infrastructure, light-rail extensions, fleet replacement, innovative finance initiatives, economic development, navigation channels, drinking water and wastewater facilities, and base reuse.  Emily regularly engages with the US Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and FEMA to advance client priorities. 

Today, as a Partner at The Picard Group, Emily combines strategic insight with hands-on advocacy. She prepares clients to testify before Congress, coaches new legislative staff through the nuances of complex issues, and advises clients on navigating the ever-changing politics of Washington. Emily’s proactive approach has been integral to revitalizing aging infrastructure and securing new investments that strengthen communities and regional economics. 

Emily’s breadth of experience across geographies and sectors, paired with strong relationships in Congress and throughout the federal government, are tremendous resources to the clients she represents.

FAA's Airport's Safety Update

This session will be an overview of  Airport Programs, opportunities to partner with stakeholders to sustain a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible national airport system that meets the needs of the traveling public, the Nation and the world.

Justin Barker, Manager, Southwest Region, Federal Aviation Administration

Justin Barker is the Manager of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Louisiana/New Mexico Airport District Office (ADO).  He provides oversight and directs the implementation of multiple Federal grant programs to include the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), COVID Relief programs, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) program.  

Justin and his team routinely work with airport sponsors to provide approximately 140 million of dollars in funding to the Airports of Louisiana and New Mexico. These federal grants offer financial resources that help airport sponsors enhance safety, comply with FAA design standards, maintain existing infrastructure, and address changing operational needs.

Justin has been with the FAA for 17 years and previously worked as a Civil Engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Lamar University and a Master of Arts degree in Ministry from Criswell College. In his free time, Justin and his wife, Mona, enjoy taking road trips with their four children: Elecia, Justin Jr., Elizabeth, and Joshua.

Networking Break

Legislative Panel

Hear directly from our local elected officials on recent legislative activities effecting the industry and what we can expect in the coming year.

Senator Mark Abraham, Louisiana Senate, Senator Heather Cloud, Louisiana Senate, Representative Ryan Bourriaque, Louisiana House of Representatives, and Representative Daryl Deshotel, Louisiana House of Representatives

Senator Mark Abraham represents the 25th district of Louisiana which includes the parishes of Acadia, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jefferson Davis. He currently serves as the Chair of the Senate Judiciary C Committee and is a member of the Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs Committee and Senate Transportation, Highways and Public Works.  He also serves on the joint Legislative Committee on the Budget.

Elected to the Senate in 2020, Senator Abraham previously served in the House of Representatives, representing District 36. With a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Louisiana State University, his extensive involvement in various organizations showcases his commitment to public service. He has served as the President of the Lake Charles City Council, Lake Charles Port Authority, and remains a Board Member of the Casa Aleluya, a Guatemalan orphanage. Senator Abraham's entrepreneurial ventures include co-ownership of Gulf Island Shrimp and Seafood and Big Easy Foods.

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Heather Cloud, a mother, wife, businesswoman, conservative, currently representing District 28 in the Louisiana State Senate. She was elected by an overwhelming majority of voters in October 2019 and is the first Republican to ever serve in this seat.

Heather has been happily married to Jody Cloud for twenty years and is the proud mother of two sons, Logan (17) and Ethan (13). 

Heather has a Bachelor’s degree in Education, and spent a short time in the classroom before entering the private sector with her husband. Heather and Jody own a transportation company which includes a small fleet of 18-wheelers that specialize in aggregate distributions as well as heavy equipment transportation.  

Before being elected to the Louisiana State Senate, Heather served as the Mayor of Turkey Creek for eight years. 

While in the State Senate, Heather plans to focus on lowering insurance rates by working to reform the legal climate that is hurting small businesses and driving away insurers which hurts competition. Heather also plans to focus on election integrity as this issue is near and dear to her.

She believes the sanctity of every vote must be protected. Lastly, Senator Cloud will focus on protecting the taxpayer dollars and utilize her position as Vice Chair of Finance to make sure our state resources are spent responsibly. 

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State Representative Ryan Bourriaque chairs the House Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee, as well as being a member of the Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay and House Select Committee on Disaster Recovery. He represents District 47 which includes the Calcasieu, Cameron, and Vermilion parishes.

He has held several Board of Director seats, including the Chenier Plain Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority, the Louisiana Sea Grant Advisory Council, the Sowela Foundation Board, the Cameron Lions Club, Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana, and vice-chairman of the St. Eugene Catholic Church Pastoral Council. 

Representative Bourriaque attained a B.A. in psychology and a master’s in agricultural economics and environmental policy, both from Louisiana State University. 

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Chairman Daryl Deshoel is a fourth-generation Avoyelles native, and grew up working in the swee potato fields on his uncle's farm.  He began his career at a computer company during college and became fascinaed, learning how to assemble and program computers. He recognized the future of technology and started his own buseiness, Detel Computer Solutions.  

Deshotel was elected to the House in 2019 to represent District 28. He currently serves as Chairman of the House Commerce Committee.

Awards Luncheon

Come celebrate our 2025 award honorees!

Flight Standards

Introduction to Flight Standards: where the mission intersects with Airman, Aircraft, Airports, Air Agencies and Air Traffic.

Janet Gonzales, Aviation Safety Technician, Federal Aviation Administration

Laennec Ratard, FAA Safety Team Program Manager (OPS), Baton Rouge Flight Standards District Office, Federal Aviation Administration

Janet Gonzales bio and photo coming soon!

In 1994, as Janet Gonzales'  youngest son entered grade school, she stepped into the aviation community, becoming the part-time secretary for the Louisiana Regional Airport.  As the airport grew so did her passion for promoting Louisiana Regional and the aviation industry. Wearing many hats along the way she became a pilot, an aircraft owner, a Ninety-Nine, an EAA Member, an Air Racer, an Airport Manager, and a LAMA President. In 2018 just three short days before the birth of her first granddaughter, Jaymes, she retired from the aviation industry for an even greater blessing.  Once the grands entered preschool, she looked to re-engage in the aviation workforce, first enjoying a few months with the LADOTD Aviation Section and now with the Baton Rouge Flight Standards Office as an Aviation Safety Technician.  Earlier this year she was thrilled to pilot Jaymes’ first and second flights. 

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Laennec Ratard is a dedicated aviation professional with a passion for safety and positive outcomes. After completing his Marine Corps service he began flight training in earnest, followed by several years working as a flight instructor. This preceded cargo pilot jobs in various aircraft and locations including international operations, starting with Flight Express, MartinAire, and Mountain Air Cargo. This led him to air ambulance operations with Air Med Services / Acadian Ambulance Service. After air ambulance his career pivoted to executive transportation. This mix of operations has afforded him the opportunity to work in several diverse areas of aviation each with its own set of unique regulations and business models. He enjoys applying industry expertise along with regulatory knowledge to improve risk mitigation solutions and ensure everyone goes home at the end of the day.

Aviation Fuel & Taxation

Membership Meeting