OFFICERS

As the current Airport Director for Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), with more than 32 years of experience in the aviation industry, Mr. Hastert is responsible for the maintenance, operations, fiscal management, and long-term capital planning for the airport. He leads a staff of 73 employees and manages a $31 million operating budget.  He is committed to providing a convenient, stress-free travel experience for central coast passengers, promoting the welfare and success of the general aviation community, all while minimizing impacts on neighboring areas.

Prior to joining the Santa Barbara Airport team, he served as General Manager of the Santa Maria Public Airport for 14 years, worked his way up from an Operations Officer to Deputy Director for the Ventura County Department of Airports overseeing the operations at both Oxnard and Camarillo Airports for 12 years, and served in the US Army as an Aviation Operations Specialist for 5 years.

He is currently the Board President of the California Airports Council, board member of the Association of California Airports, membership chair for the Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives, and past president of the Santa Maria Breakfast Rotary Club.

When not enjoying the view from above as private pilot since 2002, he also enjoys camping and offroad driving with Kathy, his wife of 25 years, and sons Riley (20) and Colin (17).

With over 17 years of extensive senior-level expertise across various facets of the aviation industry, including airport operations, strategic marketing, social media, brand management, public relations, marketing, advertising, and strategic communications, Atif Elkadi currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Ontario International Airport. In this capacity, he orchestrates day-to-day operations, spearheads an expansive capital development program, oversees revenue management, finance, administrative functions, marketing and communications, and information technology, consistently exploring innovative approaches to drive both revenue and passenger growth.

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Prior to his leadership at Ontario, Atif played a crucial role as the Senior Corporate Communications Manager, where he developed comprehensive communication strategies and managed initiatives to align with the strategic objectives of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, the world's fourth busiest airport. His responsibilities included shaping the overall communication strategy and overseeing its successful implementation.

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Bringing his expertise to the global stage, Atif made significant contributions to Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest airport for international passengers. During his tenure, he spearheaded the development and management of internal communications, customer service communications, and social media strategies, ensuring alignment with the diverse communication needs of employees and customers.

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Atif holds a Master's Degree in Communication Management from the University of Southern California, an M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix, and a bachelor's Degree in Journalism from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. His diverse educational background, combined with his wealth of experience, positions him as a highly accomplished professional in the aviation industry.
 

Ms. Nichol brings more than 30 years of aviation business experience to Sacramento. Since 2012, she has served as Chief Financial Officer for the Port of Portland in Oregon, working on a team that manages three airports, port terminals, an industrial park and a dredge. Prior to that, from 2008 to 2012, she was finance director for San Francisco International Airport. She worked earlier at the Massachusetts Port Authority and for private airport consultants. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Carleton College in Minnesota, a master’s degree in African Studies from the University of London and a master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard University.

Ms. Cynthia Guidry was named the City’s Director of the Long Beach Airport (LGB) in 2019. Ms. Guidry brings over 26 years of local government experience in various leadership positions. Ms. Guidry has served as the Deputy Executive Director for the City of Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), the governing body for LAX and Van Nuys Airports. There, she oversaw more than 400 employees in the LAWA Planning and Development Group. She also has managed employees in the LAWA Planning, Environmental, Engineering, and Facility Management Divisions. Previously, she held positions as Chief of Planning and Civil Engineering at LAWA and she began her engineering career in the Department of Public Works for the City of Los Angeles. Ms. Guidry holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Irvine, and an MBA from Pepperdine University, and she is a licensed Professional Engineer.

Ms. Courtney Johnson, CM, CAE, was appointed the Director of the San Luis Obispo County Airports in October 2020.  Prior to that, she served as SBP’s Deputy Director of Finance and Administration for almost 2 years, also overseeing marketing and air service development.  Before joining San Luis Obispo County Airports, Ms. Johnson was the Manager of Finance and Administration for 6 years, at Minter Field Airport District.

In addition to being an officer of the CAC, Ms. Johnson is currently the 2nd Vice President for the Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives. She also serves on multiple committees and advisory councils throughout the industry.

Ms. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics, from California State University Bakersfield.