OFFICERS

Charlene Reynolds currently serves as the Airport Director of John Wayne Airport, a dynamic medium hub commercial airport. Ms. Reynolds manages all activities related to the airport’s operation and is directly responsible for six airport divisions, including Business Development, Finance, Maintenance, Operations, and Public Affairs. Charlene Reynolds formerly held the position of Chief Commercial Officer for the Houston Airport System. Ms. Reynolds managed the airport system’s revenue-generating entities, including the In-Terminal Sales, Parking and Ground Transportation and Real Estate Development & Leasing business units.

 

Charlene also led the negotiation team for the Southwest Airlines seven-gate expansion at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). She worked with Spirit Airlines to bring their newest Maintenance Hub to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). In collaboration with the Director of Parking and Ground Transportation (GT), she deployed strategies to increase revenues for HAS parking assets. Charlene successfully negotiated the request for proposals (RFP) for the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP) and HOU food, beverage and retail, as well as the development of future everyday use lounges in IAH and HOU. She brought new concepts to the HAS concessions program (gaming, automated retail, etc.) and developed the strategy for mobile ordering in our airports.

​

Before HAS, Charlene served as the Assistant Aviation Director – Business Planning for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport for four years. She was responsible for the Contracts and Services, Business and Properties, Fiscal Management, and Air Service Development Divisions.  During her tenure as the Assistant Director, Charlene created award winning programs that provided more opportunities for small and local businesses at the airport.

​

Ms. Reynolds also led Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport as the Interim Aviation Services Director during the pandemic from October 2020 through March 2021. During this time Charlene led efforts to provide a safe working environment for employees and passengers, provided rent relief to the airport’s business partners, while maintaining a strong financial strategy to ensure the airport could continue its major capital improvement projects such as the extension of the SkyTrain and the new eight (8) gate expansion at Terminal 4.

​

She also served as the Chairwoman for the City of Phoenix Employee Retirement System (COPERS) and President-Elect for the local chapter of National Forum for Black Public Administrators. She is an active member of Airport Council International (ACI), Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC), and the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). She holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University.

Mukesh “Mookie” Patel, C.M., serves as the Director of Aviation for San José Mineta International Airport (SJC). In his role, he leads the Airport’s staff toward fulfilling SJC’s mission: To connect, serve and inspire; and its vision: To transform how Silicon Valley travels. He manages a San José City Department with an annual operating budget of $176 million, oversees a 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Program budgeted for $614 million, and leads more than 200 employees responsible for SJC’s safe and efficient operations.

Patel began his career in October 1993 as the Manager of Commercial Development at Kansas City International Airport overseeing relations and compliance with airlines and concessions.

In 1998, he joined AvAirPros as Business Consulting Practice Manager. In this capacity, he managed the capital program budget for major investments for Terminal 1 at John F. Kennedy International Airport and International Terminal Building at San Francisco International Airport.

​

In 2005, Patel transitioned from airport to airline administration joining Alaska Airlines as the Airport Affairs Corporate Real Estate Manager. He managed a diverse portfolio of airport relationships nationwide that included SJC -- deepening his expertise and understanding SJC’s economic impact in the Bay Area.

​

In 2015, Patel became Senior Vice President of Airline Affairs and Commercial Property at Denver International Airport where he spearheaded stakeholder support for the 39-gate expansion project and administered the opening of the new Westin Hotel.

​

From 2017 to 2020, he served as Chief Aviation Administration Officer and Assistant Director of Aviation at San Antonio International Airport where he was responsible for enhancing community connections and contributing to the city’s economic growth.

​

Before his tenure at SJC, Patel was the Business and Finance Chief Officer at Austin Bergstrom International Airport. There, he increased non-airline revenues by nine percent over three years and facilitated investments supporting the airport’s multi-billion-dollar investment plan.

​

Patel holds a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management from Oklahoma State University and possesses a private pilot license. In 2022, he received the Dedicated Service Award from the American Association of Airport Executives and is a member of the Commercial Management Steering Committee of Airports Council International.

​

He is a passionate leader and mentor for his team, continuously seeking meaningful connections with industry professionals.

Harry Barrett Jr currently serves as the Executive Director of Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), where he pioneered the airport’s mission of “Moving you with Unforgettable Hospitality.” Harry is an accomplished professional with over 20 years of experience in civil and military aviation. In his current role with PSP, he provides the strategic vision and operational oversight. During his tenure, Harry has stewarded over PSPs record breaking growth and success, expanding Palm Springs route network from 21 to 32 non-stop destinations.

 

Since Harry assumed the role at PSP he has led several capital improvements including a $34 million ticketing lobby expansion, a taxiway rehabilitation project, and is currently leading a $93 million baggage systems optimization program. Harry is also responsible for delivering a new dining and retail concessions program, which emphasizes local brands and highlights his success in small business development. Most recently, he conceptualized PSP’s revolutionary modernization plan which anticipates $2.8 billion in facility improvements. Harry is known for his innovative approach to airport management, leveraging new technologies and strategies to enhance safety, operational efficiency, passenger experience, and revenue growth. His visionary foresight resulted in Palm Springs International Airport being the first in the nation to execute a ground-breaking concourse naming rights deal.

 

Harry has an incredibly diverse background. He started as a military aviator in Okinawa, Japan flying the E-3 AWACS, and later, the AC-130 aircraft before transitioning into aviation management where he planned and led the opening of three new aviation divisions and helped integrate Unmanned Aerial Systems aircraft into the DoD and intelligence inventories. In his civilian career, Harry has worked across general aviation, commercial aviation, and industrial aviation airports, both small hub and large. His career includes operational roles at Bellingham International Airport and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, before he assumed the role of Airport Director at Renton Municipal Airport in 2015, where he worked with the Puget Sound Regional Council to address cargo and aviation capacity through the year 2050. Currently, Harry’s forward-thinking mindset has positioned Palm Springs International Airport as a leader amongst small commercial airports. He has oversight of a growing facility which currently hosts 3.5 million annual passengers and with a regional economic impact that exceeds $2 billion. 

 

Harry is a respected figure in the aviation community, known for his collaborative approach and commitment to excellence. He is an accredited member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and chairs AAAE’s Inclusion in Aviation Committee. He is also actively engaged with the Transportation Research Board – Airports Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) through the National Academy of Sciences. Harry holds a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle, a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Park University, and a Global MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. Harry is a sought-after speaker and thought leader, sharing his insights and expertise at industry events such as World Aviation Festival. He was recognized by the Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (SWAAAE) as its 2025 Executive of the Year.

Craig Simon serves as the Director of Aviation for the Port of Oakland, a role he assumed in July 2023 after serving as Acting Director earlier that year.  Mr. Simon provides strategic leadership for Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK), overseeing all aspects of airport management, operations, and development. He leads a team of more than 230 professionals dedicated to ensuring safe, efficient, and customer-focused air transportation services.

Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport served over 10.8 million passengers in 2024 and is the region’s leader in air cargo operations. Under Mr. Simon’s direction, OAK continues to strengthen its position as a critical gateway for both passenger and freight traffic, supporting economic growth and connectivity for the Bay Area and beyond.

With more than 22 years of experience in the aviation industry, Mr. Simon brings deep expertise in airport operations, infrastructure management, and strategic planning. Prior to his current role, he served as OAK’s Assistant Director of Aviation, where he was responsible for planning, organizing, and directing day-to-day airport operations. His leadership ensured operational excellence and positioned OAK for continued growth in a competitive market.

Earlier in his career at OAK, Mr. Simon held key roles including Facilities Manager and Airside Operations Superintendent, where he managed critical infrastructure projects and airfield operations for eight years. Before joining the Port of Oakland, he spent 11 years at San José Mineta International Airport, gaining extensive experience in all facets of airport operations.

Mr. Simon is recognized for his collaborative approach, operational expertise, and commitment to innovation in aviation. He plays an active role in regional and industry initiatives aimed at enhancing air service, improving passenger experience, and advancing sustainability in airport operations.

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.

 

Atif's journey with Ontario International Airport commenced in the role of Senior Director of Marketing before progressing to the position of Deputy Chief Executive Officer.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.