Airport Experience® News - Conference Issue 2025

SPEAKERS & MODERATORS

J. GOODWILLE PIERRE J Goodwille Pierre is a licensed patent and trademark attorney and a national expert in diversity equity and inclusion management with more than 27 years

KATHLEEN SCHAFER Kathleen Schafer is the vice president of Mission Yogurt, Inc In this role, Schafer manages all aspects of the business, ranging from company infrastructure, new

of experience in nonprofit governance, minority, woman, small and disadvantaged business enterprise (MWSDBE) consultation, disparity studies, labor and diversity compliance, diversity policy creation and program administration Pierre is the founder of Goodwille Pierre, LLC , a federal grant recipient DEI consulting, public engagement and government program management firm as well as Success in Business, a charitable and educational organization

business planning and development, daily operations, manager development and training, human resources, business analysis, banking and accounting relationships, marketing and promotions, and driving sales growth Prior to her role as vice president at Mission, Schafer worked as the general manager of the concessionaire’s Que Bueno! Mexican Grille/Ultra Sheer Nightclub as well as in a variety of roles at Baroness Wines

RICHARD SCHNEIDER Richard Schneider is the chief development officer for Areas USA, responsible for leading the business development team in identifying, attracting, and

GREG PLUMMER Greg Plummer is the CEO and managing partner of Concord Collective / Enjoy Repeat, which made history as the first 100% Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business

establishing new client relationships to develop and grow the business He is also responsible for maintaining current relationships with clients, stakeholders, and brand partners Schneider leads brand and concept development, governmental affairs, community engagement, strategic partnerships and design and construction Prior to joining Areas, Schneider led the foodservice and hospitality business at Spectra in Philadelphia, among numerous other hospitality posts

Enterprise (ACDBE) business to successfully take over the entire portfolio of a prime Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) food and beverage concession operator Previously, Plummer served as the vice president of CMS Hospitality Inc He currently sits on the board of directors at the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC)

JACK POTTER Jack Potter is the president and CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) Since assuming his position in July 2011, Potter has focused on strengthening

RICKY SMITH Ricky Smith is the executive director and CEO of the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) Smith is responsible for the management and operations of

the organization’s governance, embracing new customer-focused processes and technologies and enhancing the efficiency of business and technical operations His efforts have resulted in a realignment of key policies and processes, significant financial savings, and a strong trajectory for future business growth Prior to joining MWAA, Potter served for ten years as the Postmaster General of the United States and held various roles within the U S Postal Service

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Martin State Airport, and regional aviation activities throughout the State of Maryland On April 2, Smith will become the general manager of Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport Smith currently serves as board chair of the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC)

SUE STIENE Sue Stiene is the president of Optimas Management Group, an aviation consulting firm employing creative solutions to maximize revenue through powerful commercial

MIRI RODRIGUEZ Miri Rodriguez is the CEO of Empressa ai, a groundbreaking AI company that’s reshaping the future of work for women; the author of “Brand Storytelling” and a senior storyteller

strategies that focus on a sense of place, innovation, and delivering best in-class customer care through strategy, design, business transformation, training, technology, and operations Award winning projects under Stiene’s stewardship include the Vancouver International Airport (YVR)’s world-renowned concession program which evolved from being a modest program to a multi-million dollar business with over 160 retail and food & beverage options Prior to her time at Optimas, Stiene served as director of commercial services at the Vancouver Airport Authority

at Microsoft, where she leverages her extensive knowledge and empathetic approach to craft narratives that resonate on a profound level Her global perspective, futurist insights and authentic delivery have made her a top in-demand speaker and consultant Committed to social advocacy, Miri’s volunteer efforts span from training leaders of social enterprises in Africa to mentoring students and professionals in the U S , helping them forge personal brands rooted in empathy, passion, and purpose

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AX NEWS MARCH 2025