Airport Experience® News - Conference Issue 2026

SPEAKERS & MODERATORS

ATIF SAEED Atif Saeed is the CEO of the City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation, responsible for directing the planning, development and administration of all activities of

ISABELLA RHAWIE Isabella Rhawie serves as vice president, commercial revenue officer at the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), where she has led transformative revenue initiatives for over a decade, spearheading the development of MSP Airport’s concessions program and driving innovation that enhances traveler experience and earns industry accolades Prior to her current position, Rhawie served as director of business development for the MAC

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) He also oversees the management of airport personnel, including more than 1,000 direct city employees and additional contracted and consulting staff As CEO, Saeed is the city’s representative in local, state, national and international aviation affairs Prior to joining PHL, Saeed held various leadership positions with the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which operates Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (MSP) and six general aviation airports, most recently as chief financial officer He has also held management roles at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and the city of Minneapolis BRIAN SANO Brian Sano is a climate-tech strategist and speaker focused on building practical solutions to complex challenges His work sits at the intersection of sustainability, technology, and business, helping organizations turn ambition into meaningful progress As head of strategy at Intuitive AI, Brian leads global growth and go-to-market efforts, working closely with airports to modernize waste systems, create more engaging traveler experiences, and unlock new opportunities for concessions and brands

TORY RICHARDSON Torrance “Tory” Richardson is the president and CEO of Gerald R Ford International Airport Authority, overseeing all functions and activities of Michigan’s second-busiest

airport He is also responsible for developing and implementing the Ford International Airport’s (GRR) strategic vision, including long-term plans for future development, infrastructure improvement, guest growth and other initiatives Prior to joining GRR in 2019, he held executive positions at Columbus Regional Airport Authority, the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority and Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)

SHANE ROBINSON Shane Robinson is the president and managing director of concessionaire S&C Robinson Enterprise, which proudly operates at seven airports spanning coast to coast —

COURTNEY THORNTON Courtney Thornton is the president and CEO of NextGate Consulting LLC and a strategic executive and trusted advisor with more than 28 years of experience in the

John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Sacramento International Airport (SMF), Savannah International Airport (SAV), Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), San Diego International Airport (SAN), John Wayne Airport (SNA), and Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) — delivering top-tier food, beverage, and retail experiences to travelers nationwide Prior to founding S&C Robinson, Robinson held key positions at AT&T, Home Depot andTarget

aviation industry, spanning corporate strategy, business development, government and external affairs, joint venture partnerships, and legal leadership Most recently, Courtney served as senior vice president, government and external affairs for Avolta, where she spearheaded government and external initiatives following the landmark Dufry–Autogrill merger Previously, Courtney was the executive vice president, corporate strategy and business development at Hudson Ltd and served as in-house legal counsel for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

BRIAN D. RYKS Brian D Ryks is the executive director and CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which operates Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (MSP) and

six general aviation airports Before arriving in Minneapolis, Ryks was executive director and CEO of the Gerald R Ford International Airport (GRR), overseeing major airport improvements, a rebranding campaign, and a governance transition from county control to an airport authority Prior to his time in Michigan, Ryks was the executive director of the Duluth Airport Authority, overseeing Duluth International Airport (DLH) and Sky Harbor Airport (DYT) He also previously served as the airport manager at the St Cloud Regional Airport (STC); Aberdeen Regional Airport (ABR) and as the manager of noise abatement at Stapleton and Denver International Airport (DEN)

EBONI WIMBUSH Eboni Wimbush is the president and CEO of the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) In this role, Eboni provides strategic leadership, oversees the national

office, collaborates with committee chairs and strengthens relationships with AMAC’s industry partners, advocacy organizations, and local, state and federal governments, among other key stakeholders She currently serves on the Equity in Infrastructure Project Advisory Council and the U S Department of Transportation Advisory Committee on Transportation Equity Prior to AMAC, she was the deputy director of the Baltimore Mayor’s Office of Children & Family Success; chief of staff at the Baltimore City Department of Transportation and worked in the private sector with Fortune 500 companies including FedEx Corporation, Johnson Controls and Siemens

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AX NEWS MARCH 2026