AMAC ALC Fireside Chat
The AMAC Airport Leadership Collective (ALC) Fireside Chat series continues to support women in navigating their careers and offers recommendations for advancing to senior-level opportunities within the aviation industry. Come prepared to hear from our speakers and participate in an interactive Q&A!
Speakers:
Melissa Cooper, Director, Aviation Department, City of Kansas City
Melissa Cooper, A.A.E., has served as the Director of Aviation for the Kansas City Aviation Department since November 2023. Before her current position, she was the Deputy Director of Aviation, Property Management and Commercial Development, Manager of the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport, Field Maintenance at Kansas City International Airport, Deputy Director of the Johnson County Airport Commission serving as the Airport Manager for New Century Air Center and Johnson County Executive Airport and the Assistant Airport Manager at Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport in Kansas City, Missouri. Before her positions in Airport Management, she worked as a Contractor with the FAA Central Region Runway Safety Program, as a System Controller for Vanguard Airlines, and as a scheduler for Executive Beechcraft. Melissa holds her commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating. She has an MS degree in Aviation Safety and a BS degree in Aviation Technology, both from the University of Central Missouri. Melissa serves on the AAAE Board of Directors and is a member of the Airport Cooperative Research Program Oversight Committee. Additionally, she previously served as Past Chair of the Bombardier Safety Standdown Advisory Council, Past President of the Great Lakes AAAE Chapter, and Past President of the Missouri Airport Managers Association.
Karen Ellis, Assistant General Manager, Chief Customer Experience Officer, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Karen Ellis serves as the Assistant General Manager and Chief Customer Experience Officer. In this role, she leads a dedicated team focused on enhancing the traveler experience, ensuring ATL remains welcoming and efficient for all passengers.
Alicia Mosby-Bobo, Senior Manager, Airport Affairs, United Airlines
Alicia Mosby-Bobo is a Senior Manager of Airport Affairs at United Airlines, where she leads strategic negotiations, real estate planning, and airport development initiatives across the airline’s domestic network. In her role, she collaborates closely with airport authorities, government agencies, and internal stakeholders to advance infrastructure projects, optimize operational space, and align real estate strategies with United’s long-term corporate goals.
Alicia brings over a decade of experience in real estate, asset management, and legal operations, having previously held roles at LaSalle Investment Management, McDonald’s USA, and Varnet P.C.. Her career reflects a strong foundation in real estate development, contract negotiation, and portfolio management—skills she now applies to advancing innovation and efficiency within the aviation industry.A licensed Illinois Real Estate Broker, Alicia is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Communication from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies from Loyola University Chicago. She is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Real Estate at DePaul University.
Alicia is passionate about fostering representation, mentorship, and professional development for women in traditionally male-dominated industries. Her leadership style is rooted in collaboration, integrity, and empowerment principles that continue to guide her both professionally and personally
Leslie Spicer, Administrative Assistant, Senior Vice President, Administration, Ontario International Airport Authority
Leslie Spicer serves as Administrative Assistant to the Senior Vice President of Administration at the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA), where she plays a pivotal role in driving operational excellence across the Administration Division, supporting three key departments: Procurement & Contracts, Warehousing and Business Opportunities. With a strategic focus on the Office of Business Opportunities, Leslie facilitates key initiatives that empower small and local businesses to engage successfully with airport programs and procurement processes.
Leslie spent 9 years working for a small, family owned business which gave her an inside look at some of the challenges those businesses face. Utilizing that experience has allowed Leslie to bolster the Office of Business Opportunities’ efforts to streamline business outreach initiatives and opportunity creation, while still overseeing administrative workflows between all three departments and successfully enhancing cross-functional collaboration. Her proactive leadership and process optimization have contributed to increased efficiency and stronger interdepartmental alignment within the overall division, while also fostering the growth and development of the Office of Business Opportunities.
Recognized as an emerging leader within AMAC, Leslie is deeply committed to professional development, inclusive economic growth, and fostering a culture of innovation and impact within the OIAA.
Iana T. Stuart, Senior Vice President & Aviation Market Leader, JE Dunn Construction
Iana T. Stuart serves as Senior Vice President and Aviation Market Leader at JE Dunn Construction. A graduate of Georgia Tech with a degree in Civil Engineering, she began her career with JE Dunn’s Atlanta office in 2005. Shortly after, she embarked on her aviation journey—growing from a project manager on a project at the Atlanta airport to leading JE Dunn’s national aviation group. With work spanning 23 airports across the United States, Iana leads with a belief that construction is about more than buildings—it’s about creating connections that shape communities for generations to come.
