Marcelo Lima, Vice President of Planning & Development
Employee Interview | Page 6
Matt Florell
Senior Inspector /Engineer III | Works On Client Site
WELCOME BACK!
Gott
Welcome Message
“Don’t
Sweat the Small Stuff” - Key Takeaways!
1. Small stuff isn’t that important: Life is too short to let minor inconveniences upset us. What seems significant in the heat of the moment often isn’t.
2. Choose your battles: Guess what?! Not every issue deserves our energy. Learn to let go of things that aren’t worth fighting over.
3. Be present: Living in the here and now prevents us from worrying about past mistakes or future uncertainties. Focus on what’s happening right now. It might be great!
4. Learn to let go: Holding on to anger and resentment only harms us. Practice forgiveness and move on from negative emotions.
Paul McDonnell Chief Planner
Sustainability Corner
Welcome to the Sustainability Corner!
This space serves to provide greater insight into the sustainability practices, programming, and onging efforts of CHA.
CHA has released its 2023 Sustainability Report and what a year it was! We celebrated several major milestones in our sustainability journey, including high marks on the CDP Climate Change Score Report and the achievement of our carbon reduction goal two years early. But behind all the headlines, CHA’s people shone the brightest – in our continued care for our communities, in sharing our expertise to keep our industry moving forward, and in the innovative solutions we bring to our clients’ challenges.
Read it for yourself … 2023 Sustainability Report
Everyone at CHA plays a part in this story! Thank you for helping us reach for a greener future!
Aviation Vision Statement: Exceptional Client Service
Business Line Director: Mike DeVoy
Aviation Vision Statement - We will responsibly improve the lives of our clients by:
• Operating a sustainable business line that provides our aviation clients exceptional service and industry thought leadership.
“I was glad to see that CHA and Mark Heckroth will continue to lead your airport environmental practice, as CHA’s recent Environmental Assessment (EA) for T.F. Green’s Air Cargo Facility Expansion was completed and approved without a hitch, which was a first here at RIAC.”
Dawn Mineker, Rhode Island Airport Corporation
“I appreciate that CHA looks at different options, different ways to solve problems, and is creative.”
Marcelo Lima, Birmingham Airport Authority
Words of Wisdom from Candace McGraw, CVG CEO & First Female Chair of ACI World:
Candace’s 3 Keys to Success
• Do what you do well
Use your seat at the table
• Be true to your word
Project Manager: Larry Kalousek
Client Manager: Paul Puckli
Project Name: Birmingham Air Cargo Facility Planning and Design Program
Client Name: Birmingham Airport Authority
Location: Birmingham, AL
Start date: 2019
Completion date: June 2024
Est CHA revenue: $2,130,000
Primary CHA employees involved: Dan Ford, Keith Leung, Thomas Wang, Melissa Zender, Lauren Bailey, Joe Delabruere
Other CHA business lines required for this project: Architecture, Landscape Architecture, MEP
Brief description of the work to be provided:
With an eye on future cargo capabilities, the Birmingham Airport Authority (BAA) hired CHA to complete a master plan and program definition study to determine how to best utilize their entire available air cargo campus area, including a new facility. This master plan also considered future air cargo facilities for other prospective cargo operators at the Birmingham-Shutlesworth International Airport (BMH).
Before a shovel hit the ground, the design for the new air cargo building intended for UPS was upended by international shipper Kuehne + Nagel, who wanted to lease the entire cargo facility as quickly as it could be designed and constructed. Why the need for such a bold move? The shipper wanted the cargo facility at BHM to more reliably import and supply auto plants in the Southeast with weekly parts shipments from Germany. These shipments faced delays and lengthy ground transport routes from other airports it was using in the U.S.
CHA already had a design in progress that could be altered to meet the needs of Kuehne + Nagel on an aggressive schedule for project completion, move-in, and fit-up to conduct operations. However, this was no small task for our team. On an expedited schedule, the team pivoted to create a large warehouse operation in what was planned to be a facility for a small package shipper. Remarkably, in less than two years, the project was designed, constructed, and put into use.
This new $31 million air cargo facility was completed in June 2024. The imposing structure is 53,000 square feet with 48,500 square feet of warehouse space, including 17 bays of loading docks, five airside bay doors, and four roll-up doors, two airside and two landside. Features of the building include an attractive and aesthetically pleasing façade, employee amenities with offices, conference rooms, restrooms, and breakrooms, and oversized industrial ceiling fans to keep air circulating for greater worker comfort in the massive open space.
CHA’s innovative and sustainable design is intended to serve as a modern cargo facility with sustainable elements to improve water quality from stormwater runoff and promote energy efficiency, including natural daylighting, daylighting controls and enhanced air circulation with active industrial ceiling fans and passive cross ventilation strategies designed to create a more comfortable working environment. CHA’s design of the impressive filtration system will improve water quality from stormwater runoff from the new impervious surfaces for aircraft and truck parking areas before it is conveyed into natural waterways.
Any challenges or major hurdles CHA had to overcome to complete this project?
On an expedited schedule, the team pivoted to create a large warehouse operation in what was planned to be a facility for a small package shipper. In less than two years, the project was designed, constructed, and put into use.
Delivering this project for BAA, from design to accepting cargo, in under two years was remarkable. There were many hurdles along the way, including the COVID pandemic, a significant shift in design to accommodate a potential tenant that emerged after the initial design, and an extremely aggressive schedule. The design team focused on strong communication with BAA and the contractor, including weekly phone calls to keep the project schedule on track. The team also banked on local Birmingham-based firms, including DBE firms, to assemble a strong team with sufficient resources to meet the client’s expectations. These local firms were an essential part of the team and collaborated to complete this project on its expedited timeline.
In your opinion, what made CHA win this project?
As Birmingham Airport Authority’s cargo consultant, CHA had already completed an air cargo master plan and program definition study to determine how to best utilize the entire available air cargo campus area. CHA also had a cargo facility design in progress for UPS that, with some ingenuity, could be altered to meet the needs of a different tenant on an aggressive schedule for project completion, move-in, and fit-up to conduct operations.
BHM AIR CARGO FACILITY
Client Spotlight
Client Name: Birmingham Airport Authority
Location: Birmingham, AL (BHM)
Vice President of Planning & Development:
Marcelo Lima, AAE
“Once onboard, we want to see the consultant take ownership, and we want them to make us feel this is the only project you have!” - Marcelo Lima
Paul Puckli and Mike DeVoy recently had the pleasure of speaking with Marcelo Lima, Vice President of Planning & Development at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport.
Q: Thanks for agreeing to meet with us today. Please tell us about yourself.
A: It really is all about people, right? I think our backgrounds really affect how we do business with others and how we go through our career path. I was born in Brazil and grew up between the US and Sao Paolo. I felt like I had a double life there for a while. During high school, I got the aviation bug! One of my friends was pursuing his pilot’s license, so I started taking flight lessons and got my pilot’s license before going off to college. I attended the University of North Dakota to pursue flight. 9/11 happened in my sophomore year, and the demand for pilots just wasn’t there. That’s when I started looking at aviation management. I got an internship at CLT, and ended up working for them for about 8 years. I started in operations, and though I didn’t entirely enjoy it, I definitely found a lot of value in it. It gave me a good background in project management and planning, which led me to BHM. I then spent 5 years at BHM before accepting an opportunity at LYH as their Deputy Airport Director. During my time at LYH, there were a lot of changes happening at BHM, and a year and a half later, I found myself back at the airport. I’ve been back for 6 years now. It’s been a good path so far.
On a more personal note, I love the Cleveland Browns! I grew up in WV, but there was a time when I needed to go to Cleveland every month. My dad and I started making a trip out of each visit, so we became very familiar with the Browns and Cavaliers. Of course, being from Brazil, I am also a huge soccer fan. I have gone to several World Cups and can tell you the history of every event since the 1930s!
Q: In your current tenure with the BAA, you have risen to the position of Vice President of Planning & Development. What are some of the major changes you have seen since rejoining the BAA, both in your previous position and in your current position – locally and in the aviation industry as a whole?
A: Leadership is so important. When Ron Mathieu came to BHM, he had a whole new vision and goal for the airport, and it was a homerun for the organization. The current board and mayor are very business minded and that has helped us change the way we look at things and the way we do business. The Air Cargo Facility is a big piece of that. As for the industry as a whole, one of the things that stands out to me is every time there is an event that brings the industry down, whether it be an economic downturn, 9/11, COVID, etc.; the resiliency and the bounce back is incredible! Back in 2020 they talked about recovery not being until 2026, and here we are in 2024 exceeding our 2019 numbers. I think we’re seeing that everywhere.
Q: What is your vision for BHM? What impact does the airport have on the region?
A: To be a successful airport, we need to have multiple business lines (e.g. passenger, parking, cargo, MRO, etc.). A perfect example of our vision is the Air Cargo Facility. Getting international freight cargo into BHM is huge. You have to be prepared for these business lines by
having the infrastructure in place. There are also a lot of untapped resources in the region for us. For example, UAB is by far the largest employer in Birmingham and we rarely have any involvement with them. I think the next step is to really engage with them and others in the region to see where we can partner to support local economic goals and growth. We need to “marry” the region if you will.
Q: We have had the pleasure of being the BAA’s consultant for the air cargo facility. We also know that the BAA typically has used a number of different consultants for a variety of projects at BHM. From your perspective, what are the most important things you and your staff need from your airport consultant?
A: When we go out and select a consultant, we want to see they have successfully completed similar projects at similar sized airports – we value experience. Once onboard, we want to see the consultant take ownership, and we want them to make us feel this is the only project you have! I appreciate that CHA looks at different options, different ways to solve problems, and is creative. On the Air Cargo Facility, the CHA team recommended that we go out with an early procurement package for steel. The CHA team (specifically Lauren Bailey) also went through the front-end documents better than we did – that showed a deep level of detail and ownership.
Q: You have recently become active in several of the aviation industry organizations and have been involved in a number of conferences in the past several years. Why is this important to you and do you plan on becoming even more active in the future?
A: There are so many benefits to getting out and meeting folks, both inside and outside the business. I love the insight you can get from people with different experiences, especially those who aren’t even in your business. I’ve learned so much from other airports. Whenever I get questions from board members, I can assure them that other airports/regions are experiencing the same thing. Of course, conferences are great for networking, but the subject matter presented typically makes me want to learn more!
Q: A big reason we are doing this is to give insight to our staff into the aviation industry, particularly our young professionals. What advice do you have to people coming into our industry?
A: Young professionals seem so much more prepared nowadays. They’re very intelligent, and they’re coming in wanting to grow and learn as quickly as possible. The one thing I tell them is, “Be patient. Get the experience you need. Give yourself time to grow.” I like the story of Atilla the Hun. He sat in silence and studied under the king, and when his time came, he was prepared. Great advice for young professionals coming into our industry. But most of all, enjoy the journey!
Conferences & Training
Upcoming Conferences
Conference (Location)
AAAE NAC (Ft Lauderdale, FL)
NYAMA Annual (Buffalo, NY)
GLC Airports/Environmental (Rosemont, IL)
AAI Annual (Terre Haute, IN)
ACC Annual (Scottsdale, AZ)
KAA Annual (Lexington, KY)
MAMA Annual (Southbridge, MA)
Dates
September 22-24
September 24-26
October 8-10
October 15-17
October 20-23
October 23-25
October 27-29
Professional Development
Looking for links to webinar recordings?
Attendees
Paul Puckli, Mike DeVoy, Rob LaFayette
John DelBalso, Todd Ewell, Mark Heckroth
Simon Davies, Rob McGormley, Taylor Koutropoulos
Nikki Abney, Patrick Dunn, Nathan Lienhart, Rob LaFayette Taylor Koutropoulos
Mike DeVoy, Mary Kerstein
Casey Jones, Clint Weimer
Jeremy Martelle, John DelBalso
Upcoming Training
CoP: Airport CIP & Construction Cost Estimating - Schultheis - October 17
Sustainability RoundtableKoutropoulos - October 31
CoP: Airfield Ground Lighting DesignCarr - November 6
CoP: Construction Inspection Workshop - Henry/Crimmins - December 5
Employee Interview Matt Florell
Matt has been with CHA since 2016 and is an integral part of the Aviation Design Team. Manager Todd Ewell says, “Matt is a vital part of our NE design team who not only acts as lead engineer but also a senior inspector on every Schenectady County Airport project. Matt is willing to mentor staff on design and field work, and he plays a major role with Schenectady County Airport by providing excellent client service. Its nice knowing we can depend on Matt to roll up his sleeves and get the job done on a consistent basis. Keep up the great work Matt!!”
Q: Where did you grow up, and what brought you to your current city?
A: Born and raised in Rotterdam, NY. Currently reside in Glenville, NY after buying my first home in 2013.
Q: Decribe your ideal weekend?
A: Either golfing and hanging out with my buddies, or doing some DIY projects around the house.
Q: What is your favorite hobby, activity, or creative outlet?
A: I love golf, woodworking, photography, and snowboarding.
Q: What is a fun fact about you that may surprise people?
A: Halloween is my favorite holiday, and I am a Master Pumpkin Carver (self proclaimed, of course!)
Q: What drew you to this field, and how did you get started?
A: In HS I wanted to be an architect. Decided against it for various reasons and figured attending HVCC for Civil Engineering with a Structural emphasis was the next best thing. Graduated from SunyIT with a BA in Civil Engineering and was first employed by McFarland Johnson as a Highway and Aviation engineer, and slowly found my place solely in Aviation.
Q: What advice would you give someone just starting their career in engineering?
A: Do Everything! This field is very broad, and a young engineer can do many different things. When I first started, I had no interest in (or awareness of) Aviation engineering. Saying “yes” to tasks you’re asked to do can introduce you to things you may enjoy doing more. Being well rounded also allows you to intelligently decide what path you do want to take, gives you the ability to say “no” to paths you don’t want to take, and also creates a bit of job security!
Senior Inspector/Engineer III | Works On Client Site
Q: Do you ever imagine yourself in another occupation?
A: If/when I walk away from Engineering, I would probably start my own woodworking business.
Q: What other types of jobs have you worked in?
A: Prior to engineering, I’ve only had two jobs. One was a server at a banquet hall, and the other was at a sporting goods store.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working with your collegues?
A: CHA Aviation is a great group of very intelligent and knowledgeable people. I primarily work with the Aviation group in Rochester, and I can’t speak highly enough about each team member. The Rochester Aviation group has a bright future and will have many successful projects for years to come!
Q: What is your favorite memory from working at CHA?
A: Being an Engineer and Inspector for CHA has provided me with many awesome experiences that aren’t common for most. A few memorable experiences include receiving personal tours of NYANG C-130’s, being present for an impromptu “airshow” of an F-15 Eagle, B-29 Superfortress, and P-51 Mustang, among others.
Q: What is your favorite food or cuisine?
A: There’s not much I will say “no” to. You don’t get to be 6’4” and 265 lbs by being picky and turning away food!
Project Awards/Selections
JUNE-AUGUST QBS WINS:
Burlington Intl Airport (BTV)
• Arch/Eng Consulting Services On-Call
• Planning Services On-Call
Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA)
• Arch/Eng Services On-Call
Cleveland-Hopkins Intl Airport (CLE)
• Taxiway V Extension
Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA)
• On-Call Architecture Services On-Call (DWL)
Indianapolis Intl Airport Authority (IAA)
• Airside Staff Augment
Indianapolis Intl Airport (IND)
• Runway 5L-23R Rehab
Blue Grass Airport (LEX)
• Terminal Road & Parking (Hanson)
Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
• On-Call Environmental Services
Syracuse Hancock Intl Airport (SYR)
• Terminal Apron
JUNE-AUGUST AWARDED-BOOKED:
Anderson Municipal Airport (AID)
• Terminal Apron Rehab Phase 2 & Taxiway G
Bowling Green - Warren Co Regional Airport (BWG)
• Rehabilitate Runway 3-21 CA/ CO
• Rehabilitate Terminal Apron Env/Dsn/Bid
Evansville Regional Airport (EVV)
• SRE & Mx Facility CA/CO
• Replace Baggage Handling System
• Rehabilitate Flight Line Drive
FedEx
• FSB IND East Hangar Upgrades
• PVD Final Site Design (Over & Under)
JUNE-AUGUST AWARDED-BOOKED (CONTINUED):
Fort Wayne Intl Airport (FWA)
• Realign Terminal Exit
Gulf County, FL
• Phase 2, Design Services
Indianapolis Intl Airport Authority (IAA)
• Fuel Farm Replacement NetJets
• HPN TO1 Programming
Rhode Island TF Green International Airport (PVD)
• South Cargo Ramp Development CA/CI
• Parking Lot D Improvement Plan
• Parking Lot E Expansion Plan
• Taxiway T Ramp Parking
• RIAC Planning Graphics
Frederick Douglass/Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC)
• Runway 10-28 Obstruction Removal
Rutland/Southern Vermont Regional Airport (RUT)
• Master Permitting Schenectady County Airport (SCH)
• Taxiway EFK Rehabilitate CA/CI
• Water & Sewer Extension McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
• 5L-23R Remarking Dsn, Bid & CA
• Load Bank Docking Station CS
• New Fuel Farm Design
• SRE Procurement Package
• Staff Extension Services
• Terminal Apron CA/CI EWA
• Terminal Building Escalator Replacement
Job Opportunities
If you or anyone you know is interested in these positions, please refer to our website listing to apply.
Civil Engineer III | Job ID 6349
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Engineer III
The Engineer III - Aviation conducts the aviation design improvement/development, implementation, and technical analysis of various systems to implement new products, or changes to an existing scheme, to suit individual client needs. At CHA, the professional in this role works on multiple projects in a timely and costeffective manner to meet client, contractual and company requirements.More specifically, the Engineer III - Aviation works on aviation airfields, aviation landslides such as parking lots and roadways, airport facilities, and construction/project administration duties. This individual monitors the progress and performance of the project and acts immediately to resolve operational problems, minimize delays, recognize technical discrepancies in analytical results, and make appropriate corrections.
Southeast Aviation Team Leader | Job ID 6361
Location: Winter Springs, FL; Atlanta, GA; Doral, FL
The Southeast Aviation Team Leader, a key role at CHA, leads the technical execution of projects within his/ her discipline and provides expert consultation in one or more areas of the respective field of engineering. At CHA, our Southeast Aviation Team Leader plans, schedules, conducts and coordinates detailed phases of a project independently with other engineering disciplines and project management staff. This key role provides guidance, mentorship, and technical review of work completed by junior level staff. The Southeast Aviation Team Leader provides technical development of proposals and external presentations (i.e., clients, public, regulatory agency, etc.)
At CHA, our Structural Engineer - Aviation provides advanced judgment and analysis techniques for the design development, implementation and technical analysis of various systems to implement new products, or changes to an existing scheme, to suit individual client needs. This key role is responsible for planning, scheduling, conducting and coordinating detailed phases of a project independently with other engineering disciplines and project management staff. The professional in this role mentors junior staff members and provides technical review of their work as needed.
Aviation Project Engineer | Job ID 6649
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Working alongside CHA’s professional engineers, the Aviation Project Engineer supports the design development, implementation and technical analysis of technical various systems to implement new products, or changes to an existing scheme, to suit individual client needs. The professional in this role aids in preparing technical reports, contract documents and cost estimates for various engineering tasks. At CHA, our Aviation Project Engineer works on multiple projects in a timely and cost-effective manner to meet client, contractual and company requirements.
Job Opportunities
The Human Resources team is partnering with our Infrastructure Sector to launch a special referral program –CHA-Chingfrastructure!
Now through November 15, 2024, all referrals that fill positions within our Infrastructure Sector will earn:
• $3,000 for all employee referrals that lead to a Field or Technician role hire
• $8,000 for all employee referrals that lead to an Engineer, Designer, or Project Manager role hire
• Referrals that lead to 2 hires during this period will result in an additional $3,000 bonus paid (on top of the base fee for each one)
To make a referral, direct the individual to our careers page and have them type “Infrastructure” in the search box. When they submit an application, be sure they include your name as their reference on their application.
For more information, please visit the CHA Network of CHAmpions page here.
Excellence Awards
“We’ve had a few fire drills on Grissom over the last couple weeks and Jim has stepped up and been responsive to me and the client demands. Jim has dropped what he’s been doing and been able to work in this extra work without issue. He’s played an active role on client meetings, explaining and walking through his design which has made it much easier for me. Well done!! The extra effort is much appreciated!”
“Jose earned his PMP certification. This is a significant accomplishment that will help him with his PM skills at CHA, and externally with our clients. I would like to recognize his efforts to further his personal development and professional acumen with an excellence award.”
Jim Barber nominated by Steve Lawrence
Jose Blanco nominated by Rob LaFayette
Excellence Awards (cont.)
Renee Cole nominated by Steve Lawrence
“Renee has done a fantastic job over the last 6 months stepping in for Lauren and making sure all of our spec work stays on track. She has done this while balancing her other day job. Renee has gone above and beyond, all with a smile on her face and a willingness to help. Her extra efforts are much appreciated, and she continues to be an integral part of this team!”
Synergy Award
“Diego has excelled over the course of our recent DHL apron expansion project. He has lead the design for all project pavements, airside and landside, and also taken the lead for development of the project specifications, which are both certainly challenging and daunting, especially for an engineer with less than 1 year of full-time work experience. Diego is always open to accept new tasks and takes initiative to complete them without needing to be guided to the next step.”
Illumination Award
“Mark, Jamin, & Rob - I appreciate you being the presenters for the Masterplan to Construction Virtual Workshop hosted by ACC. This was no small effort, particularly given your already busy schedules. This was great exposure for CHA to highlight our expertise in Aviation and helps us achieve our goal of being thought leaders in the industry.”
CHA’s Recognition by Design is a program designed to create a culture of recognition through providing both formal and informal avenues to celebrate contributions, hard work and successes; while also encouraging continued dialogue about the importance of recognition throughout the company. The program includes opportunities for recognition between peers; leaders and managers to individual contributors or teams, and Project Managers to project teams.
Please visit the Recognition by Design page here to learn more about the awards and offerings for your employees.
Diego Salazar nominated by Jamin Heldt
Mark Heckroth, Jamin Heldt, & Rob LaFayette nominated by Mike DeVoy
Good News Good News
Congratulations, David, for passing your PE Exam!
David Norden | Rochester, NY
Simon Davies | Indianapolis, IN
I just purchased my first home! Just miles from the Cherokee National Forest and the Tellico River, I hope to start a great little farm life over the years to come.
Sydney Hamilton | Knoxville, TN
In August, a couple of riding buddies and I embarked on a 2,300 mile trek from Albany, NY through the Cape Breton Highland National Park (a.k.a. Cabot Trail) located on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. The nine day trip included a trip across the Bay of Fundy from Bar Harbor, Maine to Yarmouth, Canada on the “The CAT” highspeed catamaran ferry. This trip was slightly longer than my 1,996 mile trip to New Brunswick’s Gaspe Peninsula in 2018.
Jeremy Martelle | Colonie, NY
Ridgely is 2 1/2. He is growing up too quickly for my liking!
Nikki Abney | Indianapolis, IN
Lena just turned 4, and Catherine is 9 months old and crawling!
Mary Kerstein | Indianapolis, IN
Patrick Dunn | Indianapolis, IN
Bald Eagle rescue at Indianapolis International Airport. The individual next to me is the USDA Wildlife Biologist for the airport.
The CHA Aviators pulled the Boeing 757 the full 12 foot distance in under 8 seconds. We smashed our fundraising goal, raising a grand total of $5,774 towards Special Olympics Indiana! The squad will be back next year for our 20th year participating in the event. Hope to see you there!
I got the opportunity to fly 13 kids as part of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagle flight program during the Indy South-Greenwood Airport Day on August 24. I hope a few caught the aviation bug!
Adam French | Indianapolis, IN
AVIATION VISION STATEMENT
We will responsibly improve the lives of our clients and co-workers by:
• Operating a sustainable business line that provides our aviation clients exceptional service and industry thought leadership.
• Being the most admired business line at CHA through outstanding performance, career advancement, and staff retention.
Definitions:
• Providing career opportunities through sustainable growth (5-10% NSR growth/year)
• Retaining our valued aviation employees (top industry quartile)
• Delivering quality service and solutions (95% client retention; add min. 2 potential CLAD clients/year)
• Performing as a highly effective and efficient business line (MU > 2.20)
