AVN CHAtter: Issue 9

AVN TTER

Issue Nine Highlights...

Sustainability Corner | Page 2

Project Highlight | Page 3

Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority

ALP Update and Runway 5R/23L

Rehabilitation Programming

Client Spotlight | Page 4

City of Cleveland Department of Port Control Dennis Kramer, PE

Airport Director

Employee Interview | Page 6

Bill Steele

Resident Engineer II | Indianapolis, IN

New Faces to CHA Aviation

Welcome Message

Business translation:

The challenge at hand is greater than anticipated. It will require more people, resources, and technology, and more importantly, an efficient and well-managed team working in coordination to deliver our projects, while elating our Clients.

No problem! How do I know? Well, we’ve been doing just that for decades.

Themes:

• We are the bigger boat.

• Every challenge is just a series of solved problems.

We’ve got this!

Paul McDonnell Chief Planner

“You’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat!”

Chief Brody (Roy Scheider), Jaws. Universal Pictures, 1975

Sean Childers Engineer I Indianapolis, IN

Tony Laws Electrical Engineering Lead Works at Home

* Since last newsletter.

Austin Allen Senior Inspector Evansville, IN

Diego Salazar Engineer I Indianapolis, IN

Jack Sims Engineer I Rochester, NY

Sustainability Corner

Welcome to the Sustainability Corner!

This space serves to provide greater insight into the sustainability practices, programming, and onging efforts of CHA Aviation!

For the second year in a row, CHA was invited to take part in the Sustainable Aviation Forum at the Ohio State University Airport. Mark Heckroth, ENV SP and Tyler Bicknell, PE, ENV SP took part in this year’s one day workshop in March. This year’s event was organized by faculty and staff from the Ohio State University’s Aerospace Research Center, the Center for Automotive Research, the Center for Aviation Studies, the College of Engineering, Airport, and the Sustainability Institute. The attendees were a diverse group of industry, government, and academic leaders coming to together to hear about emerging technologies and to exchange ideas on how the aviation industry can and will transition to a low-carbon future. The speakers included: President, GE Honda Aero Engines, Char of the Ohio House Committee on Aviation and Aerospace, Technical Director, Honda Aircraft Company, Chief Engineer from Textron eAviation, and the General Manager of Advanced Technology, GE Aerospace.

Some of the highlights included a discussion on the significant investments required in terms of aircraft design and propulsion, the complexity of infrastructure and ground systems that will be needed to support new sources of power, and the workforce development necessary to service a new generation of air transportation.

Strategic Initiatives

Strategy Development

Below are updates on the progress we have made on our strategic our last newsletter:

Market Goal

Expand aviation business into CHA expansion area(s):

• Booked first project with OSU Airport

• Won first project with Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC)

• Won planning and design of new airport in Gulf County, FL

• Met with MIA staff (twice) to understand program/opportunities

• Met with Melbourne to position for task order assignments

• Assisting PMCM team in MA for potential opportunities at Nantucket and other MA airports.

Service Goal

Expand specialized aviation services:

• Hired new airfield electrical engineering lead, Tony Laws

• Expanded backlog (and proposals pending) for sustainable initiatives – master plans, management plans, ESG reporting, Envision integration

• Developed fly sheet for Energy Management at Airports with Power Team

• Exploring service delivery models incorporating asset management, continuous planning, and program management

Technology Goal

Increase productivity/quality using technology-based solutions:

• Established the Aviation Innovation Team to identify and implement technology based solutions to increase productivity/quality

• Working with new Asset Management Leader (Khalid Yamin) to identify applications for airports

• Six Plan Production Series presentations completed to date – 6 more scheduled

• Using tablets for field data collection on projects and inspection services

Business Line Director: Mike DeVoy

Project Manager: Rob LaFayette Indianapolis, IN

CHA Revenue: $813,000

Start Date: 2021

Completion: 2023

Brief Description of the work provided:

Project Name: ALP and Runway 5R/23L Rehabilitation Programming

Client Name: Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority

Location: Knoxville, TN (TYS)

The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA, “the Authority,” or “the Sponsor”) has completed several design and planning studies as part of the ongoing modernization of the McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS or the “Airport”). These studies include planning and programming for the Airfield Modernization Program (AMP) and a Terminal Area Planning (TAP) Study. The AMP was to define improvements necessary to preserve the safety, efficiency, and capacity of the airfield and the TAP was focused on terminal improvements essential to capture forecasted demand.

The Airport Layout Plan Update (ALP) was initiated to incorporate as-builts pertaining to the recently completed Runway 5L/23R reconstruction and recommended improvements in the TAP. The TAP was completed in January 2020 prior to the coronavirus pandemic (COVD19) to evaluate airport improvements necessary to meet forecasted demand over a 20-year planning horizon till 2038. Given the recent COVID-19 pandemic, an updated forecast, resulting Demand/Capacity and Facility Requirements, and reevaluation of recommendations in the TAP was performed by CHA.

The Runway 5R/23L Rehabilitation Programming (Runway Programming) was commenced to define the preferred rehabilitation plan for Runway 5R/23L. During the reconstruction of Runway 5L/23R which commenced in 2016, Runway 5R/23L was used as the Airports primary runway handling 100% of the operations with deteriorating pavement. Therefore, the scope of work included in the programming effort was to define the preferred rehabilitation methods, phasing, and budgets necessary to complete this project over a series of phased projects.

Any challenges or major hurdles CHA had

to overcome to complete this project?

TYS has experienced an accelerated increase in passenger activity which was further compounded after the occurrence of the COVID-19 in 2020. The sharp growth in passenger activity after COVID-19 was primarily attributed to the migration of people to the State of Tennessee and the increase in leisure travel. TYS is a unique situation as COVID-19 lead to accelerated growth, which required the complete reevaluation of the Airport given the change in the passenger dynamic. Clear and concise communication with the client was necessary to inform the Authority of the importance of determining a new future development vision for the Airport. In terms of the Runway Programming, the challenge was coming up with a plan to alleviate FAA standard deficiencies in a way that was timing, financially feasible, and without a reduction to the airfield operational efficiency. The overall challenge in this project was completing two large projects: planning (ALP) and design (Runway Programming) within the established budget.

Peter Aliogo Atlanta, GA

Tucker Boes Evansville, IN

Cole Brown Rochester, NY

Connor Gott Columbus, OH

Ashley Koutropoulos Indianapolis, IN

Karthik Nadella Atlanta, GA

Zach Worley Indianapolis, IN

Client Spotlight

Client Name: City of Cleveland Department of Port Control Location: Cleveland, OH (CLE/BKL)

“Staying in your lane isn’t going to allow you to broaden your horizons, so step out of your comfort zone and set new challenges!” - Dennis Kramer

Bill Barley and Mike DeVoy recently had the pleasure of speaking with Dennis Kramer, Director, at Cleveland Hopkins International and Burke Lakefront Airport.

Q: Please tell us about yourself - personally and professionally to the degree that you are comfortable.

A: I am a Northeast Ohio native. I went to the University of Toledo – go Rockets! – for Civil Engineering, and then attended Cleveland State University for my MBA. After graduation, I worked for Kokosing Construction, then Allega Construction, doing a lot of airport construction work – RDU, MYR, CMH, etc. I saw a job opening for Chief of Planning & Engineering at CLE and decided to apply. I got the job and started with the City in February of 2020. Since that time my role has expanded and I currently oversee all elements of planning, engineering & construction, environmental, compliance & inclusion, asset management, and information technology. Also, in addition to my normal duties I have served as the Airport Interim Director since last July when our previous Director retired. I’m married with 3 kids and I serve on the Board of Education for the Avon Local School District.

Q: How does being a Professional Engineer help in your career and as an airport executive?

A: Getting my PE required the need to know a lot about a lot – kind of like working in the aviation industry. It helped me to become (and learn how to become) a well-rounded professional in whatever I was doing. I’ve spent most of my career in construction and field engineering, as opposed to doing design work. This also gave me a broad perspective of the industry. Learning how to become a well-rounded professional in any field will lead to more opportunities.

Q: You spent a part of your career working for a construction contractor. How has that experience prepared you for your current role?

A: I traveled a lot while working for Kokosing but there weren’t any opportunities to get back home to Cleveland, so I then went to work for Allega. We were one of the few firms in the country who was creating certified labs that we could take from job to job. Working for a construction contractor has helped me in my current role, especially when it comes to our upcoming airport development program while operating an airport. Developing a program for the airport affects every piece of the organization, e.g., engineering, HR, finance, concessions, etc. Knowing how the construction

needs to go has helped me influence and shape how all sections of the organization need to prepare and how it will affect them. Again, going back to having a broad wellrounded knowledge – it can help in so many ways when strategizing and developing a project, plan or program.

Q: You work with multiple engineering and architectural firms that provide services to the City of Cleveland Department of Port Control. What differentiates your top performing consultants from the others?

A: Collaboration is the first word that comes to mind. Don’t tell us what to do and don’t ask us what to do. We want a consultant who is going to challenge us according to their expertise but also work with us to find the best solution for the airport. It truly is a partnership. And since most organizations can operate in silos, internal collaboration with staff is important too. Be flexible.

Q: You are formulating a significant construction program to improve the terminal and associated facilities at CLE. What are some of the biggest opportunities and challenges you see with this program?

A: The terminal program will be transformational and a re-visioning of the airport. Our biggest opportunity is economic growth for the community, which is our core purpose. Creating a welcoming “portal” for travelers is very important. Challenges include staffing, availability of consultants and contractors, and our own organizational readiness. Our first step is to bring on an executive program consultant to help us evaluate our internal organization and make sure we are structured to take on this large program.

Q: We are interviewing leaders within our client organizations to provide aviation industry insight for our staff, particularly people with under 5 years in the industry. What advice do you have for new professionals in our industry?

A: The best way to advance in your career is by gaining a broad knowledge and perspective through experiences. Staying in your lane isn’t going to allow you to broaden your horizons, so step out of your comfort zone and set new challenges! It’ll make you a well-rounded employee and individual, and open up more opportunities as you grow.

Director: Dennis Kramer, PE

Summer Conferences

AAAE Annual (Denver, CO)

ACI-NA Jumpstart/Small Airports (Milwaukee, WI)

SAME Annual Program Review (Savannah, GA)

FL Aviation (West Palm Beach, FL)

GLC/AAAE Annual (Dubuque, IA)

NEC/AAAE Annual (Erie, PA)

June 2-5

June 12-14

June 26-28

July 22-26

July 28-30

August 13-15

Paul Puckli, Mike DeVoy, Nathan Lienhart

Paul Puckli

Candice Scale, Jeremy Martelle

Jonathan Hand, Paul Puckli

Mary Kerstein, Casey Jones

Jeremy Martelle, John DelBalso

Professional Development Upcoming Aviation CoPs

Plan Production Series

• Fencing and Security - 6/29

• Navaids - 7/20

• Pavement Markings/Lighting & Signage - 8/3

ACC Webinars:

• We’ve got 25 seats for 2023.

• Please contact Renee to register for a session(s)!

• Erosion Control - 8/10

• Utility Plans - 8/24

• Spot Elevations & Jointing - TBD

WE NEED PRESENTERS! Please reach out to Todd Schultheis (Engineering) or Paul McDonnell (Planning) with your ideas.

Employee Interview Bill Steele

Bill has been with CHA since 1989 and is an integral part of the Construction Management Team. Manager Scott Crimmins says, “Bill continues to be an invaluable resource to me and the entire Aviation Field Services team. And he does an outstanding job keeping CHA clients happy!”

Keep up the great work, Bill!

Q: What is the one thing you cannot resist?

A: Chocolate!

Q: What is your greatest fear?

A: Losing my wife, Amanda.

Q: Where is your favorite place to be?

A: At home with Amanda, our cats, and my best bud - our boxer, Otis.

Q: Where is the best place you’ve traveled to and why?

A: Disney World. We used to love going there so we could just be kids again!

Q: What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?

A: Cleaning grain bins - hot and smelly!

Q: What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?

A: Construction Manager.

Q: Any favorite line from a movie?

A: “Go ahead, make my day.” And “Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?”

Q: If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

A: Precision long-range shooting.

Q: If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor?

A: Teddy Roosevelt.

Resident Engineer II| Indianapolis, IN

Q: When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you like to spend it?

A: Playing with Otis!

Q: What are 3 words you’d use to describe CHA?

A: Challenging, Team, Resourceful.

Q: What is the first concert you attended?

A: Alabama.

Q: What music is on your phone?

A: None!

Q: If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you like to meet?

A: Dwight Eisenhower.

Q: If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?

A: Set some money aside to help local organizations in need.

Q: What’s your favorite activity?

A: Cooking with my wife. We love it!

Q: What is something you learned in the last week?

A: Not all hotels are the same quality. LOL!

Q: How do you balance your career and family?

A: Turn off work when I’m home. And having an understanding wife when I get phone calls in the evening!

My bride! The happiest place on Earth! Leo

Otis

Project Awards/Selections

MARCH-MAY QBS SELECTIONS:

• BJJ – Engineering Services

• BJJ – Airport Master Plan

• PVD – Stormwater Conveyance Improvements

• LEX – On-Call Terminal Design Services

• (Gresham Smith)

• Gulf County – New Airport Engineering Services

• BDR – Runway 11-29 Improvements Program

MARCH-MAY KEY PURSUITS:

• ALB – Sustainability Consultant

• DHL – CVGH B777 Apron Expansion and Hangar Development

• TYS – 5R-23L Rehabilitation Design – Project 1

• AVL – General Consulting Services

• ORF – Airside Design On-Call

MARCH-MAY PROJECT AWARDS:

Knoxville

• TYS – Terminal Apron Expansion CA-CI

• TYS – Parking Structure Schematic Design Part 1

• TYS – Short-Term Gate Expansion Analysis

• TYS – Fence Programming Study

• DKX – GA Terminal Funding Plan

• DKX – Helo Parking and Conv. Outlet Relo

• DKX – Fueling Facility Assessment

Evansville

• EVV – Recon TW C Ph1 Env/Dsn/Bid

• EVV – Land Releases

• EVV – TO 8 FBO Terminal Site/Civil (Hafer)

• EVV – Corporate Hangar Permitting (Hafer)

Others

• BJJ – Master Plan Update

• SCH – TW A (South) and TW B Rehabilitation Design

• GOF – D/B Construct JP8 Fire Trainer (Kirila)

• CAK – Terminal-Construction Services

• OSU – Taxiway E Rehabilitation

• PCCS – FedEx Ramp Striping Plans (Canada)

• PCCS – FedEx Ramp Striping Plans (Latin American)

• ROC – Baggage System Improvements

• UWL – ALP Update and Narrative

Job Opportunities

If you or anyone you know is interested in these positions, please refer to our website listing to apply.

Federal Programs Team Leader| Job ID 5934

Location: Any CHA Office

As part of the aviation team, this role will drive and grow the Federal Market business while leveraging expertise and existing relationships to assist with business development and market growth for federal opportunities. This will include identifying and leading pursuits, expanding the network of potential teaming partners, putting CHA in a position to increase market share, and assisting with expanding the CHA brand across the Federal Market. This position will lead the creation and development of a diverse team focused on delivering federal market projects.

Southeast Aviation Team Leader| Job ID 5924

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.)

Structural Engineer| Job ID 5828

Location: Duluth, GA; Atlanta, GA; Indianapolis, IN; Rochester, NY; Colonie, NY

Our Structural Engineer conducts 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. At CHA, the Structural Engineer works on multiple projects in a timely and cost-effective manner to meet client, contractual and company requirements. The Structural Engineer monitors progress and performance against the project plan and acts immediately to resolve operational problems and minimize delays, as well as recognizes technical discrepancies in analytical results, and makes appropriate corrections. This role identifies, develops, and gathers technical resources necessary to complete assignments.

Structural Engineer

Federal Programs Team Leader

Southeast Aviation Team Leader

Job Opportunities (cont.)

If you or anyone you know is interested in these positions, please refer to our website listing to apply.

Electrical Engineer IV | Job ID 5975

Location: Colonie, NY

At CHA, our Electrical Engineer IV 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, and coordinating detailed phases of a project independently with other engineering disciplines and project management staff. The Electrical Engineer IV mentors junior staff members and provides technical review of their work as needed.

Project Manager| Job ID 6010

Location: Colonie, NY; Indianapolis, IN; Cleveland, OH; Rochester, NY

The Project Manager coordinates contracts with the client, subcontractors, purchase orders, daily correspondence, and all other project related documents. The Project Manager is responsible for all project financials, manages subcontractor payments, and communicates updates to the client, management, and project team during monthly project review meetings with operations.

CHA is continuously working hard to identify top talent, and we believe it takes one to know one. Our Network of CHAmpions program recognizes the critical role you play in our ability to add key talent to our team. Help us reach our goal of being the best in the industry by referring talented professionals to join our team!

Gross Bonus Amounts:

• $2,000 – For a referral that leads to a hire in a Full-Time role which requires 3 years or less of professional experience.

• $4,000 – For a referral that leads to a hire in a Full-Time role which requires 4 or more years of professional experience.

For more information, please visit the CHA Network of CHAmpions page here.

Project Manager

Electrical Engineer IV

Excellence Awards Recent Promotions

Excellence Awards

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 at CHA page here to learn more about the awards and offerings for your employees.

Nicole Cullen Engineer II

Casey Jones Principal Engineering Designer

Riley Richter Engineering Designer III

Clint Weimer Project Engineer IV

Sunie Rahardja Project Engineer IV

Melissa Zender Engineer III

David Norden Engineer III

Patrick Dunn Engineer II

Ivan Ross Planner II

A team from CHA’s Indianapolis office headed up the road recently to take part in Purdue University’s “The Challenge 5k”, an annual run/walk sponsored by the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research. The group reported the event day weather was perfect and the race had a great turn out, with more than 900 participants. In all, the challenge raised over $100,000 for cancer research.

(Indianapolis, IN)

Sunie has recently been able to restore her Indiana PE license! Secondly, she has just completed the examination and is now a certified ENV-SP through ISI! Congrats Sunie - keep up the outstanding work!

Dan and I have been calling each other fiancé for a while now, but he decided it needed to be official!

Our youngest daughter, Diana, has graduated high school and is moving to Denver! So proud of her!

Owen graduated from high school. He’s off to the University of Evansville to study Exercise Science/Physical Therapy. Crazy proud of this dude!!

Lauren Bailey | (Indianapolis, IN)

Sunie Rahardja | (Indianapolis, IN)

Mike DeVoy | (Indianapolis, IN)

Steve Lawrence | (Indianapolis, IN)

My son, Chris, had his white coat ceremony. He graduated from RIT and starts rotations in his PA program in May.

Todd Ewell | (Rochester, NY)

Congrats, Elliott, on passing your FE and Envision Sustainability Professional exams! Way to go!

Elliott Clements | (Knoxville, TN)

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)