Major events like the World Cup, Olympic Games, and other high-profile gatherings can significantly change airport demands, often with immovable deadlines and increasing cost pressures.
Through a candid discussion, airport leaders will explore how these events influence infrastructure priorities, capital planning, funding, and project delivery. Attendees will gain practical insights into how airports balance immediate event needs with long-term investments, manage cost and schedule pressures, and prepare for the next surge in demand

Join us for our Conversations with Colleagues session: Ready Before the Rush: Preparing Airport Infrastructure for Major Events 

Moderators

Roben Armstrong
Senior Aviation Practice Leader
Roben L. Armstrong is a Senior Practice Leader in Parkhill’s Aviation Sector, bringing extensive public and private sector experience in aviation, strategic planning, environmental planning, and capital program management. She has led major airport and transportation initiatives, including advancing the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport, a new greenfield commercial airport, and developing the Clark County Department of Aviation’s first Strategic Plan. Her environmental planning work has also earned national recognition from the Federal Transit Administration. Known for her strategic insight, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative leadership, Roben has guided multidisciplinary teams and supported complex infrastructure initiatives nationwide. At Parkhill, she focuses on expanding the firm’s aviation practice, strengthening client relationships, and advancing strategic business development across regions.


Toby Baker
Senior Project Manager

Toby Baker, PE, is a Partner and Team Leader in Parkhill’s Aviation Sector. A licensed professional engineer and commercial pilot, Toby brings a unique perspective to airport planning, design, and construction through his experience both in the air and on the ground. He has extensive expertise in FAA design standards, grant administration, and complex airport infrastructure projects. His experience includes managing major runway extensions, airfield improvements, and multimillion-dollar capital projects involving multiple funding agencies. Throughout his career, Toby has contributed to more than 165 projects at 41 airports across Oklahoma. In 2022, he received the Oklahoma Airport Operators Association’s Corporate Champ Award in recognition of his leadership, service, and commitment to the aviation industry.

Speaker

Trent Ballard
Arlington Municipal Airport Manager

Trent has been with the Arlington Municipal Airport since 2014, serving as the Airport Manager since October of 2021. Prior to coming to the City, Trent worked in the private sector at Harrison Aviation as a Line Service Technician. He has held City positions as Airport Maintenance Technician, Airport Operations Supervisor and was Assistant Airport Manager from 2016 to 2021. In 2024, Trent oversaw the acquisition of the airports Fixed Base Operator, bringing under the operation of the Airport. He has a bachelor's degree in Aerospace Administration and Operations from Oklahoma State University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington. He carries the Certified Member designation from the American Association of Airport Executives.


Lance Lamkin, A.A.E.
Airport Director of Max Westheimer Airport

Lance Lamkin, A.A.E., serves as the Airport Director for Max Westheimer Airport (OUN) at the University of Oklahoma, where he has led transformative growth and development since 2018. Under his leadership, the airport has secured more than $60 million in federal funding through Congressionally Directed Spending between 2019 and 2026. These funds have supported critical infrastructure projects including the construction of a new air traffic control tower, runway reconfiguration, hangar development, and terminal renovations, positioning OUN as a premier general aviation facility in the region.

Lamkin has been deeply involved with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) for over a decade, contributing at both the regional and national levels. He served as President of the South Central Chapter of AAAE in 2025, where he strengthened the chapter’s focus on education and professional development. During his tenure, he directed over $30,000 into scholarships and training initiatives, expanded member engagement, and established a Finance Committee to ensure long-term sustainability. He also serves as Vice Chair of AAAE’s Academic Relations Committee and has contributed to the development of the General Aviation Accredited Airport Executive (ACE) program.

Jeff Mulder, A.A.E
Oklahoma City/OKC Airport Trust Airport Director

More than 30 years of aviation and transportation experience with more than 20 years as an Airport CEO at Appleton, Tulsa, Fort Myers and now Oklahoma City. I also worked as a Senior Consultant at Woolpert supporting the Aviation, Water, and Strategic Consulting markets. Past National Chairman of American Association of Airport Executives, recipient of the AAAE Distinguished Service Award, and 2016 Airport Revenue News Airport Director of the Year.