ACRP Ambassadors

The ACRP Ambassador program is a premier practitioner engagement initiative within TRB. Ambassadors tell the ACRP story, help practitioners access and apply research to solve airport problems, serve as conduits of information between airports and ACRP, and connect the next generation of airport leaders.

About

Ambassadors are airport industry practitioners who voluntarily serve as ACRP's representatives, directly engaging with fellow airport practitioners and other stakeholders at industry conferences and events. They use these opportunities to disseminate ACRP's research results and encourage their implementation, engage fellow practitioners in ACRP's research process, and share information and key messages about the program. Ambassadors value:

Creating connections
Serving the greater good
Sharing information
Inspiring others to act

The Ambassador Experience

Ambassadors serve a two-year term and are expected to:

Attend an Ambassador orientation each year.
Attend Ambassador teleconferences, respond to surveys, and provide ACRP with feedback on the Ambassador experience.
Help identify and secure exhibiting and speaking opportunities at airport industry events.
Attend 1 airport industry event each year as an ACRP representative and:
1. Staff the ACRP exhibit booth.
2. Present on ACRP's research process, ways to get involved, and other ACRP research-related topics.
3. Describe and promote solutions (in the form of ACRP research products) to industry issues.
4. Champion involvement in ACRP.
Help with ACRP's dissemination and industry engagement initiatives.

Learn About

Ambassadors Emeritus

Having used ACRP research in my airport's operations, I want others to have the same opportunities.

- Mike Witiw, ACRP Ambassador

Why Serve?

Ambassadors enjoy a unique connection to ACRP, TRB, and the National Academies, all widely respected organizations at the forefront of transportation research. Your service enables you to:

Attend industry events near you at minimal expense.
Network, share experiences, and collaborate with fellow industry practitioners.
Bring knowledge back to your own institution, agency, or employer.
Gain a deep understanding of ACRP and help shape its future.
Make a difference and give back to the airport industry.

ACRP provides Ambassadors with logistical and event planning support and pays for registration fees and onsite lodging. ACRP does not pay for Ambassadors' transportation to and from conferences, food, or incidental expenses. See the ACRP Ambassador Program Guidelines for additional information.

Apply Today!

ACRP accepts Ambassador program applications in the late spring and summer. Decisions are typically made in late summer.  Selected candidates will be required to attend the Ambassador Orientation on October 22nd, 2026.

The deadline to apply for the 2027-2028 cohort is Friday, July 31st, 2026.

To apply:

Review the ACRP Ambassador Program Guidelines (PDF).
Contact the Ambassador recruitment team at ACRPAmbassador@cadmusgroup.com  to let us know you are interested.
Submit your signed Ambassador Program Application Form and attachments to ACRPAmbassador@cadmusgroup.com, with “CC” to ACRP@nas.edu, by July 31st, 2026.

Candidates will be informed of the results of their applications in early September. Successful candidates typically demonstrate:

Familiarity with the ACRP research process and products, often with first-hand experience participating in and using ACRP research.
Past experience as an ACRP project panelist or research team member, which provides necessary first-hand knowledge of the ACRP research process.
A commitment to promoting ACRP's goals before, during, and after serving as an Ambassador.
Applicable work experience and a strong professional network in the U.S. airport industry.
Willingness and ability to speak/present at industry events.
Approval and support from an employer to attend orientation and two industry events over two years.

Current Ambassadors

Maninder Ade, Amazon Air
Melanie Brown, City of Houston-Houston Airports
Eric Caplan, Tampa International Airport.
Trent Holder, Woolpert
Liz Huang, The Port Authority of NY & NJ
Mehdi Maadir, Geometric Engineering.
Amber Woodburn McNair, AV McNair, LLC
Jennifer Moore, Auralis LLC.
Samantha Pinto, Aviation WSP
Judith Rodriguez, Harvard University
Michelle Schwartz, Takeoff Advisors, LLC
La'Tisha Smith, The Port Authority of NY & NJ
Anthony Tezla, AECOM
Hao Wang, Rutgers University
Linda Welland, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Kevin Wu, Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Chuyang Yang, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach