Airport Board and Senior Staff
Board of Directors
Chris Hove
Nicki Behmer-Popp
Chris Stokes
Vanessa Emlich
John S. Olsson
Anthony Dudas, CM
Chris Hove
After having served previously from 2007 to 2011, Hove returned to the Board for a six-year term beginning in 2023. Hove graduated from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln with a business degree, received a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of San Diego, is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is, also, a former Naval Aviator. Contact Chris by email at: pchove@outlook.com.
Nicki Behmer-Popp
Elected for a six-year term to the Board May 2021, which will expire May 2027. Nicki has been a Lincoln resident since 2007 and holds an M.A. from the University of Nebraska and a B.A from Hastings College. Behmer is a local business owner serving as a licensed REALTOR® in Lincoln and the surrounding areas. She and her husband Josh have two boys, Hayden and Ian. Contact Nicki at: npopp@lincolnairport.aero
Chris Stokes
Elected for a six-year term to the Board May 2023, which will expire May 2029, Chris holds degrees in Economics from the University of Nebraska (BS) and a degree in Leadership from Bellevue University (MA). He is long-time Lincoln resident and a decorated combat veteran. Chris has been flying since he was 16 years old and has extensive experience in the general, corporate, military & airline industries, and is now an airline transport pilot and a FAA certified flight instructor. Contact Chris at cbstokes1@gmail.com
Vanessa Emlich
After having served on the Board as an appointee of Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird since Sept. 2023, Vanessa won her election bid for a six-year seat with the Lincoln Airport Authority in May of 2025. Her term will expire in May of 2031. Vanessa holds degrees in German from Humboldt State University (BA), Translation from the University of Surrey (MA) and Business Administration with an emphasis in Business Analytics from the University of South Dakota (MBA). She has been engaged in strategic planning and goal setting for more than 15 years through her work with nonprofit organizations and community initiatives. She currently works as a Director of Audit Operations within the healthcare industry. Contact Vanessa at vemlich@lincolnairport.aero
John S. Olsson
Elected for a six-year term to the Board May 2021, which will expire May 2027. As a native Lincolnite, John is a graduate of Lincoln Southeast, Colorado School of Mines (BS) and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (MS). Mr. Olsson is employed by the engineering design firm Olsson where he serves as Chief Relationship Officer. John is also a licensed pilot and the proud father of four children. Contact John via email at: Jolsson1124@gmail.com
Anthony Dudas, CM
Anthony was appointed as the Executive Director of the Lincoln Airport Authority on December 4, 2025. Dudas joins Lincoln with more than 17 years of aviation leadership experience, most recently serving as Airport Director for the City of Williston, North Dakota. In that role, he oversaw the planning, financing, and construction of the new $273 million Williston Basin International Airport, one of the largest airport infrastructure projects in the region and managed operations, budgeting, air service development, and stakeholder relations for the fast-growing commercial service airport. He brings a track record of strategic planning, complex capital project delivery, and collaborative leadership that has strengthened airport systems and community partnerships throughout his career. Contact via email: adudas@lincolnairport.com.
Senior Staff
Michael Griffin
Chad Lay
Rachel Barth