Board of Directors
JOHN S. OLSSON – Chairman
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
NICKI BEHMER-POPP – Secretary
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 HOVE – Assistant Chairman
Hove is returning to the LAA board having served from 2007 – 2011 and was elected in 2023 to serve a six-year term expiring in 2029. 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; and is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. A former Naval Aviator, Hove currently serves as Senior Director at First National Bank of Omaha. Contact Chris by email at: chove@fnbo.com
CHRIS STOKES – Member
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 cstokes@lincolnairport.aero
VANESSA EMLICH – Assistant Secretary
Vanessa was appointed by Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird in September 2023 to fill the remaining term of a former Board Member. Her term will expire in May of 2025. 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
DAVID HARING, Executive Director for the Lincoln Airport Authority
David was appointed as the Executive Director of the Lincoln Airport Authority on August 29, 2014. A native of Pennsylvania, David is a private pilot, an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.), a Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives (C.M.) and a graduate of the University of North Dakota. Prior to his appointment in Lincoln, David held a variety of positions at the Cheyenne Regional Airport in Cheyenne, WY, most recently serving as its Director of Aviation from 2007-2014. Contact via email: dharing@lincolnairport.com
Senior Staff
BOB MCNALLY, Director – Operations
CHAD LAY, Director – Planning and Development
RACHEL BARTH, Director – Air Service Development and Strategic Marketing
JERI L. WINKELMANN, Director – Administration and Finance
Contact the Lincoln Airport Authority here.