AVIATION OUTLOOK

Airports are more than gateways. They are engines of growth, drivers of regional vitality, and visible measures of a community’s economic strength.

As Orange County grows, demand for air travel is rising with it. Expansion brings opportunity. Local aviation leaders will share how they are responding in real time by improving efficiency and elevating the traveler experience while managing noise, traffic, and community impact with care and intention.

Join us at the Pacific Club for a featured luncheon hosted by the Orange County Chapter of Lambda Alpha International. This session will deliver current insights, emerging priorities, and a forward look at what is next for aviation in our region. Hear directly from those shaping the future and gain perspective on how today’s decisions are influencing growth, access, and experience across Orange County.

This luncheon is open to members and guests. Space is limited; pre-registration is required.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Photo: John Wayne Airport

Featured Thought Leaders:

• Alex Scott, General Manager | John Wayne Airport, Clay Lacy Aviation
• Daniel Murphy, Vice President of Finance, Clay Lacy Aviation
• Insights from one of the nation’s leading private aviation companies with a strong presence at JWA.
• Komal Kumar, Assistant Airport Director of John Wayne Airport (JWA)
• A visionary look at JWA’s story, strategic initiatives, and future plans for operational excellence and community engagement.

Why You Can’t Miss This: LAI members will hear directly from those driving one of Orange County’s most significant catalysts for growth. This is more than a luncheon—it’s a meeting of minds shaping the future of aviation and regional prosperity.

EVENT INFORMATION

DATE: Wednesday, June 17th, 2026

TIME: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM

LOCATION: The Pacific Club

4110 MacArthur Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92660

TICKETS:

$85.00 for LAI Members & Guest of LAI Members*

$95 for Non-LAI Members

**No Refunds for No-Shows.**

 Please note that the full lunch fee will be charged to those who RSVP and do not show up to the event. This fee covers the no-show cost charged for the meal by the Pacific Club.

SCHEDULE:

11:30am – 12:00pm Networking | 12:00pm Lunch | 12:20pm LAI Introduction | 12:30pm Speaker | 1:30pm Q&A | 2:00pm End

RSVP IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND. YOU WILL BE CONTACTED FOR PAYMENT.

*LAI Member pricing applies to all LAI Chapters. Please note your Chapter in the notes when RSVPing.

EVENT SPEAKERS

ALEX SCOTT General Manager John Wayne Airport Clay Lacy Aviation

Alex serves as General Manager of the company’s full-service FBO and private terminal at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California. He leads teams responsible for client experience, aircraft ground handling and fueling, and airport and community relations. Under his leadership, the Orange County FBO’s line and client services teams have ranked among the best in the Americas by Aviation International News for three consecutive years, and in 2026 Alex was named to AIN’s Above and Beyond list. Alex joined the company in 2020 as Facilities Manager and now leads development of a new FBO and hangar complex at John Wayne Airport. Prior to joining the company, he served as a police officer for the City of Huntington Beach and holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice from California Coast University

DANIEL MURPHY Vice President Finance Clay Lacy Aviation

Daniel oversees financial and strategic initiatives across the company’s aircraft management, charter, maintenance and FBO operations. He leads corporate finance initiatives, monitors business line performance and evaluates airport development and acquisition opportunities. Previously, he served as Director of Financial Planning & Analysis at Clay Lacy, managing finance and accounting teams and providing reporting and analysis for aircraft performance. He also held the role of Director of Corporate Strategy at a business aviation management and charter company, focusing on fleet management and business development initiatives.Daniel holds an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management and a BBA in Finance from the College of William & Mary.

KOMAL KUMAR Assistant Airport Director John Wayne Airport Ms. Komal Kumar has served as Assistant Airport Director of John Wayne Airport (JWA) since November 2022, providing strategic oversight of airport operations and policy. She leads several divisions, including Operations, Public Affairs, Finance, Innovation and Technology, Planning and Development, Maintenance, and Environmental programs. Previously, she served as Deputy Airport Director of Finance Administration, overseeing financial functions, leading the defeasance of $60.8 million in bonds, and securing funding for a $711 million Capital Improvement Plan in 2024. Ms. Kumar joined JWA in 2016 and brings 19 years of experience with the County of Orange. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of California, Riverside and has received regional recognition, including “Women in Finance 2024” by the Orange County Business Journal and the Greater Irvine Chamber’s “40 Under 40” award.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR JIM PARKER PCL CONSTRUCTION

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Lambda Alpha member Jim Parker for generously sponsoring this month’s luncheon. Jim plays a big role in the Lambda Alpha Orange County Chapter as an amazing networker and also serves as a valuable member on the Board of Directors. As a Business Development Manager at PCL Construction, Jim has spent more than 25 years in the industry and has a passion for enriching communities. What he likes most about public projects is that they allow him to be a part of a greater impact in the community, which he finds incredibly rewarding. Jim is also known for being detail-oriented and enjoys digging deep into a problem to find solutions that benefit us and the client together.

Visit their website for more info!https://www.pcl.com/us/en