november-december 2021 - 41

Age: 35
Hometown: I was born in
Christchurch, New Zealand,
have lived all across the
U.S., but spent most of my
youth in Tucson, Arizona.
Alma Mater: Arizona State
University for my undergrad,
and the University of Oregon
for my MBA
Fun fact about yourself: I
minored in Spanish and have
kept up with it ever since I
left college.
Mitchell R. Hooper, MBA
Aviation has always been a part of Mitchell Hooper's life.
Born in New Zealand, Hooper's grandfather was one of New
Zealand's first aerial crop dusters and had his own business
providing agricultural spray services.
" My grandfather and uncle used to restore aircraft in my
grandparents' backyard so I have been exposed to aviation
as long as I can remember. When I was in grade school, I
used to draw airport layouts and airline route maps for fun, "
Hooper said.
Fourteen years ago, Hooper joined Mead & Hunt and serves
now as an aviation planning manager. His work on aviation
planning projects nationwide has earned him a reputation
among clients as knowledgeable, innovative and people-focused.
He has been the principal project planner for more
than 50 airport planning and environmental studies. Hooper
excels at taking on challenging projects - working through the
minutia to deliver sustainable results that meet and exceed
the needs of clients and stakeholders. With an educational
background in planning and business, he incorporates financial
feasibility into long-range planning.
" Aviation has always been quick to innovate. When you look
back at where we were 10 years ago and we are going to be
in the next 10 years, it is just hands down one of the most
exciting fields I can see myself being involved in. I'm particularly
proud of the work that my colleagues and I get to do where
we are advancing aviation in a sustainable fashion, reducing
environmental impact, improving financial performance and
removing barriers for everyone. And on the airport planning
and development side, we get to be visionaries. We help
airport management and stakeholders imagine what their
airport is going to look like in the next 20 years. This leads to
an infrastructure plan that will enable them to achieve their
goals and do their part to help aviation remain a thriving and
vibrant industry, " Hooper said.
Hooper cares deeply about advancing the aviation industry as
a whole and his participation on several publications, panels,
and presentations has garnered him respect among his peers
as an industry leader.
" People that work in aviation are kindred spirits, regardless of
where they stand politically or where they come from. Men and
women working in the field dedicate their lives to helping the
industry develop and thrive. Some of the finest conversations
I've ever had have been with people in the airport industry, just
because we have that shared passion, " Hooper said.
www.AviationPros.com/21244040
INDIANAPOLIS AIRPORT AUTHORITY CONGRATULATES
NATALIE SCHRANER
AIRPORT BUSINESS 40 UNDER 40
We are proud to recognize
Natalie Schraner, Indianapolis
Airport Authority Sr. HR Partner,
Learning & Development,
selected for the Airport
Business " 40 Under 40 " list.
A nine-time winner of " Best Airport in North
America " , Indianapolis International Airport is an
award-winning representation of our city and state.
Natalie Schraner is one of the many people who
help provide a " One of a KIND " experience at IND.
Learn more about job opportunities at the IAA at
www.ind.com/careers.
CONGRATULATIONS TO
MITCH HOOPER
ON HIS SELECTION AS ONE
OF AIRPORT BUSINESS'S
TOP 40 UNDER 40!
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10/26/21 1:50 PM
10/25/21 1:21 PM
UNDER
http://www.AviationPros.com/21244040 http://www.ind.com/careers https://meadhunt.com/ http://www.AVIATIONPROS.COM
november-december 2021

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