This week on Destination Aviation, the mic flips around as University of North Dakota aviation student Lauren Carter steps into the interviewer’s seat to put host Jeff Miller in the hot seat!

Lauren, who is working toward her Bachelor of Business Administration in Airport Management and graduating in May 2026, brings her passion for the industry and unique perspective as a student leader and aviation professional. With experience as a Flight Simulator Dispatcher at UND and time spent on the ramp with Unifi, Lauren understands both the operational and people sides of aviation. She’s also active in organizations like the American Association of Airport Executives and the Student Air Traffic Controllers Association, all while keeping her competitive edge on the UND Tennis Club.

In this special episode, Lauren dives into Jeff’s aviation journey, the origins of Destination Aviation, and the lessons he’s learned working in and around airports. Expect insights on leadership, career advice for young professionals, and a few personal stories you’ve never heard before.

Don’t miss this fun and candid conversation where the host becomes the guest—and discover what fuels Jeff’s passion for connecting people through aviation storytelling.

👉 Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: (2) Lauren Carter | LinkedIn

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Websites:

Destination Aviation - www.destinationaviation.org

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In this engaging episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with Jenny Ann Urban and Randy Deberry from the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). As passionate advocates for aviation businesses, Jenny and Randy share insider perspectives on the biggest challenges facing the industry today—from regulatory shifts and workforce shortages to sustainability and technological innovation.

Tune in as we explore how NATA is driving meaningful change, supporting aviation businesses, and ensuring the skies remain open and thriving for generations to come. Whether you’re an industry professional or an aviation enthusiast, this conversation offers a compelling look behind the scenes of aviation advocacy and progress.

Connect with us on Instagram:

instagram.com/dapodcast85/

TikTok:

www.tiktok.com/@dapodcast85

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@DestinationAviationpodcast

Drop us a line at dapodcast85@gmail.com if you have your own plane tales

Connect with Jenny Ann Urban:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-ann-urban/

Websites:

Destination Aviation - www.destinationaviation.org

NATA – www.nata.aero

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In the second half of our engaging conversation on Destination Aviation, we continue our deep dive with Alex Gertsen, Sr. Director of Airport Advocacy and Vertical Infrastructure at NBAA. Picking up where we left off, Alex shares more about his hands-on experience as a part-time charter captain, including the life-changing missions of organ transport and the operational realities of business aviation.

We expand the conversation into the evolving challenges and opportunities in vertical infrastructure, the role of advanced air mobility, and why protecting airport access is more critical than ever. Alex also reflects on the importance of collaboration between stakeholders, the balance between federal policy and local implementation, and what drives his personal commitment to the future of aviation. We also talk about a number of upcoming exciting general and business aviation events that Alex is involved in (Links in the show notes).

From policy to the pilot’s seat, this episode delivers insight, inspiration, and a front-row seat to the intersection of advocacy and aviation innovation.

Connect with us on Instagram:

instagram.com/dapodcast85/

TikTok:

www.tiktok.com/@dapodcast85

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@DestinationAviationpodcast

Drop us a line at dapodcast85@gmail.com if you have your own plane tales

Websites:

Destination Aviation - www.destinationaviation.org

OpenAir – www.flyopenair.com

Aero Club of Wahington – www.aeroclub.org

Mooney Summit – www.MooneySummit.com

EAA AirVenture – www.airventure.org

AAAE General Aviation Conference - https://aaae.org/generalaviation

Chicago Executive 100th Anniversary – www.chiexec.com June 27th 2026

NBAA-BACE – https://nbaa.org/events/2025-nbaa-business-aviation-convention-
exhibition-nbaa-bace/

NBAA-BACE Single-Pilot Safety Standdown - https://nbaa.org/events/2025-nbaa-single-pilot-safety-standdown/

NBAA-BACE – Military Connect – https://nbaa.org/events/2025-nbaa-business-aviation-convention-exhibition-nbaa-bace/military-connect-2025-nbaa-bace/

NBAA-BACE – Collegiate Connect - https://nbaa.org/events/2024-nbaa-business-
aviation-convention-exhibition-nbaa-bace/keynotes-sessions-events/collegiate-connect-2024-nbaa-bace/

NBAA YoPro - https://nbaa.org/professional-development/yopro/

Climbing. Fast. – www.climbingfast.com

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