Contact: Tara Finestone, tara@atlasimpact.global
MEDIA ADVISORY
Aviation experts to present proof that LA County Board of Supervisors were long aware of federal obligations and infrastructure needs at Whiteman Airport
RSVP now for a virtual news conference on Tuesday. April 28, where former and current Aviation Commissioners will provide detailed documentation and also answer questions for reporters
Details: Current and former members of the Los Angeles Aviation Commission will hold a virtual press conference on Tuesday, April 27, at 10 a.m. to present documentation showing that Los Angeles County has long been aware of its federal obligations and ongoing safety and infrastructure needs at Whiteman Airport, raising serious questions about oversight and the County’s failure to act.
Speakers will present materials including federal correspondence, industry letters, and prior County findings that outline requirements tied to FAA grant assurances, the obligation to maintain a safe and serviceable airport, and the legal and financial complexities associated with any attempt to close the facility. The briefing will also address the County’s use of available federal funding and the implications for public safety and emergency response across Los Angeles County.
What: Virtual press conference featuring current and former members of the Los Angeles Aviation Commission addressing Whiteman Airport, federal obligations, and County oversight.
When: Tuesday, April 27, at 10 a.m. PT
Where: Online video news conference, link available via RSVP
Media access: Credentialed media must register in advance. To request access, please contact Tara Finestone via tara@atlasimpact.global
Speakers:
Curt Castagna is Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of Ascension Group Partners, which oversees development, project, and property management of business aviation centers nationwide, including those at Long Beach, Dallas Love Field, Van Nuys, and Santa Monica airports. As well as consulting for several airports nationally to advocate for healthy airport ecosystems. He currently serves as President of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), is President of the Van Nuys Airport Association, and is a certified member of the American Association of Airport Executives. Castagna also served on the Los Angeles County Aviation Commission from April 2017 to November 2024.
Dennis Lord served as a public and governmental affairs manager for 27 of his nearly 50-year career with a major Los Angeles utility, handling 24 cities and communities. As a 50 year pilot, he brings decades of public service to the aviation community and teaches pilots and airport staff the tenets of community engagement. He currently serves on the Los Angeles County Aviation Commission, helping oversee the County’s airport system. His career includes extensive work in emergency response coordination and community engagement, and he is widely recognized for his steady leadership during major incidents and his contributions to aviation and public service. In retirement, he has an aerial services company providing airshow services and flyovers for community events and memorials, and works with the FAA on a regular basis to safely provide these services. Among his clients is Fleet Week Los Angeles.
Christina Pascucci is the Chief Executive Officer of Atlas. Your Path Forward, a consultancy working with the Whiteman Airport Coalition. A certified pilot and an Emmy Award-winning investigative journalist, she previously served as a Los Angeles County Aviation Commissioner and Chair of the Commission. She has been a strong advocate for local airports, recognizing their critical role as public infrastructure, emergency management, and firefighting.
