About
About Kansas Aviation
Our Vision: Kansas Aviation will be an ecosystem of stakeholders synchronized to prpodice infrasturcture that gives Kansans unique opportunities to thrive in a global market.
Our Mission:Provide a credible high-functioning team with subject matter expertise to successfully deliver safe, reliable, innovative aviation infrastructure.
Our Team
Robert W. (Bob) Brock
Director of Aviation, Director of UAS
Bob Brock joined the Kansas Department of Transportation as the first State Director for Unmanned Aircraft Systems after a 22-year career in the Air Force. An instrument-rated commercial fixed-wing and helicopter instructor pilot, Bob started working with UAS in 2003, and later commanded the largest UAS Squadron in the Air Force. He is a native of Pittsburg, KS and alumnus of Pittsburg State and Texas Christian Universities. He likes cars, Thai food, and great coffee.
Stephanie Conner
Public Service Executive
Stephanie Conner, is a Kansas native and began her KDOT career in May 2006. Stephanie has served in a support role to the Division of Aviation since 2015. She has a diverse knowledge of the agency, previously serving as Administrative Officer for several KDOT Divisions/Bureaus. Stephanie previously worked with the Division of Construction & Materials, Planning, Transportation Safety, Program and Project Management, Aviation, and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). She also previously served in a support role for the Office of the Secretary and KDOT’s Communications Division. Prior to her long KDOT career, Stephanie attended College of Southern Nevada, she was also a successful business owner/entrepreneur in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Brian Kassin
Strategic Planning and Programming
Brian Kassin began his state service in 2020. Currently, he is responsible for KDOT’s Lead Partner role with the FAA IPP/BEYOND program to promote and advance Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), foster economic benefits, and facilitate community feedback to ensure stakeholder collaboration is maintained and encouraged. Brian considers it essential to seek strategic solutions that leverage the new, evolving UAS technologies to create and nurture partnerships that will assist in expanding upon Kansas’ reputation of leadership in aviation excellence. He holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Emporia State University, is an entrepreneur, and has a passion for all things automotive.
Courtney Smith
Airport Grants & Inspections
Courtney Smith joined the KDOT team in 2021 after nearly a decade in the healthcare field. Courtney serves as the primary point of contact for airport grant recipients under the Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP). She recognizes the necessity of a strong relationship between Kansas airports and the Division of Aviation to ensure innovation, modernization, and economic development for Kansas communities. Courtney is a divergent thinker who brings creative solutions to analyzing and solving problems. She is passionate about bridging the gap between ingenuity and convention to further the reputation of Kansas as a national leader in aviation. Courtney is an Overland Park, Kansas native and a lifelong Kansas City Royals devotee.
Jennifer Pokorny
Strategic Communications
Jennifer Pokorny joined the KDOT team in the fall of 2022, after spending over a decade in education. She assists her team members with special projects for the Division of Aviation. She also helps track airport inspections and update airport contact information. Jennifer is a native of Concordia, Kansas. She has degrees from Cloud County Community College and Manhattan Area Technical College.
Rachel Adkins
Fiscal Coordinator
Rachel Adkins, a Topeka Kansas native, is an alumna of Washburn University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, marketing, and finance. Prior to joining KDOT, Rachel worked at the Kansas Department of Revenue as a senior administrative specialist in the bankruptcy department. Rachel now serves as a fiscal coordinator at KDOT with the Aviation Division.