Portfolio Director

Melissa Montes

“The thing is…”

At Work

Melissa’s chief responsibility as director of business development is to assist Airport Experience^® clients in creating experiences and opportunities that utilize AX media and events as their platforms. Her career includes more than 15 years of experience in sales, experiential marketing, branding, advertising and account management. She blends those talents into her role at AX, working with core clients as their brands evolve and new companies eager to make a mark in the ever-changing airport concession space. Prior to AXN, Melissa served as director of account services at the Ryan William’s Agency, where she was strategic lead on accounts that included retail, hospitality, healthcare and restaurant franchises. Melissa received her Bachelor of Arts from Florida Atlantic University.

At Play

Melissa is an avid yogi who teaches power vinyasa flows at a local yoga studio. When not on her mat, she is happiest traveling, cooking gluten- and dairy-free meals, and pairing those meals with her favorite wines. She is also very active in the community as a volunteer, serving as a member of the Junior League for 10 years. She is a huge fan of the band Radiohead and will travel just about anywhere to see them. She has even gone so far as to camp in her car at Coachella just to see them play. Melissa’s also a HUGE fan of all things from her hometown of Chicago and has been rooting for her Chicago Bears since the Super Bowl Shuffle.

Director of Conference

Barb Moreno

“The ocean is my only medication.”

At Work

For over 20 years, Barb has served as Airport Experience^® News’s Director of Conferences, possessing the rare distinction of having run all ARN Conferences since the event’s inception. Barb plans, executes and oversees all operational and logistical aspects of the business unit’s events by interfacing with the hotel, housing company, show decorator, exhibitors, sponsors and more. Barb is also the lead on the AX Factbook products, acting as a liaison to AX’s Airport Partners as they report their valuable data. Prior to joining AXN Barb worked as the managing editor at Waterski Magazine. Barb is a graduate of Florida Southern College.

At Play

Barb is a mother of a house divided, with her son a University of Florida Gator and her daughter a Florida State University Seminole. This intense rivalry makes Thanksgiving a “lively” holiday in the Moreno household. When she’s not in the office, you can find her on a boat listening to Jimmy Buffet, in the Florida Keys snorkeling and swimming with dolphins or at her family lake house waterskiing. In fact, waterskiing has always been a large part of her life, as she was on her college ski team. When she’s not on the water, Barb enjoys snow skiing in Colorado and traveling to new places. Of the many ways she chooses to spend her downtime, the constant amongst them all is her family, the very people who accompany her on these adventures.

Editor-in-Chief

Carol Ward

At Work

Carol directs the editorial content of Airport Experience^® News magazine and website. Her responsibilities include devising and assigning articles, contributing content and editing all copy for both media. In addition, Carol sets the agenda and attracts speakers for the annual AX Conference. She has a long history with the company, having written for AXN predecessor Airport Revenue News since its launch in 2001. Carol holds a bachelor of journalism from the University of Missouri.

At Play

Carol loves to hike in the local woods surrounding her home in Carrboro, North Carolina, and often makes her way eastward to the mountains near Asheville. She also enjoys baking (and eating!) and, at the risk of sounding old-ladyish, spends many hours making quilts for friends and family. Carol loves to travel, dine out and share a bottle of wine whenever she gets a chance.

Senior Reporter

Andrew Tellijohn

“Just another day on the razor blade of life.”

At Work

Andy is AXN’s senior reporter. He’s written for the magazine for around a dozen years and also contributes to the website, the company’s editorial calendar, the educational sessions for its annual conference and various other projects as requested. In his 20 years as a reporter, he’s covered a variety of beats, ranging from cops and courts to sports business. He landed at ARN fresh off a stint at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal in Minnesota.

At Play

Away from the office, you’re unlikely to find Andy in the gym or on a hiking trail. He’s tried to find some active hobbies, but the results have typically been less than stellar and sometimes downright ugly. He finds himself most at home sampling new bourbons, reading thriller novels and trying to uncover the secret weapon that will win him another fantasy football championship. He lives just outside Minneapolis. And he does like to travel, a trait that he’s found compatible with the interests of his wife, Sarah, and two children.

Copy Editor, Writer

Shafer Ross

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”

At Work

As staff writer, Shafer tackles the day-to-day writing needs of the magazine, including penning pieces for the website, the magazine and, of course, a lot of emails. She is a recent graduate of Florida Atlantic University, with a bachelor’s degree in multimedia journalism. She has worked in public relations, as well as social media management and event coordination.

At Play

In her off-time, Shafer is an actor in the South Florida area. When she’s not auditioning or in a show, she watches true crime documentaries on Netflix and eats pastries from the Brazilian bakery. On the weekends, Shafer can be found making playlists to sing to in the car or crocheting. She also discovered this summer that water-skiing is NOT for everyone, especially the less-coordinated among us.

Business Development Manager

Todd Cusumano

“My happy place is boating in South Florida!”

At Work

Todd loves working within the events world and found his new family with The Airport Experience News team in July 2019.

He has been involved with conferences and events for 30 years. Todd started out in Times Square, New York City in 1999 working for a leading B2B media publishing company and stayed in the events industry ever since. Todd has worked for leading event organizers in sales and event management roles in industries such as accounting, technology, construction and now travel, which he loves.

At Play

Todd, when not working, loves to boat in his free time, and enjoys good food and spending time with family and friends, including his rescue bulldog, Pearl. He also loves fitness and gardening and cooking Italian food, especially his eggplant parm, made from scratch, and lasagna.

Todd is a pretty laid back guy and always tries to look on the positive side of life. He has a big brother and sister and enjoys family time and feels blessed every day.