Modernization of Federal Inspection Services Facilities at U.S. Airports (2025)
Chapter: Opening Remarks
Opening Remarks
Speakers
Ellen McClain, International Bridge, Inc. [formerly Deputy Assistant Secretary (Transborder Security), Department of Homeland Security (DHS)]
Monique Evans, Director, Cooperative Research Programs, TRB
Solomon Wong, President and CEO, InterVISTAS Consulting
Ellen McClain opened the session by emphasizing the importance of building flexibility and adaptability within FIS facilities. She highlighted the need for continuous improvement and innovation to meet the evolving demands of international travel.
Monique Evans, director of TRB’s Cooperative Research Programs division, introduced the National Academies and TRB. She explained the structure of TRB, which also includes the Technical Activities and Consensus and Advisory Studies divisions, and detailed the role of ACRP, funded by FAA, in advancing aviation research and projects. Evans also discussed the background of Insight Events, which aim to promote innovation and collaboration by bringing together stakeholders with diverse ideas and priorities on specific topics.
As rapporteur for the event, Solomon Wong provided introductory remarks focused on the evolution of business and personal travel, urging attendees to think 25 years ahead about FIS facilities and the trends that will impact them. He emphasized the importance of gathering a cross-sectional group of professionals to explore different ideas and perspectives. Wong posed critical questions about unknown factors that require further research and exploration. He encouraged participants to imagine the future of international travel, considering the diversity of the passengers who will shape it. Wong also outlined the rules and context for the dialogue during the event, provided a run-through of the day’s agenda, and traced the pathway of a passenger’s journey today compared with the envisioned process 25 years from now.
Figure 1. Monique Evans introducing the National Academies and TRB.
