About Kansas Aviation

Ray Seif
Director of Aviation

Ray Seif managed two airports over the span of 8 years prior to joining KDOT as the Director of Aviation. He also has over a decade of aviation risk management experience. He is an instrument-rated, commercial pilot with single and multi-engine land ratings, and earned a Master of Aeronautical Science degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University with Aviation Management and Operations specialties, in addition to a minor in Aviation Safety. Ray is passionate about growing aviation and ushering in the next generation and is actively working toward implementing a meaningful high school aviation curriculum that would be accessible to any school within the state.

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.

Joe Ellerman
Emerging Aviation Analyst

Joe Ellerman joined KDOT in 2026, bringing over two decades of public safety expertise to the division. Following a 21-year career in law enforcement where he served as a Motorcycle Officer, Special Response Team Leader, Hostage Negotiator, and Firearms Instructor, Joe continues to serve his community as a volunteer firefighter and rescue team member. At KDOT, he leverages this tactical and emergency response experience to expand the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for public safety operations, enhancing safety and service across Kansas communities. Raised on a farm in Northeast Kansas, his father was an Air Force Veteran who was never too busy to look up when he heard the engines of a nearby C-130. Joe’s interest in aviation took off while managing ground support for an aerial application company. The complex coordination required for safe agricultural operations inspired him to begin taking flight lessons.

About