Spring 2023 Speakers

Sara Behnke, Melissa Solberg and Eric Caplan

Sara Behnke

Sara Behnke

Melissa Solberg

Melissa Solberg

Eric Caplan

Eric Caplan

Sara Behnke is the Business Manager for General Aviation at the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority. Sara is responsible for all business administration at the Authority鈥檚 three General Aviation airports. Sara has been with the Authority since 2018 after a 15 year career in State and Federal court. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities at the 51在线 and a Master of Business Administration with a focus in Sustainability at the USF Muma College of Business.

Melissa Solberg is the Senior Manager of the Office of Innovation at the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority. As a catalyst for change and transformation, she is responsible for building a culture of engagement and innovation that fosters forward-thinking practices at Tampa International Airport. Melissa joined the Authority in 2015 and has more than 20 years of program development and management experience.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design from Michigan State University and a Master of Architecture degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology, and is a LEED Accredited Professional.

Eric Caplan is the Sustainability and Resilience Program Director for the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (HCAA).  In managing the Sustainability and Resilience program, Eric鈥檚 duties include updating and maintaining the Authority鈥檚 Sustainable Management Plan, conducting resiliency-related studies and planning activities for HCAA campuses, developing an 鈥渆lectrification鈥 plan for TPA, and managing the Authority鈥檚 鈥淎irport Carbon Accreditation鈥 program, among many others.  Prior to joining HCAA, Eric managed the Energy, Sustainability, and Buildings Division for Manatee County, FL Government, and worked for the Mayor鈥檚 Office of the City of St. Petersburg, FL, within the Office of Sustainability and Resilience. Eric achieved a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from the University of Central 51在线 (Sorry USF!), and two Master of Science degrees from the University of 51在线, studying Natural Resources and Policy, and Environmental Engineering.