Leading With Purpose: Jason Williams, C.M., MBA, Named IEA’s Director of Operations

Jason Williams steps into his new role as Director of Operations, driving collaboration, innovation, and efficiency across IEA.

IEA is proud to announce Jason Williams, C.M., MBA, as our new Director of Operations. Jason brings a wealth of leadership, discipline, and operational expertise to this role, combining his extensive experience in the military and consulting industries with a commitment to engineering excellence and professional mentorship.

Jason has demonstrated an exceptional ability to inspire his team, optimize internal processes, and uphold IEA’s standards for quality engineering services. He took initiative in leading IEA’s Project Review process, providing a space for IEA’s Project Managers and Principals to discuss, improve, and learn from their projects. Jason has collaborated with senior leadership to help IEA employees reach their career goals through professional development programs.

“Elevating Jason Williams to Director of Operations is a strategic step for IEA,” said IEA’s CEO and Principal, Shakeel Ahmed, PE. “Jason will unify our operations—tightening policies and budgets, optimizing workflows, and strengthening cross‑functional collaboration—while empowering our Project Managers and driving measurable process improvements.”

A Career Built on Discipline and Dedication

Jason’s background reflects a unique blend of technical insight, leadership experience, and strategic vision. Before joining IEA, Jason served for more than 20 years in the U.S. Army Aviation Division, where he led over 120 personnel and managed complex operational missions. “My time in Army Aviation provided me with professional/life lessons that strengthened me to become resilient, focused, and grounded,” Jason shared.

Following his military service, Jason transitioned into consulting, where he applied his structured problem-solving approach to large-scale aviation and infrastructure programs. His experience includes developing a capital program for DFW International Airport, leading FAA projects in New Mexico and Louisiana valued at over $300 million, and founding his own consulting firm. This diverse experience has shaped Jason into a pragmatic, empathetic leader who is well-suited to guide IEA’s operational success.

Leading IEA Toward a Stronger Future

When asked about what excites him most about stepping into the Director of Operations role, Jason shared that he is “excited for the opportunity to facilitate IEA’s technical excellence and lead systems improvement for operational excellence.” He is enthusiastic about innovative techniques that will help support IEA’s next phase of growth, such as utilizing new technologies and creating a shared knowledge base among IEA employees.

Jason is also devoted to continuing IEA’s core value of mentorship and professional employee development. In particular, he is passionate about giving back to others through mentorship, career development, and personal coaching.

“Jason has so much knowledge, energy, and passion for helping all our employees develop into the career they want,” said Jennifer Nelson-Smith, IEA’s Director of Marketing & Communications.

As Director of Operations, Jason will continue to strengthen IEA’s operational framework and empower our teams to deliver exceptional results. His disciplined leadership and forward-thinking approach will help shape the future of IEA as we continue to expand our impact, elevate our performance, and serve our clients and communities with excellence.