IEA Welcomes Jason Williams
Jason Williams: IEA’s Newest Aviation Senior Program Manager
With over 30 years in the aviation and infrastructure industries, Jason Williams, C.M., MBA brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to his role. Having worked on all sides of the aviation industry, as a sponsor at a large hub airport, as regulator with the FAA, and as a consultant, Jason provides invaluable insights that few professionals can match. His extensive military background, global experience, and innovative approach to problem-solving make him an exceptional asset in delivering quality projects for clients.
Military Foundation and Aviation Beginnings
Jason’s career began when he joined the military right after high school. What started as a practical decision to gain college funding evolved into a fulfilling career spanning two decades. After joining, Jason found himself drawn to aviation while serving in combat arms and flying in helicopters. This newfound passion led him to reenlist and receive specialized training in air traffic control and airfield management.
His aviation operations expertise continued growing as he received FAA certification in air traffic control tower operations and eventually managed 122 personnel during his 7-year tour of duty in Germany. Eventually, his military role expanded into contracting officer responsibilities where he evaluated consultants and reviewed proposals for federal contracts, skills that would prove invaluable in his later career.
Transition to Civilian Career
After retiring from the military, he leveraged his experience to join a major engineering construction and support services firm. With offices in Dubai, Iraq, and Afghanistan, Jason leveraged his miliary experience to support and manage critical aviation logistical support and infrastructure contracts throughout the Middle East.
Jason’s expertise was particularly valuable in conflict zones. His responsibilities encompassed everything from running airfields and air traffic control to maintaining aviation-related infrastructure. Given the crucial role of airfields in military operations, Jason’s work was essential to operational success.
Entrepreneurship and Project Management
Jason moved to Florida, where his entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish his own consulting firm. During this period, he specialized in writing proposals and bidding on government contracts for other companies.
Airport Management and Innovation
In 2015, Jason joined Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) overseeing both airside and landside projects. He initiated and developed what became an $8-10 billion capital program for the airport. In his final year at DFW, Jason served as a Senior Innovation Lead, spearheading cutting-edge projects including autonomous vehicles, drone technologies, advanced air mobility, biometric systems with TSA and American Airlines, and implementing the first automated exit lanes in Terminal A.
Federal Aviation Administration Leadership
Following his tenure at DFW, Jason was recruited directly by the FAA to oversee capital planning, airport planning, and large complex projects within New Mexico and Louisiana. During his time there, he dramatically improved the region’s performance metrics, taking the airport program to a new level of efficiency utilizing his strategic management experience and innovative tracking systems. Jason managed approximately $300 million in capital across the two states, distributing various types of funding and connecting sponsors with grant opportunities. His understanding of federal funding mechanisms and ability to streamline grant management proved invaluable to airport sponsors and their respective State DOT’s in his region.
Education
Throughout Jason’s career, he pursued many degrees in higher education. Jason received his undergraduate degree in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. He later attended graduate school at Villanova University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he obtained his MBA with a focus in Strategic Management and Marketing. After completing his MBA, Jason attended the University of Virgina’s Darden School of Business Executive Program for Strategic Execution. Jason is also a graduate of Leadership North Texas (Class 11) through the North Texas Commission (NTC).
Personal Life and Interests
Outside his professional life, Jason enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, a high school senior who recently earned his private pilot’s license and is heading to the University of North Dakota to study commercial aviation, and a high school sophomore with aspirations to study marketing and graphic design.
Jason’s personal interests reflect his professional background and adventurous spirit. He’s passionate about motorsports, particularly F1 and IndyCar racing, and enjoys attending car shows across Texas. Jason is an avid traveler and has lived overseas for 10 years, including time in Germany, South Korea, Philippines and the Middle East. When traveling, he prefers authentic experiences, choosing local bed and breakfasts over hotels to immerse himself in the culture. Among his favorite destinations are Prague, Czech Republic and Lake Balaton, Hungary.
Excitement for the Future
Jason explained his goals and excitement in joining the IEA team by saying, “As an employee-owned firm, we have a vested interest and a common goal to all succeed together because we all win as a team, and I like that concept. I like what Shakeel’s doing here and the growth that’s happening, and I know I can bring additional value to his company and clients. My goal is to continue to grow IEA and expand our area of operations.”
With his diverse experience, innovative mindset, and customer-centric philosophy, Jason is a valuable asset making significant contributions to the aviation and infrastructure industries as the newest IEA Aviation Senior Project Manager.
