Aaron Smith, a longtime Florida Department of Transportation aviation manager, has joined Woolpert as a program director. With over 25 years of experience in the aviation industry, Smith’s expertise in aviation system planning, airport development, program funding policy and allocation, and safety regulations specific to Florida will help Woolpert provide infrastructure and operational improvements for its general aviation and commercial airport clients throughout the region.
“It feels good to be able to continue serving Florida in this next chapter of my career,” Smith said. “With Woolpert, I’m looking forward to building upon my longstanding relationships with the state’s community of public and private sector aviation professionals, working in partnership to ensure Florida maintains its reputation as a worldwide leader in aviation and aerospace.”
At FDOT, Smith earned numerous awards, earning the Florida Airports Council’s Aviation Leadership Award and being named the FDOT Division of Strategic Development Leader of the Year. He led the state’s $250 million annual aviation infrastructure program and directed the development and implementation of a five-year, $1.5 billion infrastructure work program. A longtime member of the American Association of Airport Executives, Smith also served as FDOT’s representative to local, state, and federal agencies, boards, and industry associations.
“Woolpert’s aviation practice has been built on a bedrock of unique and diverse experiences and backgrounds. Aaron’s knowledge of the state, its regulations, and funding greatly benefits our Florida clients and beyond,” Woolpert Aviation Practice Lead Zach Shuman said. “Aaron brings a client-focused mindset, a caring attitude, and an expansive history to one of the most exciting aviation communities in the world.”
