Long-time pilot and Kansas Department of Transportation veteran Jesse R. Romo has been named Director of the KDOT Division of Aviation. Romo is an instrument-rated commercial pilot; an alumnus of UCLA and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; a certified member of the American Association of Airport Executives; and an adjunct instructor for Baker University. Since April 2013, Romo had served as Acting Director of the aviation division. Previously, he was a Deputy Director in the division.
Romo originally joined KDOT in January of 2006 to serve as an Assistant Office Chief in the Office of Management and Budget where he became familiar with KDOT programs and the legislative process. He came to Kansas from California where he was working for the Burbank airport. He has experience working in national aviation research and advocacy issues.
As the leader of the state aviation office, Romo will work with the Federal Aviation Administration and aviation stakeholders across the state. He will oversee KDOT aviation programs, such as the Kansas Airport Improvement Program, the Kansas Airport Inspection Program and the Kansas Airport Development Program.
