By Phil Jones
Brad Brandt’s career is flying high in the government aviation career field. He was recently announced as a State’s Civil Service League Charles Dunbar Award winner. As the director of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s Aviation Section, he also recently received the Chairman’s Award from Ronnie Mitchell, Chairman of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), during its Annual Convention and Tradeshow held in September.
Brandt, who himself served as Chairman of NASAO during the 2016/2017 fiscal year, has been instrumental in helping to secure the safety and proficiencies of our nation’s airways, airlines, and airports. In this rarefied air of responsibilities, Brandt has drawn high praise from not only the NASAO membership, but from airport managers across the country. He has represented Louisiana well through turbulent times and flown smoothly through difficult issues.
Brad is a life-long aviator, having graduated from the premiere Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a degree in Aviation Management. He is on final approach for achieving a Masters of Aeronautical Science and just completed an extensive course in Aviation Law.
His career took-off at the Denver International Airport working in airport operations. In 1998 he vectored his career to Louisiana, working at the Baton Rouge Airport on noise mitigation and the sound reduction program. From a positive working relationship, he taxied into the Department of Transportation and Development’s Aviation Section as an Aviation Safety and Compliance Officer in 2001. As if jet-propelled, his career accelerated due to superior performances as a Program Manager, Deputy Aviation Director, and now Aviation Director over the 70 publicly owned Louisiana airports and over 800 privately owned landing sites.
Brad’s Classified Service has spanned a lifetime of service, not only to the State and the Nation, but to the aviation community as a whole. The NASAO Chairman’s Award, DOTD Secretary’s Award of Excellence, the LA Airport Managers and Associates Presidents Award, and DOTD Team of the Quarter Awards speak to his professional and volunteer service.
He is active in church fund raisers and teaching programs; restoring a community park and playground; and coaching numerous kids’ teams. Having built two houses with his own hands, he and his wife took a weekend to remodel the office conference room and common areas. The Dunbar Award recognizes the dedication and enthusiasm Brad Brandt has for his professional career, the artful science of aviation and public service. A lifetime of lofty achievements in church and civic activities also lifts Brad to a cruising altitude for life with his wife Julie of 17 years and twin boys Riley and Taylor.
