Eduardo “Eddie” Alfonso Angeles, 50
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Associate Administrator for Airports
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
How did you get here?
I have always wanted to give back to our community because of what this great country has given to me. Therefore, I aspired to dedicate my career to public service. I had the great honor to work in the airport systems at Los Angeles and San Francisco airports. The Obama Administration then gave me the unique opportunity to serve the American people in a significant way by appointing me as the FAA’s Associate Administrator for Airports.
Who or what has been the greatest influence on your career?
I stand on the great shoulders of our nation’s civil rights leaders. I am the beneficiary of the fruits of their labor. They made it possible for me to have the opportunity to realize my American dream as an immigrant with limited English proficiency raised by a single mother who worked as a maid. Now, I have been honored to work at the highest level of the federal government as a Presidential Appointee. Only in America is this possible.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment during the Obama administration?
It is impossible to point to a single matter as the “greatest accomplishment” since every time a plane takes off and lands safely at an airport in our country it is as a result of the work of the FAA and this Administration. However, I want to highlight that it was during the Obama Administration that we invested nearly $3 billion in the infrastructure improvements of Runway Safety Areas, and now we have embarked upon a new Runway Incursion Mitigation program to further improve the safety of our nation’s airports.
Can you describe your time working for the Obama administration in 10 words?
“An amazing once in a lifetime opportunity to serve America.”
Complete the sentence: “When I’m not working, I…”
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time traveling with Evelyne, my wife of 25 years, appreciating our life together. As proud parents, we are watching our two adult sons achieve their career goals: Daniel is a fourth year medical student, and Andrew is a law student.
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