Civil and Environmental Engineering

Engineering careers in aviation panel discussion

September 07, 2018

12:00 p.m. - 1:20 p.m. ET

Posner Hall, Mellon Auditorium

Paul Hoback
Senior Vice President, Engineering, Planning & Capital Development, Engineering & Construction
Allegheny County Airport Authority

Tom Woodrow
VP Engineering
Allegheny County Airport Authority

Michael P. Bodek, P.E.
Program Manager, Aviation Services
Jacobs

Abstract

The panelists will discuss their various educational and career paths, how they came to settle in the aviation industry, and the local and global opportunities for engineers to help shape the airports of today and tomorrow. Airports are the gateway to the
fastest mode of commercial transport, helping to carry people and packages to anywhere in the world, and fueling significant economic activity annually. Whether working issues such as air traffic growth globally, or the unique challenges of enhancing air service and customer experience locally, maintaining a competitive airport advantage is a must for Pittsburgh and communities worldwide. This need is driving exciting innovation and cultural shifts within the industry, resulting in a multitude of opportunities for the engineers of tomorrow. The Terminal Modernization Program at Pittsburgh International Airport is an example of all this and will be discussed.

Bios

Paul Hoback is the Senior Vice President, Engineering, Planning, and Capital Development for the Allegheny County Airport Authority. In this role, Hoback is responsible for leadership, oversight and strategic direction for Engineering and Construction, Planning, Sustainability and Natural Resources, and all Capital Development at Pittsburgh International Airport, as well as the Allegheny County Airport. Paul is responsible for Pittsburgh International Airport’s $1.1 Billion Terminal Modernization Program.

Hoback has been with the Allegheny County Airport Authority for 17 years, serving in many roles from Engineering Project Manager to Director of Maintenance and Capital Improvements, and most recently as SVP of Facilities, Engineering, and Maintenance.

He has a Bachelor's of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, as well as a Masters in Business Administration from Geneva College. Paul serves on numerous aviation and construction industry committees, is a Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives, and has been honored by the state of Pennsylvania as the “Young Engineer of the Year” by the Society of Professional Engineers.

Hoback also serves in several leadership roles within the Pittsburgh community, including President of the local library, Past-President of the Heritage Foundation, Vice-Chairman of the local Water Authority, Vice-Chairman of the Planning Commission, and as a member of the Board of Directors for the local Education Foundation.

 

Tom Woodrow, P.E., BCEE is the Vice President of Engineering for the Allegheny County Airport Authority. Woodrow is responsible for managing the design engineering, contracts, and construction for all capital improvement projects that take place at both the Pittsburgh International Airport and the Allegheny County Airport. Typical capital improvement projects include projects such as airfield pavement and lighting rehabilitation, fire & domestic waterline improvements, roof replacements, baggage handling upgrades and land development projects.

He has 29 years of professional experience including project management, engineering, construction, and operations management. He has experience in both the private and public sectors including aviation, automotive, iron and steel, midstream oil and gas development, and public water and sewer.

Woodrow holds an MBA from Robert Morris University, as well as a B.S. in Environmental Engineering Technology and an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from Penn State. He is also a registered professional engineer in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia and is a Board Certified Environmental Engineer.

 

Michael Bodek has 25 years of professional experience in aviation program management and engineering, emergency management and planning, and security and protection services. He has worked at airports of all sizes, ranging from large international hubs to small general aviation airports.

Bodek has been with Jacobs Engineering Group (previously CH2M HILL, Inc.) for the past 13 years, where he has served in various roles ranging from aviation planning and design to construction and overall program management. His work has taken him around the northern hemisphere, from Asia to the Middle East, to the Americas, working at airports such as Mumbai, Dubai, Philadelphia, Chicago, and his home airport in Pittsburgh.

Currently, he serves as the Program Manager for the design and installation of Instrument Landing Systems at Naval and Marine Corps Air Stations worldwide on behalf of the Naval Air Systems Command.

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