WHO ARE WE?

Why a Digital/Electronic Magazine?
To keep up with changing times and technology we are proactively seeking ways to keep the
communications open and informative for our loyal members. Our second digital magazine is to
showcase our African American FAA Managers and their accomplishments.
WHO ARE WE?
We provide support and advocacy for over 5,000 African American and minority
employees against any type of discrimination in the agency. NBCFAE is an organization
comprised of over 1000 members in regions and chapters and is an employee
association specifically designed to provide you with highly effective training and
creative resources to succeed in today’s business world.
For over 35 years, NBCFAE, a nationwide network, has been dedicated to promoting
equal employment for African Americans, female and minority employees; improving
employee-management relations and providing an effective liaison amongst FAA
employees and the community at large.
In addition, NBCFAE’s positively expands and promotes influence in our community by
providing scholarships, presenting Aviation Careers Education (ACE) academies,
supporting intern programs, and establishing educational grants and endowments. We
have distributed over $200,000 in scholarships to deserving students nation-wide. Due
to our endeavors, over 25,000 young people have been introduced to careers in
aviation at venues across this country.

My FAA career has been very fruitful and rewarding. I didn’t know much about the FAA or Air
Traffic Control in my younger years, but about the time of the strike in 1981, a close family
friend mentioned this as a potential career for me. At the time I was working at Eastern Airlines,
and suffering through the ups and downs of the airline industry. Choosing the FAA as a career
was a giant leap of faith, as I had heard that the success rate for graduates at Oklahoma City was
very low. I took the test, was interviewed about a year later and shortly after that went to the
FAA Academy. Upon graduation, I was assigned to Atlanta ARTCC, which was also were I
resided at the time. My progression there through the training program went well, and there were
some that I felt were not interested in seeing me be successful. I fought on and strived to be the
best at this craft. I think that my dedication to learning this skill paid dividends then and now. I
was able to garner their respect and in some cases their admiration.
That part of my journey really set the stage for continuing to go after promotions with more
responsibility and accountability. After certifying at Atlanta and spending a couple of years
getting experience, I transferred to Oakland ARTCC, and slowly rose through the ranks, first as a
Traffic Management Coordinator, then as a Staff Specialist. I did a short tenure as Supervisor
Traffic Management Specialist, before becoming a permanent Operations Supervisor. I worked
in both Domestic and International areas of air traffic control at Oakland. I had aspirations of
going to ICAO or FAA HQ to do international work, but instead stayed at Oakland after
becoming an Operations Manager. Seeing that I needed some more diversity of experience, I
then took a position as a specialist in the Western Pacific Regional Office near Los Angeles.
There in the Air Traffic Division, I worked in Airspace and Procedures, as well as the Resource
Management Branch. I also was able to spend a year on detail to Santa Monica Tower as the Air
Traffic Manager.
The stand-up of the ATO brought more opportunities for me. While I didn’t look forward to
relocating from Los Angeles to Seattle, I did go up there in a new position as Senior Advisor to
the Terminal Director. Over the course of four years, I worked under five different Directors.
There I was able to observe and learn things that not only made them successful, but also gave
me the skills to be more effective in the job. The first Director once told me, “It’s not the king
that has the power, it’s the one who has the king’s ear that does.” I found that to be very true
over the course of the next few years. Serving in the position of Senior Advisor also gave me the
opportunity to serve as Air Traffic Manager at Seattle ATCT prior to, and concurrent with their
3 rd runway commissioning.
Sensing a desire to become Air Traffic Manager at a large facility, I bid and was selected for the
Staff Manager at Southern California TRACON in late 2009. In early 2011, the incumbent
manager retired and I bid and was selected first for the Acting Manager position, then later
selected as the permanent Air Traffic Manager. I also served as the District Manager until
December 2013 when the District realignment took place.
Looking back, I have to say that timing of events and bidding positions was pretty key to my
success, but the largest key to my success were the mentors, close friends, peers, and others in
my life that continually gave me opportunities and encouraged me along the way. I have not

forgotten this and all along the way I have reached back to help those coming up in the ranks.
Starting out with conducting pre-test orientation briefings at Oakland ARTCC, to participating in
job fairs, to attending high school and college career fairs, I have continued to recruit. In my
position as manager at SCT, I have partnered over the years with the FAA Employee
Associations to market SCT and show that it can be a workplace of choice, and to increase the
diversity of the workforce. Attributes that I possess and will never relinquish are being humble,
approaching my job with servant leadership, and in all cases demonstrating character and
integrity in all interactions.

Edward L. Bolton Jr. is the Assistant Administrator for NextGen at the Federal Aviation Administration.
His office is responsible for leading airspace modernization with the Next Generation Air Transportation
System. Mr. Bolton oversees a $1 billion NextGen budget and a staff of more than 900 federal
employees. Since arriving at the FAA in the fall of 2013, Mr. Bolton has led a number of important
initiatives to ensure the success of NextGen. He oversaw an effort with the NextGen Advisory
Committee, a group of key aviation stakeholders, to identify high benefit capabilities that are being
delivered in a near-term timeframe, specifying milestones, locations and other metrics. Mr. Bolton has
collaborated to ensure that NextGen is now, remaining on track with program execution and benefit
delivery for airlines, passengers and other airspace users across the United States. The FAA’s wake
recategorization efforts have allowed Delta Airlines to save up to 2 minutes average taxi time on
departures, and up to a minute on arrivals in Atlanta, and this improvement is being implemented in 15
other locations. That will amount to between $15 million and $38 million in Atlanta for that carrier alone
for one year. Metroplex initiatives to redesign congested airspace are expected to save 3 million gallons
of fuel and cut carbon emission by as much as 31,000 metric tons annually in Houston alone, amounting
to millions of dollars in airline savings there, with 13 other Metroplexes under way. Airlines in Atlanta
saved $20 million in one year alone with a performance-based navigation procedure known as
equivalent lateral spacing, with PBN procedures are planned at every major airport, and many smaller
ones as well.
Mr. Bolton also has engaged other critical stakeholders, including Congress and other oversight bodies,
as well as international aviation partners to ensure that NextGen remains on track and is globally
harmonized. He established the Interagency Planning Office (IPO), which is focused on planning our
airspace from 2025 to 2050, work previously done under the former Joint Planning and Development
Office. The IPO works with key agencies such as NASA, the Department of Defense, the Department of
Homeland Security and the Department of Commerce on multiagency efforts related to research and
development, aviation cybersecurity, weather and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

Ed Donaldson Bio
1991-1993-Baltimore Washington International (BWI) Tower-FPL
1993-2003-Washington National (DCA) Tower-FPL
2003-2005- Potomac Tracon (PCT)-CPC
2005-2009-Washington National (DCA) Tower-FLM
2009-2011-Orlando International (MCO) Tower-Operations Manager
2011-2012-FAA Headquarters-Office of Safety-Event Investigations Manager
2012-2013-Training Specialist-Civil Air Attaché-DOT Section-US Embassy-Kabul Afghanistan
2013-2014-Baltimore Washington International (BWI) Tower-Air Traffic Manager
2014-Present-Capital Air Traffic District-Assistant District Manager

Victoria Wassmer is the Assistant Administrator
for the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Office of Finance and Management
(AFN). In 2011, she spearheaded the implementation of a forward-thinking, shared
services operating model that consolidated and streamlined the agency’s common
business services under AFN. Today, she leads 3,400 professionals, overseeing the
efficient delivery of finance, acquisitions, contracting, information technology, property,
logistics, technical training, and regional integration services to customers across the
agency and federal government. She is also responsible for managing the FAA’s $15
billion budget and leading efforts to identify cost savings, leverage technology, and
optimize resources in order to position the agency to achieve the aviation safety mission
while maintaining the flexibility to accommodate ever-changing requirements.
Over her career, she has held various other positions in the public and private sector,
including several at the FAA: Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer,
Deputy Director of the Office of Budget, and Manager of Performance and Cost
Analysis. Whether overseeing or supporting the planning and execution of the agency’s
annual budget, through these positions, Victoria learned the importance of being a
dedicated, responsible steward of the American taxpayers’ resources. Currently, as the
head of AFN, she applies strategic and data--informed approaches to implement
business practices designed to ensure performance and accountability. During her prior
service at FAA, she gained invaluable leadership experience through her participation in

the Senior Leadership Development Program and her selection to the FAA’s Executive
Service.

My FAA career started as a college coop student at Memphis ARTCC in 1989. After graduating from
Alcorn State University in 1990 with a degree in Industrial Technology, my life took a much unexpected
turn. I was offered a position as an electronics technician in Airways Facilities (Tech Ops.) I spent 10
years working as a Communication and later a NAV/COM specialist between Memphis, Miami and
Atlanta. In 2000, I joined the training staff at Atlanta SMO (Atlanta District.) During my tenure as a
training specialist I had an opportunity to do detail assignments as a SSC Manager at Atlanta ARTCC and
Atlanta ATCT. In 2004, I joined the Tech Ops Executive Staff as a Labor Relations specialist until the
position was absorbed into HR and the standup of the Service Center. I have been a senior specialist, a
team lead and now a Team Manager in the Service Center. I am currently the Team Manager of the
Eastern Service Center Performance Analysis team.
If I had to summarize my career in one sentence it would be, “I have my dream job, finally.” The reason
for selecting that sentence is because unlike most Managers, I had the opportunity of either selecting or
being a part of the selection process for every member of my team. I have a diverse team of specialists
that understands what “bringing your best everyday” actually means. I enjoy mentoring and developing
my team. At the end of the day I can’t be successful without them and I truly appreciate their work and
dedication. Coming up in the agency in a male dominated technical environment, it was not easy. I
made a promise and stand on it today, my “REAL” job is to help those coming up behind me. I had great
mentors along the way, Percell Duckett, Henry Leggett, Lamon Grier, and JP Mills. All of which have
made a difference in my professional life.

Transportation Profile Questions
1. What is your name and title? Where is your office located?
Deputy Assistant Administrator for NextGen
Federal Aviation Administration
Washington, DC
2. What do you do with the FAA? How would you describe your work? What is your
technical specialty in transportation? What do you enjoy most about your work?
What do you do with the FAA?
I am the senior executive leader responsible for the integration of goals, strategies and budgets to
meet organizational commitments in the Office of the Assistant Administrator for NextGen. My
responsibilities include:
Providing strategic direction to ensure the development of the annual operating plan to the
aviation reseach and moderization efforts.
Providing leadership and executive oversight for a $2.2 billion budget and a portfolio of
more than 20 federal contracts.
Conducting annual assessment of research activities to support the development of detail
implemenation plans for major programs that will improve the US aviation infrastructure.
Ensuring that the FAA has the appropriate level of planning activities and resources to
support the long-term modernization of the aviation system.
How would you describe your work?
I work daily to provide technical leadership and alignment of resources required to define future
aviation systems and capabilities.
What is your technical specialty in transportation?
My specialty is in aviation with a focus on strategic planning and technical leadership
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy the opportunity to plan for the future of aviation and to develop the next generation of
planners and technical leaders.
3. How long have you worked there? When did you start? How did you join your current
organization?
I started with the FAA in 1991, so I have been here for 23 years.
I started at the FAA in a mid-level engineering position in the Office of Airports.
4. Given your transportation specialty, what do you see as the future of your transportation
discipline?
Aviation is undergoing a major transformation in the United States and across the globe. Currently,
the US is investing in major programs to improve the aviation infrastructure. The basic elements of

the infrastructure are communications, navigation and surveillance. A key component of the
modernization effort is building a stable aviation information environment to enable two way
exchange of information between the FAA and the aviation user community (airlines, service
providers, etc).
This major modernization effort will enable aviation to offer promising career opportunities for a
long time in academia, government and private industry.
5. Where did you go to school (please include dates for each degree, institution, and the
institution’s location/campus)? Please describe additional educational achievements,
degrees, and any other specialized training (with names and dates, please)?
I attended Southern University A&M College. The campus is in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering, 1987
Federal Executive Institute
Leadership for a Democratic Society, 2008
6. Is there anything that you would like to include in your profile?
In my spare time, I enjoy traveling abroad, listening to "real" jazz music, and sports - more
specifically, the New Orleans Saints and Southern University Jaguar football teams.

Darrell D. Roberts
Federal Aviation Administration
Air Traffic Organization
Technical Operations Services
Miami ATCT/TRACON
Darrell Roberts is the South Florida Technical Operations Manager with operational oversight of
the two major core airports at Miami and Fort Lauderdale International, and various general
aviation airports throughout the area.
Since 2006, Darrell has served as a member of the South Florida Federal Executive Board and
served as the Chair for two years, FY10 and FY11. The FEB’s mission is to work with agency
leaders to become more efficient and effective through collaboration and by promoting better
communications in the quad-county community relative to the available services offered by the
135 agencies. In 2007, he was instrumental in introducing the “GIFT” - Government Investing in
Future Talent program, where government agencies make presentation in high school on their
agency’s vision and career options.
Darrell is an avid supporter of educational programs and serves on numerous aviation and
technical boards in South Florida. In 2004 the “TOPS” initiative was established at the Miami
ATCT/TRACON. TOPS (Technical Operations exemplifies Public Service), conducted tours to
various community groups, thereby educating them of the benefits that Aviation has within the
South Florida metro-plex. Darrell also worked extensively in Miami Dade County Public Schools
with special programs such as Upward Bound, GEAR-Up, HEIP, KAPOW and Principal Today.
In 2006, Darrell was selected as a member on the Miami Dade College School of Engineering
Advisory Broad and was instrumental in bringing FAA’s Technical Operations CTI-Collegiate
Training Initiative to our area. Later that year he became an advisor to the Experience Aviation
organization, which focus is to educate students on practical applications of STEM and Aviation.
The EA organization was started by aviation pioneer Barrington Irving.

In 2010 he joined MDC’s Aviation Advisory committee and in 2014 was elected to serve as
chair. He also serves on four additional advisory committees: Broward College Engineering;
Florida Memorial Aviation; George T. Baker Aviation; and Atlantic Technical;
Darrell implemented programs that have broadened students understanding of aviation’s
worldwide impact. In 2011, as a MDC aviation board advisor, he lead the process for creating
the “FAIM” initiative - FAA Invest in Mentoring, where college students would intern and gain
experience in various FAA organization. The program was later expanded to other college’s
aviation students.
In 2011, the “Operation SAFEE Flight” aviation expo was started, which is a two day event at
Opa-Locka Airport. The Expo champions STEM/Aviation education to grade schools and
colleges, and work in partnership with the United States Coast Guard, the aviation community,
Miami Dade College, and other educational institutions. To date 7000 youth have attended the
three annual expos and now the expo include discovery flights and a flying proficiency
competition called TAG for local college student pilots. SAFEE also partners with local cities to
conduct two day summer aviation academies, and with high school, colleges and universities to
conduct aviation summer camps, with support from NATCA, PASS, NBCFAE and NHCFAE.
In 2013, “On RAMP” was launched which is an initiative to encourage young woman to look at
careers in Transportation. RAMP - Rising Above My Plateau, is a program where Women
transportation professionals bring their career perspectives to young women and speak on the
challenges they had throughout their careers.
Darrell has received numerous recognitions during his FAA career. Recently in 2012, Miami
Magazine recognized him as the “Best of Miami”, for Transportation. In the same year he
received the “Manager of the Year” from the NBCFAE organization for his aviation advocacy
activities.
In March 2013, President Obama honored him for his work over the years in STEM education.
In December 2013, the Miami-Dade County School Board gave a Proclamation for the
Operation SAFEE Flight educational expos. In May 2014, MDCPS Superintendent Alberto
Carvalho presented him the Exemplary Dade Partners award for GIFT, SAFEE and other
special programs that work to enhance our students educational and life experience.
In April 2014, MDC President Eduardo Padron nominated him for induction into the WACE CO-
OP Hall of Fame. WACE (World Association for Cooperative Education) is the only international
professional organization dedicated to developing, expanding, branding and advocating for
cooperative & work-integrated education programs within the industry and educational
institutions. Darrell was officially inducted in September 2014.
In December 2014, Darrell was nomination for induction into the Alumni Hall of Fame at Miami-
Dade College. This prestigious recognition is for his work in support of the south Florida
community and for being an aviation and education advocate at all levels. The Hall of Fame
induction will occur in April 2015.