BIO:
Robert Osborne is Manager of Special Projects with the Shreveport Airport Authority. Mr. Osborne is responsible for the administration of the airport’s Capital Improvement Program, serves as the DBE Liaison Officer, oversees the development of the airport’s master plan, and manages the Airport Noise Compatibility Program, airport security and NAVAID rehabilitations, and the implementation of several sustainability initiatives. His past positions include Design Engineer for AT&T and Operations Manager for JP Morgan Chase. Mr. Osborne is a member of the Louisiana Air National Guard and has deployed in multiple support and humanitarian efforts. He received a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from Southern University in Baton Rouge, has participated in sponsored research for Georgia Tech Research Institute, and is completing graduate studies at Louisiana State University in Shreveport. He is a member of several professional organizations, including AAAE, SAME (Society of American Military Engineers), PMI (Project Management Institute), IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), and Engineers without Borders. He is also an avid supporter of the FAA's Center of Excellence for Commercial Space and Unmanned Aerial Systems and is an Ambassador for the Airport Cooperative Research Program or ACRP.
Top 40 Under 40 Questions
1) Why did you select aviation as a career?
I chose aviation as a career, because it has always been a dream job. I had subscriptions to aviation publications at the age of 10. I am also a member of the Louisiana Air National Guard and have always wanted to work around planes or design them.
2) What advice from a mentor helped you the most in your career?
The best advice I have received from my mentor was be knowledgeable about your job, but remember that aviation is a small community and we are all brothers and sisters in arms, working to create and maintain the world's leading aviation system.
3) What is the biggest challenge you see facing aviation today?
The biggest challenge I see facing aviation today is cost containment. General aviation, airports, and airlines are all under extreme pressure to "do more with less." I believe this presents not only a challenge, but also an opportunity for municipalities and the private sector to work together and achieve great things.
4) What advice would you give to others in the industry?
My advice would be to continue to collaborate and share ideas, aviation and aerospace in general have exciting things on the horizon, from sustainability, to unmanned aerial systems, to commercial space. There has never been a more exciting time to be involved in aviation, but it will take everyone’s energy and efforts to continue to create and maintain the world's leading aviation system.
5) What are three things we don’t know about you?
Three things that you don't know about me, let's see, 1) I participated in 4 years of JROTC in high school. 2) I witnessed the last two space shuttle launches STS-134 and STS-135 with my family. 3) I am an avid writer of science fiction.
Robert Osborne
Manager of Special Projects
Shreveport Airport Authority
