Diligence and commitment are two words that describe the professional philosophy of Jeff Alexander, CM, an aviation planner in Hanson’s Orlando regional office. “My dad has been a truck driver for 35 years and never went to college,” Jeff said. “Yet, he has instilled in me the meaning of hard work and dedication.”
As an aviation planner in Hanson’s Orlando regional office, Jeff Alexander, CM, works on airport master plans, airport layout plans and other aviation-related projects.
Jeff earned his associate degree in civil engineering from Valencia College, his bachelor’s degree in technical management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and his Certified Member credential from the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). Learn more about his journey to his AAAE certification and his tips for the process on Hanson’s Ascend blog.
Since joining Hanson in 2021, Jeff has worked on airport master plans and airport layout plans, as well as other aviation-related projects. Here, he shares what he enjoys doing on and off the clock:
Favorite part of your job
I love having the opportunity to work with great airports across the country and being a part of a team finding ways to meet our clients’ needs and requirements. It’s nice to know that what I do positively affects people who work at airports or use them for travel.
What motivates you at work
My motivation comes from my desire to always be the hardest worker in the room. I did not come from a family that has a background in aviation, nor a family of higher education. I was a late bloomer when it came to college, but I was able to complete my degree while working 50-plus hours a week as an aviation designer and planner. Fifteen years later, my passion for aviation is still as strong as my first day.
Jeff holds one of his two dogs, Dallas, a 1-year-old black lab/hound mix that he and his wife rescued at 8 weeks old.
Favorite leisure activity
During the fall and winter, my passion is watching football — specifically, my Dallas Cowboys! I have been a fan since I was 4 years old, when my favorite player, Emmitt Smith, was drafted from my favorite college team, the Florida Gators! In fact, we named our dog, a black lab/hound mix, Dallas. My wife and I rescued him when he was 8 weeks old, and now he’s a year and a half. He’s like our little shadow — when you leave a room, he’s right there by your side. He also gets along well with our older dog, Eva, who will be 8 this year.
I volunteer at a local barn near my house, as well. I enjoy taking care of the horses and learning everything I can about horsemanship. A goal for my wife and me is to have a few horses of our own someday.
One word that best describes you
Dependable
The one food item you can never run out of
That is a tough question, because I sure do love me some food! I would have to say peanut M&Ms. A close second would be fried chicken. Although I do not eat it as much as I would like, I never pass up a chance when presented.