Timothy Ward said he enjoys the balance that comes with being an aviation consultant. He could never see himself doing any one thing all the time for his career, so being able to get out and visit clients regularly, spending time on construction sites and rolling up his sleeves to deliver design solutions is the right fit for him.
“In my 15-year career as an aviation engineer, I have had the opportunity to support a wide variety of projects and clients,” he said. "From runways, taxiways and terminal aprons, to baggage handling systems, deicing facilities, hydrant fueling systems, hangar rehabilitations and roof replacements; working with clients at commercial service airports from large hub to small relievers, general aviation airports, as well as the Army, Navy, Air Force, and National Guard. So on any given day, I am not 100 percent certain of who in the aviation world will be talking to or what exactly I will be talking to them about and that’s what I love about it.”
Ward has become a technical leader who is continually advancing his expertise and that of younger professionals.
He is now a go-to resource within HDR and for its clients when planning and developing airfield pavement projects. Not everyone would say a massive paving project is something they love. But he does — and he’s got 13 runway projects to prove it.
Ward gained valuable experience and perspective through his involvement in a wide variety of projects and positions. He has been responsible for everything from airfield paving, hydrant fueling and baggage handling to restroom restoration and roof replacement projects.
This past year, Ward was named project manager for the Blue Grass Airport Runway Design project in Lexington, Ky. He quickly earned their trust by bringing solutions to some of the project’s most critical elements.
Ward attracts high-caliber industry experts as well as up-and-coming professionals to join HDR based on his track record and involvement in the aviation industry. He has created a positive work environment not only with the Pittsburgh aviation staff but across the aviation group nationwide.
When mentoring younger staff, Ward positions them to further cultivate their skill sets and networks of industry professionals. As the aviation industry finds new ways to move into an uncertain future safely, vision and trust among all stakeholders and partners are key.
