About Rodney Joel, PE

Rodney Joel of Kansas City, Missouri, is director of the Central Region Airports Division of theFederal Aviation Administration. He earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree, both in civil engineering, from S&T in 1988 and 1990, respectively. His professional career has been focused on civil service in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airports Division. Joel is responsible for one of eight FAA regional offices of airports, in which his team administers hundreds of millions of dollars in grants for airport infrastructure improvements annually, ensures airport safety standards and provides guidance on airport design and master planning. The Airports Division is also responsible for implementing programs, including the runway safety program and airport certification services. 

Joel is an expert and thought leader in airfield pavement technology and has played an instrumental role in the design and development of airfield pavements across the country over the last 30 years. 

Joel is a photography and woodworking enthusiast. He and his wife have two adult daughters.