Jane Garvey

Jane F. Garvey is recognized for her significant contributions to American transportation policy. Appointed by President Bill Clinton, Garvey became the first female administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and the first to serve a full five-year term. She also served as the 14th administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. Prior to this role, Garvey was director of Logan International Airport in Boston and held positions as acting administrator and deputy administrator of the Federal Highway Administration. She also served as commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Works.

Garvey's tenure at the FAA was marked by efforts in aviation modernization and crisis management. She oversaw substantial modernization initiatives and led the agency through the events of September 11, guiding the FAA in its response and recovery. Garvey played a key role in reforming the FAA's institutional culture and preparing the agency for the Y2K computer transition. Her leadership during these periods was noted by lawmakers and media outlets.

Before her appointment to the FAA, Garvey contributed to infrastructure finance at the Federal Highway Administration, where she pioneered the Innovative Financing Initiative. This initiative introduced new financing mechanisms, including Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicles (GARVEE), which allowed states to fund highway projects using future revenues. This model became widely adopted for public infrastructure financing. Garvey later served on the transition team for President Barack Obama, focusing on transportation policy and infrastructure challenges, and led the U.S. Public/Private Partnerships advisory group at JPMorgan, advising states on project financing strategies.

In the private sector, Garvey has held leadership roles in global infrastructure investment. She serves as global chairman of Meridiam Infrastructure, a firm specializing in long-term sustainable infrastructure development. Garvey became the first female chairman of United Continental Holdings, where her board leadership at United Airlines leveraged her expertise in aviation and transportation policy.

Garvey's career has been acknowledged with honors such as the Eno Lifetime of Service Award in Infrastructure Policy, the National Council of Public-Private Partnerships Leadership Award, the National Award of Excellence for Public Leaders, the Woman of the Year Award in Transportation and Politics, and the L. Welch Pogue Lifetime Achievement in International Aviation Award. She has been recognized among the 100 Heroes in Aviation History as part of the First Flight Centennial Celebration in Kitty Hawk and received the Sentinel of Safety Award from NATCA for her achievements in aviation safety. Garvey continues to be an authoritative voice on transportation policy, public-private partnerships, aviation safety, and crisis leadership.