Jared Esselman began his career in aviation in the United States Air Force as a Loadmaster in the 15th Airlift Squadron serving on over 300 combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan and is a decorated combat veteran.
During his military service, Jared also earned his FAA pilot certification and is an IFR-rated private pilot and certified Part 107 UAS operator.
Jared earned his Masters in Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Focused on aviation policy, Jared served as Director of State Government Affairs for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the world’s largest aviation association. While there, Jared drafted and passed aviation laws in 25 states and Puerto Rico.
Currently, Jared manages the state fleet of aircraft, and the statewide system of 46 public-use airports, 90 backcountry airstrips, and over 6,000 registered aircraft in Utah. His duties include management of the $80 million annual airport capital improvement budget, oversight of all aviation rules and regulations in the state, and increasing economic development via airports and aviation. Additionally, he is the Airport Manager for the state-owned Hanksville Airport.
As Director of Aeronautics, Jared also serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) and until recently, served as the Chairman of the Center for Aviation Research and Education.
Jared is one of the national leaders in Advanced Aerial Mobility and has implemented one of the nation’s first statewide planning studies for aerial corridors, placement and design standards for vertiports, and the integration of advanced aerial mobility and surface transportation systems.
Jared is an Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) with the American Association of Airport Executives.
