Behind the Takeoff with Jason Alexander

At Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), the planes may take off from the runway, but there’s a whole other kind of lift happening behind the scenes, one powered by people like Jason Alexander, Deputy Chief of Airport Affairs.

Jason is no stranger to the City of Austin. In fact, his public service journey began right here, not long after he arrived in town as a business student at the University of Texas at Austin. What started as a temporary internship turned into a fulfilling, decades-long career in public service, and now, aviation.

“I came to the University of Texas to study business with zero ambition to work in government,” Jason shared. “My dad worked in public service, and I honestly thought I should try something different.”

As fate would have it, that early exposure to civic life sparked something. When it came time to complete a required internship, Jason opted to try something a little more familiar, working for the City of Austin. His early ambition was to become a city manager one day, and through his work with the City Manager’s Office, he got a real taste of what that role entails. But as AUS began ramping up its Journey With AUS expansion program, a new opportunity emerged that would lead him in a different, but exciting, direction. And he hasn’t looked back since.

“I began working for Austin in the summer of 2004. I've been at the City ever since, and it's been an absolute privilege.”

With over 20 years of experience under his belt, Jason has built a unique career rooted in city management and public policy.

From City Hall to the Airfield

In 2023, Jason joined the Department of Aviation during a pivotal moment. The airport was preparing for unprecedented growth and investment, and Jason was tasked to help navigate that complexity from the inside out.

“As part of the transition to new City leadership, I was asked to help the Department navigate its expansion program and guide items through the City Council approval process,” he said.

His role was initially focused on strengthening communication between AUS and City leadership. Today, it has evolved into something much broader. Jason now oversees the Airport Affairs Division, which plays a vital role in the airport’s administrative, strategic, and policy-related functions.

“I didn’t come in with an aviation background, but I’ve loved learning about the airport world. It’s a field where government, business, engineering, and public service all intersect.”

What Airport Affairs is all About

So what exactly is Airport Affairs?

Jason describes it as a multifaceted division that may not often be seen by the traveling public but has a significant impact on the airport’s ability to operate and grow. His team manages documentation and records compliance, which is critical for transparency and adherence to local and state laws. They also liaise with the operators of the on-campus Hilton Hotel, a unique element of AUS that blends public infrastructure with private enterprise.

But one of the biggest areas of impact is government relations. Jason and his team represent AUS in front of key decision-makers, including City Council, City Manager’s Office, federal agencies, and even Congress. In short, they are the bridge between the airport and the many institutions that shape public infrastructure and policy.

“Among all the divisions in the Department, we probably engage with the traveling public the least… most if not all of our work is behind the scenes, but we take a lot of pride in doing work that benefits the public and supports the rest of the divisions in their missions.”

Why it Works: Jason’s Passion for Public Policy

Jason is quick to admit that one of his favorite parts of the job is also one of the most challenging: navigating the world of public policy and government.

“Engaging with elected officials and helping shape public policy is something I’ve always enjoyed. I’ve joked that it can feel like a full-contact sport at times, but it’s a lot of fun.”

It’s a passion that has served him well. Whether supporting new airport initiatives, testifying before City Council, or advocating for AUS in Washington, D.C., Jason thrives in complex policy environments. He sees it as an essential part of ensuring the airport can deliver on its promise to serve Austinites and the millions of travelers who pass through every year.

“I love a challenge and feel good when we get to make our case or defend our work in front of others. I also just tend to geek out on all things government, so I think I’m in the right spot.”

Working Across the Airport

Because Airport Affairs touches so many aspects of AUS, Jason’s team often collaborates with nearly every division at one point or another. But some groups naturally come up more frequently.

“These days, progress on the expansion and our day-to-day operations remain so top of mind for our local leaders that it’s fair to say we’re spending a lot more time with Operations, Planning & Development, Commercial Development, PIO & Marketing, and Community Affairs,” Jason said. “But at some point or another, we’ll make our way around the whole dance floor.”

This collaboration is vital to making sure AUS can grow effectively while keeping stakeholders informed and aligned at every level.

Words of Wisdom for the Next Generation

Though Jason’s path into aviation may not have been a straight line, he’s developed a deep respect for the field, and encourages others to explore it, especially those who thrive on problem-solving and adaptability.

“Airports are constantly reacting to outside forces. It’s one of the few professions where business, economics, science, and policy all collide,” he said. “If you find excitement working in a field defined by organized chaos, then working in airports might be the perfect fit.”

Looking Ahead

As AUS continues its bold transformation through the Journey With AUS expansion program, Jason is helping shape a future where public infrastructure meets public trust, with efficiency, transparency, and creativity at the core.

He may be new to aviation, but Jason brings the kind of passion and experience that ensures the airport keeps growing in the right direction, while staying deeply connected to the community it serves.

“It’s fun to be at this point of my City career, after already being exposed to so much, and feeling like I get to learn something totally new and contribute in meaningful ways.”

Stay tuned for more “Behind the Takeoff” stories as we introduce more of the incredible people powering AUS.