Coffee Chat with FAA's Pamela Whitley
By Neela Babu, WTS-DC
On July 21, WTS-DC held a coffee chat with Pamela Whitley of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Whitley is the Acting Assistant Administrator for NextGen (ANG) and is responsible for championing the evolution of the National Airspace System (NAS). She is responsible for providing strategic direction and executive oversight to more than 800 federal employees and managing a federal budget of approximately $2 billion. Whitley is an electrical engineer with experience leading large-scale, complex initiatives, demonstrating the ability to lead at all levels and to help build leaders along the way.
This coffee chat was designed for a small group of attendees to sit around a virtual table with Whitley and engage with her in a conversational format. Twenty WTS members and friends joined us for this event.
Whitley started by introducing herself. She spoke about growing up as the daughter of an English teacher who insisted that she learn how to write even though her strengths were in math and science. Her mother’s influence proved valuable as her writing skills have been an important factor in her success.
Whitley then discussed the NextGen program. The Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) is the FAA-led modernization of America's air transportation system to make flying even safer, more efficient, and more predictable. Whitley shared how the NextGen program was created by Congress in response to congestion and delays in the national airspace system. Congress created a joint organization to look at the problem and Whitley led that effort.
After her opening remarks, the conversation began with the audience asking questions of Whitley. The participants had many questions which led to an engaging discussion.
Throughout her career, Whitley volunteered to take on new tasks and, as an engineer, she always looked for ways to solve problems. When taking on a new role, she pursued opportunities that she believed would expand her skill set and help her reach her personal goals. When asked about her leadership experience, she discussed the importance of building relationships and meeting people. She also mentioned the value of guiding people and having them take ownership of their work. Her leadership strategies have allowed her to develop a team of people who respect her and respond to her requests.
Attendees were grateful for this opportunity to chat with Whitley and WTS-DC is thankful for her willingness to join us.