Jason Alexander
Deputy Chief of Airport Affairs, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
My public career highlights and education:
I have served the City of Austin for 21 years, including seven on the City Manager’s executive team, and now manage government affairs for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. I hold a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas and a Master of Public Administration from Texas State University.
The best aspect of public service:
I love the sense of purpose and accomplishment from doing work that directly impacts my community. Local government affects every person’s daily life, and its hard not to be in awe of how special that is. Public service is a full-contact sport sometimes, but it is the most rewarding work.
Some of the best advice I have ever received:
Fail fast and pivot. You make every decision hoping it does the most good for the most people, but you are bound to make mistakes. The important thing is that when you do…own it, learn from it, and focus on getting the next one right using the lessons you gained.
Something I wish more people knew about my division of government:
People often think of the airport as a single entity when in fact it is like a mini city with numerous independent businesses and regulatory agencies, each with unique oversight of certain airport activities and functions, working together to ensure a safe and efficient passenger experience.
One thing outside of government service people may not know about me:
I love playing guitar. Growing up, my friends and I even had plans, however half-baked, of playing music for a living…because, who doesn’t dream of being in a rock band…but I think I’m where I was meant to be and would never trade these experiences I’ve had.