Daniel J. Edwards, P.E.

Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs (Acting)

Daniel J. Edwards was sworn in as Acting Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs on May 5, 2025.  In this vital role, he is responsible for shaping and implementing policies that impact the economic health and international competitiveness of the U.S. aviation industry and broader transportation sector.

Prior to joining DOT, Edwards had dedicated his entire career to aerospace and defense and his accomplishments have landed him atop diverse organizations spanning the public, private and military space.  He has served as CEO of privately held businesses in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), as well as in supply chain and distribution.  He also brings extensive business leadership experience in airborne C4ISR systems and airfield infrastructure.  Notably, Mr. Edwards was part of the team that worked closely with FAA to develop and commercialize Engineered Materials Arrestor System (EMAS), which protects commercial runways in the U.S. and internationally against aircraft runway overruns. 

Edwards served over 23 years in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserves, both as a KC-10 pilot and airfield civil engineer.  He flew more than 100 combat missions, holds type ratings in the DC-10 and 757/767, and has accumulated over 4,000 flight hours as a military and commercial pilot.

Dan Edwards holds a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the U.S Air Force Academy.