Eric R. Potts is currently serving as the Interim Director of the City of Houston's Department of Aviation. He is responsible for the overall management of the Houston Airport System’s three aviation facilities -- George Bush Intercontinental Airport, William P. Hobby Airport, and Ellington Airport – and its 1,600 employees.
Since 2000, Potts has been responsible for overseeing all phases of major construction and logistical developments at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, William P. Hobby Airport and Ellington Airport. In addition, Mr. Potts is a retired and decorated Colonel of the United States Army.
After serving in the United States Army for more than 27 years, Mr. Potts joined the Houston Airport System in November of 2000. The expertise he brought with him included serving as the executive director of civil works for the Army Corps of Engineers, assisting with the oversight of the Corps emergency response mission and of the many engineering and construction activities that were carried out by the Corps during his tenure. Additionally, prior to retiring with the rank of colonel from the military, Mr. Potts supervised Civil Works activities for 38 districts across the country and assisted with the implementation of a $4 billion program that provided flood damage reduction and environmental restoration to the nation.
A graduate of the University of Missouri, Mr. Potts was commissioned a second lieutenant and awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering in 1973. In 1994, he was inducted into the university's
Athletic Hall of Fame and in 1999 he was once again inducted; this time into the school's Academy of Civil Engineers. During a Commencement at the University of Missouri, in December of 2001, Mr. Potts was awarded a Professional Degree in Civil Engineering.
The retired colonel also holds a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.
His military decorations include two Legion of Merit medals, five Meritorious Service medals, two Army Commendation medals, the National Defense Service medal, and the German Silver Cross of Honor. Mr. Potts is a member of the Society of American Military Engineers and of the Academy of Fellows and Army Engineers. He is also a recipient of the Silver Order of the Fleury Medal.