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.
Edwards has dedicated his career to the aerospace and defense industries. His accomplishments have landed him atop diverse organizations spanning the public, private, and military space. Prior to joining DOT, he served as CEO of privately held businesses in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), as well supply chain and distribution. Dan also has extensive business leadership in airborne C4ISR and airfield infrastructure. He was part of the team that worked closely with FAA to develop and commercialize EMAS, which protects commercial runways across the US and internationally against aircraft runway overruns.
Edwards served over 23 years in the USAF and USAF Reserves as both a KC-10 pilot and airfield civil engineer. He has flown over 100 combat missions, holds type ratings in the DC-10 and 757/767, and has accumulated over 4,000 flight hours as both 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 United States Air Force Academy.
