Our scholarship celebrates the life and legacy of Tony Ferrante, a former executive at Objective Area Solutions, LLC (OAS), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Senior Executive, and career public servant. Tony’s career started in the United States Air Force as an air traffic controller where he honorably served for six years. Following his military services Tony spent 37 years in the FAA beginning his career as an air traffic controller. During his time at the FAA Tony held many operational and leadership roles, finishing his last 11 years as the Executive Director of the FAA’s Air Traffic Safety Oversight Service Office in Washington, D.C.
Tony was an incredible person both professionally and personally. He embodied the best of the US Civil Service and Senior Executive community. During his career Tony was instrumental insignificant aviation policy and regulations which still inform rules and procedures in United States airspace to this day. He was involved in some of the of the United States most significant aviation events and planning in recent history – from domestic aviation responses and planning as a result of the September 11th attacks to addressing vital air traffic safety concerns of the 21st Century. Following his distinguished government career Tony was the Chief Strategy Officer at OAS where he continued to support FAA projects and policy. In his capacity at OAS Tony supported aviation policy decisions for the Air Traffic Safety Oversite Service Office, Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) FAA/DOD Memorandum of Agreement, and other programs within the FAA.
Tony’s superpower was his ability to build relationships and bring people together to solve difficult challenges. He was a phenomenal policy maker and had incredible skills in building consensus, finding common ground to support US Government decision making. In addition, Tony was always focused on building the next generation of professionals to support the United States Civil Aviation community. It is in Tony’s honor that this scholarship endowment will keep his spirit, memory, and legacy alive.