It’s not that difficult to spot someone who thoroughly enjoys what they do. William Poteet, Manager of the Distance Learning Branch in the FAA Academy (AMA-024) is one of those people. If it’s not the smile that gives him away, then it’s upbeat, contagious energy that he exudes wherever he goes. William, or "Bill" as his friends call him, knew from a very early age that his life’s ambition was to make a difference in the world and travel every chance that he could get. It’s safe to say that’s he’s achieved those life goals and so much more.
From early beginnings as a Stock Handler at a Woolco Department Store, young Bill quickly learned the importance of servitude and integrity. When Bill went to college, his aspirations were aimed toward a Political Science degree, but he became frustrated with his inability to change things, so he opted for a career in engineering instead. Jokingly, Bill explains that his time in the FAA took him from being an employee to a manager, allowing him to come full-circle with his life goals.
Bill’s federal career began at Tinker Air Force Base in 1983 where he assisted aircraft mechanics working on jet engines. A year later, he transferred to the FAA as a machinist, building parts for various radar systems. Soon, he began traveling with the Logistics Center’s Radar Overhaul Team, traveling across the U.S. and providing field support on National Airspace Systems - resulting in 405 different trips. Eventually, he became the Lead for the Machine Shop team. By 1990, Bill became an Equipment Specialist, focused on serving all aspects of field support. His skills led him to become an Engineering Technician, having responsibility for vibration analysis of radar antenna systems for predictive maintenance. His rapport with his teammates soon earned him a Supervisory Engineering Technician role, where he oversaw the maintenance and overhaul of radars. In 1999, Bill became the Branch Manager for the Radar Maintenance, Overhaul and Emergency Restoration Team within the FAA Logistics Center (FAALC).
His career continued to progress, later working as a Logistics Management Specialist, where he helped incorporate integrated Logistics into the FAA’s Acquisition Management System. He later became a Program Manager within Integrated Logistics. In this role, he represented the Logistics Center on all electronic equipment modifications, ensuring all logistical requirements were identified and proper provisions were made. It was 2008 when Bill’s career took him in a new direction, as he was hired as a Logistics Program Management Instructor for the FAA Academy. He was instrumental in developing the training that was required for the FAA to obtain Professional Logistics Certification. Always interested in improving, Bill acquired his Project Management Professional certification, allowing him to work on multiple Academy-Logistics requirements while facilitating meetings with stakeholders in Washington D.C. In 2012, Bill became the Branch Manager for the FAA Academy’s Distance Learning Branch. This job gave him oversight of several programs: the Aviation Training Network, Computer Based Instruction, Distance Learning Platforms, and the electronic Learning Management System. Bill and his team are known for providing support for all FAA Academy Instruction Resource Information System applications.
Bill proclaims that one of the biggest challenges he faced during his 37-year federal career was leaving management and moving into Integrated Logistics to help correct deficiencies in the agency’s logistics support posture, while also developing critical training and certification programs. It was this change that gave him exceptional experience, unknowingly preparing him for his future responsibilities.
Looking back, Bill recounts many fond memories during his career, such as leading the installation of the Mobile Air Route Surveillance Radar-3 Antenna System in Florida following Hurricane Andrew; providing Logistics response and support after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans; working with colleagues in Washington D.C. to provide acquisition and certification for Instrument Landing System courses; and leading the Academy’s Distance Learning Team through several major system transitions – Aviation Training Network to Academy Virtual Training Network, Computer Based Instruction to Distance Learning Platform, hosting all the Department of Transportation (DOT) content within the Academy infrastructure and helping to establish the FAA Academy as an essential training establishment for all of the DOT.
Bill exclaims that the inspiration he lives by comes from a Tim McGraw song, "Live like you were dying," as it’s this concept of living life to the fullest, while doing what you can to become a better person. Bill is a man who walks the walk and talks the talk. His hobbies reflect this, as he enjoys sharing conversations about authentic manhood courses, spending time with family, traveling (especially to the mountains), riding motorcycles and mountain bikes.
In saying farewell, Bill remarks, "I have loved working at the FAA and it made me a lot of who I am today. I wouldn’t change anything for the world and would do it all over again, if I could … exactly the same way!" Thanks Bill, for being the consummate role model - as a friend and leader. Congratulations on your retirement!
