FAA Engineers Di Giulian and Joel receive ACC Best Practices Award

For Immediate Release
August 8, 2007, NR-07-03
Contact: Cari Hicks

Washington, DC – The Airport Consultants Council (ACC) presented its prestigious 2007 ACC Best Practices Award to Matthew Di Giulian, P.E. and Rodney Joel, P.E., both with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Awards were given at the annual ACC/FAA/TSA Summer Workshop Series during a luncheon on July 25, 2007. The Award recognizes excellence in individuals, teams or organizations that work closely with the airport consultant community.

The membership of ACC believes that industry partners play a vital role in each and every project. When selecting the Award recipients, ACC considers those who have shown a spirit for streamlining, a dedication to teamwork and an unwavering commitment to all stakeholders. Partners who are flexible when circumstances require it, and highly regarded as experienced and knowledgeable resources, are also recognized during the selection process.

Di Giulian is with the FAA Eastern Region. He received the award based on his extensive work with various projects, particularly the recent safety area challenges that have been prevalent in his area of the country. He has been instrumental in obtaining the funding and clearing the hurdles needed to successfully keep these important projects on track. His supportive attitude and quick decision making keeps projects moving forward and remaining on schedule. As a BS graduate in Civil Engineering from the West Virginia Institute of Technology, Di Giulian began his career 15 years ago with the West Virginia Division of Highways where he worked as a design engineer, planner and environmental coordinator. Since joining the FAA in 2001, he has worked as a civil engineer and planner for the Beckley Airport District Office (ADO). With recent staff changes, he also currently serves as the Acting Manager of the ADO.

Joel is a Civil Engineer in the Airport Engineering Division of the FAA Headquarters. He was selected based on his in-depth expertise and teamwork as the airfield pavement specialist on projects; and for having effectively conveyed best practices as a frequent speaker at the ACC Institute airfield pavement courses and other industry events. Joel oversees airfield pavement design, construction and maintenance. He is currently working on the new FAA Pavement Design Manual (AC 150/5320-6E) that will be released early next year.   Joel received his BS and MS Degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla. After receiving his degrees, he was employed by the FAA Central Region as the Regional Paving Engineer in 1990. Rodney moved from the region to FAA Headquarters in December of 2001.

The Airport Consultants Council (ACC) is the international trade association that represents the unique interests of consultant firms and related businesses that provide airport development and operations expertise. Founded in 1978, ACC Headquarters is located in the Washington, DC area.

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