Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine October/November 2022 Digital Issue
We’re happy to announce we have several new faces that have joined the Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics (BOA) in the last few months. As always, you can view our entire staff directory on our website at https://wisconsindot.gov/av‐pubs.
Kelly Halada – Assistant Aeronautical Environmental Coordinator
Kelly Halada joined the BOA as an Assistant Aeronautical Environmental Coordinator in June 2022. Kelly is responsible for ensuring compliance with state and federal environmental laws regarding Wisconsin state-funded airport projects.
Kelly’s duties include coordination with regulatory agencies, including the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. She is also responsible for completing the associated environmental documentation required for Wisconsin airport projects that utilize state or federal funding. Kelly also serves as an internal resource to BOA staff. Kelly is part of the environmental team at the BOA, with goals to focus on the environmental compliance processes surrounding the construction of airport projects.
Kelly earned two Bachelor of Science degrees in Political Studies and Environmental Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Before joining BOA, she interned for the WDNR in the Aquatic Invasive Species Division. Kelly currently lives in Fitchburg, Wisconsin and loves snuggling her cats, hiking, and visiting Devil’s Lake with her husband.
For any questions concerning environmental issues at the Bureau of Aeronautics, please feel free to contact Kelly at kelly.halada@dot.wi.gov or (608) 267-3633.
Jesse Friend – DBE/Labor Compliance Specialist
Jesse Friend joined the BOA in July of 2022 as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)/Labor Compliance Specialist. Jesse joins Shannon Clary and Crystal Wilson in the DBE/LC office and will work closely with BOA project managers, consultants, and contractors to resolve labor compliance issues on airport construction projects.
His primary role is to ensure that airport construction projects meet contract requirements for prevailing wages, payments to subcontractors and nondiscriminatory practices. This includes auditing for Equal Employment Opportunities, Title VI, and Title VII compliance and assisting with management of the bureau’s DBE program.
Prior to joining the bureau, Jesse worked with the Department of Justice firearms unit, processing background checks for firearms purchases and Concealed Carry Weapon permits. In his free time, Jesse enjoys hassling his cats, having small adventures around the state, and playing overly complicated board games with his friends.
For questions regarding labor compliance, please contact Jesse at jessed.friend@dot.wi.gov or call (608) 264-9927.
New BOA Project Managers
Three of the new BOA staff members are project managers. In general, BOA project managers are responsible for helping airports develop a realistic and achievable capital improvement plan; contracting with consultants for planning, design, and construction engineering services; conducting plan reviews; and working as a liaison between local sponsors and state and federal agencies.
Tyler Leslie – Airport Engineering Specialist
Tyler Leslie joined the BOA in May 2022. Tyler earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Legal Studies from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2018. Before joining the Bureau of Aeronautics, he worked in the Compliance Bureau at the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
In his free time, Tyler enjoys reading, hiking, and listening to music. Tyler can be contacted at (608) 267-9396 or tylerd.leslie@dot.wi.gov.
Colin Davidson – Airport Development Engineer
Colin Davidson joined the BOA in July 2022 as an Airport Development Engineer. Colin earned bachelor’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration from the University of Kansas in 2012 and is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Kansas. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Business Administration from MSOE University in Milwaukee.
Colin comes to the BOA after having worked for the past 10 years at a consulting engineering, procurement, and construction firm located in Kansas City. There, he primarily worked on projects in the oil and gas industry.
Colin and his wife live in Wauwatosa and enjoy traveling, hiking, biking, and exploring their beautiful new home state of Wisconsin. He is excited to be able to combine his personal interest in aviation and travel with his career as an engineer.
Colin can be reached by phone at (608) 266-2542 or by email at colin.davidson@dot.wi.gov.
Samuel Lee – Airport Development Engineer
Samuel Lee joined the BOA in July 2022 as an Airport Development Engineer. Sam earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in Civil Engineering. Sam looks forward to helping airports across Wisconsin meet their future development goals. Sam has lived in both Madison and Milwaukee and enjoys outdoor activities like fishing and running.
You can contact Sam by phone at (608) 267-3584 or by email at samuel.lee@dot.wi.gov