NARRATIVE BIOGRAPHY
Eric R. Potts
Eric Potts is Deputy Director of Planning Design and Construction for the Houston Airport
System. He is responsible for the overall management of $2.8 billion capital improvements
program at the Houston Airport System’s (HAS) three aviation facilities -- George Bush
Intercontinental Airport, William P. Hobby Airport, and Ellington Field.
Prior to his appointment in November 2000, Mr. Potts served over 27 years in the United States
Army, retiring with the rank of colonel. As executive director of civil works for the Army Corp
of Engineers, Mr. Potts coordinated a staff of 224 personnel who exercised supervision over the
nationwide Civil Works activities of eight major subordinate commands and 38 districts. He
assisted the Director of Civil Works with a $4 billion program which included projects that
provided navigation, flood damage reduction, and environmental restoration to the Nation.
Another of Mr. Pott’s duties was to assist with the oversight of the Corps emergency response
mission, the regulatory mission in the Nation’s waterways and wetlands, and many engineering
and construction activities that the Corps performs for other federal agencies.
A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Mr. Potts was commissioned a second lieutenant and awarded a
Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Missouri at Rolla
(UMR) in 1973. An active supporter of UMR, Mr. Potts was inducted into the MSM-UMR
Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994, inducted into the MSM-UMR Academy of Civil Engineers in
1999 and at the December 2001 Commencement received a Professional Degree in Civil
Engineering. He also holds a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from
the Naval War College.
Mr. Potts’ military decorations include two Legion of Merit medals, five Meritorious Service
medals, two Army Commendation medals, the National Defense Service medal, the German
Silver Cross of Honor. He is also a member of the Society of American Military Engineers,
Academy of Fellows and Army Engineers Association recipient of the Silver Order of the de
Fleury Medal.
Updated 2/16/16
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