People Spotlight: Meet Daniel Perdomo
Our People Spotlight series gives you an inside look at our technical experts around the world. This week, we are highlighting a senior program director from our Transportation business line in the U.S. West and providing an insight into their inspiration and work.
Daniel has an extensive aviation career that includes managing complex terminal projects in operational airports as well as developing new airport infrastructure in green field environments. Most recently, at Denver International Airport, he successfully led the multi-phased expansions of the Concourse Expansion Program (CEP). His role involved effective coordination among stakeholders and ensuring that the program was completed on schedule and within budget.
Prior to his work in Denver, Daniel oversaw multi-phase renovations of Concourse D at Miami International Airport (MIA), all while ensuring that terminal operations continued without interruption. He also played a key role in the planning and construction management of the Terminal 2 Expansion at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama, which was a new green field development. Additionally, he managed delivery of the gate expansion for Spirit Airlines’ Terminal 4E at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, gaining valuable experience and insights throughout these programs by navigating complex construction environments.
Daniel’s aviation experience as a general contractor project manager, expertise in construction operations, and proven airport owner representation, make him a trusted leader in aviation infrastructure, well-suited for major airport programs.
Tell us about what inspired you to join the aviation industry.
From a young age, I have always been fascinated by construction, including both civil engineering projects and building construction. I would often ride my bicycle to job sites to observe the activities, watch the machinery in action, and see how a site changed over time. The equipment intrigued me, and I was eager to learn about how these machines operated and contributed to the construction process.
My uncle Jose, an architect, played a significant role in nurturing my interest. During my visits to his home as a teenager, I was captivated by his work at the drawing table. He would display his blueprints with me and explain the details of his designs. I recognized connections between the drawings he created and the construction I witnessed on job sites. This connection deepened over time and ultimately inspired my journey into the industry, and to also become a private pilot.
From a young age, I have always been fascinated by construction, including both civil engineering projects and building construction. I would often ride my bicycle to job sites to observe the activities, watch the machinery in action, and see how a site changed over time.
Which is your favorite recent project and why?
I thoroughly enjoyed the experience at Denver International Airport (DEN) Concourse Expansion Program (CEP). Expanding and constructing new concourses involves a highly productive environment, and the scope of this program felt very natural to me due to my previous expansion experience. I enjoyed experiencing the full program life cycle, from initiation and planning through closeout as project manager for Concourse C-East Expansion, and post-delivery managing the program entirely. It was certainly a great challenge.
But what truly set DEN apart is its culture, which prioritized collaboration among the construction community and airport stakeholders. From the outset of the program, we emphasized building a strong, cohesive team. The airport leadership encouraged us to engage in early partnering sessions and team-building activities, which helped break the ice, establish lines of communication, trust, and foster genuine connections among team members. I had not previously encountered this level of early focus on team integration, and it significantly impacted how the project teams tackled early project challenges in partnership.
The program itself presented numerous complex challenges, as is typical for large-scale aviation projects. My role involved leading the team to effectively address these challenges, ensuring that we completed the program on schedule and under budget by optimizing and improving performance.
Today, the community benefits from the new facilities and provides positive feedback, making all our efforts even more rewarding.
what truly set DEN apart is its culture, which prioritized collaboration among the construction community and airport stakeholders. From the outset of the program, we emphasized building a strong, cohesive team. The airport leadership encouraged us to engage in early partnering sessions and team-building activities, which helped break the ice, establish lines of communication, trust, and foster genuine connections among team members.
Tell us a story of how your work has positively impacted the community.
I truly value the positive and lasting impact our work has on communities. All my aviation projects have significant, tangible effects, creating permanent jobs for airline staff, vendors, and airport personnel, while also providing new infrastructure that enhances the passenger experience. Walking through new or renovated concourses, you can see people comfortably seated, enjoying amenities and restaurants, using modern restrooms, and generally feeling more relaxed, having an overall pleasant experience.
Airports connect people in meaningful ways, from bringing families together to supporting business travel and logistics. They also drive economic growth for both local and destination communities. I always take a moment to step back and observe each completed project in operation. Witnessing children playing, travelers enjoying coffee, people working on their laptops, or passengers navigating the terminal with ease. This is how I currently “ride my bicycle to job sites” and witness the human connection to our infrastructure. It makes me appreciate the real and lasting impact of our efforts.
Achieving our goals sustainably is essential. Integrating sustainable and environmentally friendly practices is always a priority. Using efficient water fixtures, recycling materials during construction, generating solar energy, implementing temperature/heat control treatments through curtain wall glazing, spill prevention, water management, and decontamination, are just a few elements considered by design and construction teams, all contributing as one entity to a positive environmental impact. While these efforts may not always be visible, they are crucial in making a meaningful long-lasting difference for the community.
Airports connect people in meaningful ways, from bringing families together to supporting business travel and logistics. Witnessing children playing, travelers enjoying coffee, people working on their laptops, or passengers navigating the terminal with ease. This is how I currently “ride my bicycle to job sites” and witness the human connection to our infrastructure. It makes me appreciate the real and lasting impact of our efforts.
Share a piece of career advice.
A truly exceptional team is not formed solely based on qualifications; it must also encompass a diverse range of talents, experiences, and personalities. The most successful projects I have been involved in were led by remarkable individuals who were not only highly skilled but also collaborative partners, all united by a shared vision of success. Together, they achieved their goals through unwavering perseverance, mutual respect and support.
It’s essential to surround yourself with teammates who uplift one another. Surround yourself with teammates who lift each other up; your work and personal growth will reflect your environment.