HDR's Ryan Hanson Named to Top 40 Under 40 by Airport Business Magazine

HDR’s Ryan Hanson, P.E., has been selected for Airport Business magazine’s annual Top 40 Under 40, a recognition given to the most innovative emerging leaders building the future of aviation in North America. 

As a project manager, Hanson has consistently turned complex challenges into opportunities to help our clients achieve their goals. The North Platte Airport Authority wanted to construct a new passenger terminal building, but financing a large-scale terminal project at a small regional airport proved problematic. Hanson saw an opportunity in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Terminals Program and advised the airport authority on the best way to position themselves to align with the Federal Aviation Administration’s funding priorities. Hanson then authored the airport authority's grant application, which resulted in a $7.04 million award.

In total, the airport will receive up to $24 million in federal funds for the project — about eight times the airport’s annual budget.

Hanson has always been at the forefront of adopting new technology and tools to improve how we carry out routine tasks in the industry. Since 2015, he has led the development of new tools to streamline data collection for airfield pavement condition surveys, most recently focusing on an unmanned aircraft systems approach using machine learning and artificial intelligence.

“Thank you to everyone who has mentored me and offered opportunities to push the boundaries in this evolving industry,” Hanson said. “I look forward to the next challenge and collaborating with my team to make great things possible."

Hanson has also shared his experience and knowledge with others. He has served on technical panels for Airport Cooperative Research Program and Airport Concrete Pavement Technology Program projects, and has helped organize and participate in events for local high school students such as Aviation STEM Day at a local airport and an annual “Truss Bustin’” balsa wood bridge competition. 

“As the aviation industry undergoes a period of rapid change, airports rely on our experience and knowledge to help them navigate an uncertain future,” said HDR Aviation Director Bill Peduzzi. “Leaders like Ryan can be a steadying force, offering innovative solutions, technical acuity and determination to make project goals attainable.”