ADK Partners with The City of Charlotte to Recruit Engineering Director

January 28, 2026

ADK Consulting & Executive Search, a retained recruitment firm known for its expertise in senior executive searches, announced the successful placement of Ashton Watson, P.E., C.M., as Engineering Director for Charlotte Douglas International Airport. In this role, Mr. Watson will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Airport’s Engineering Division, managing large-scale design and construction programs.

Mr. Watson has worked for the Charlotte Douglas International Airport for 12 years, most recently serving as Airport Engineering Program Director. He led the implementation of the airport’s $3B+ Capital Investment Program, delivering major runway, taxiway, drainage, and lighting projects. Previously, he worked for the City of Charlotte, Department of Transportation, as a Project Manager. In that role, he delivered over 60 Capital Investment Projects, totaling $51 million.

“With my recent promotion to Director of Engineering at CLT Airport, I am proud to build upon the 12 years of contributions to CLT’s evolution into one of the nation’s premier airports,” said Mr. Watson. “I am honored to lead the Engineering Division into the next phase of its capital program, by building upon CLT’s remarkable growth; driving seamless integration of design and construction practices; enhancing sustainability and resilience; and mentoring the next generation of aviation professionals.”

Mr. Watson holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of North Carolina. He is a Registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) and a Certified Member (C.M.) of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).

Charlotte Douglas International Airport