Bobby Walston is director of state and commercial aviation and is expanding Crown’s reach and services to state and local government agencies, as well as industry partners, as they plan for and support the transition to advanced aviation operations, including uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility. Walston is committed to fostering partnerships, driving technological breakthroughs and supporting aviation infrastructure growth to meet the evolving needs of government and private sector clients while promoting economic development, business growth and job creation.
Walston is a distinguished aviation professional with over 34 years of experience in aviation planning, development and management. Before coming to Crown, he served nine years as the director of aviation for the North Carolina Department of Transportation, where he oversaw all aviation functions including state airport and aviation system planning, development, and programs that provide funding and resources to communities for constructing and improving airports throughout North Carolina. He was also responsible for the state’s UAS and Advanced Aviation Programs, the division’s flight department, which is used by all state agencies, and provided support for aviation business development across the state.
In 2020-21, Walston was chair of the board of directors for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). In recognition of his exceptional contributions in aviation, he received the Kenneth Rowe Ambassador of Aviation Award from NASAO in 2019. This national award honors state aviation directors who embody Kenneth Rowe’s spirit, optimism and pride in the capabilities of our nation’s state aviation agencies.
Bobby also had a distinguished military career, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard. As a civil engineer officer, he performed missions and training internationally on four continents and domestically in multiple U.S. states, culminating in over 28 years of National Guard service.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from North Carolina State University and a Master’s degree in military operational art and science from the U.S. Air Force Air University’s Air Command and Staff College. Walston is a registered professional engineer in North Carolina.
