Freese and Nichols Adds Bryan Wren to Expand Our Aviation Expertise
Freese and Nichols has added Bryan Wren, a U.S. Air Force veteran with nearly three decades of experience as an airport owner, operator and aviation professional, to our Program Management team.
As a Senior Aviation Program Manager, Bryan will expand Freese and Nichols’ ability to help cities and owners of public airport facilities plan and complete their aviation improvement projects. His broad background in the industry includes leading multimillion-dollar airport renovation projects.
“Bryan’s expertise with the FAA and grant proposals gives us an in-house knowledge base that will be especially valuable as we help our airport clients undertake major expansions,” said Clark Sykes, Freese and Nichols’ Program Management Group Manager in North Texas.
Bryan’s owner-side background also gives him insights into the challenges of keeping complex facilities running during major projects.
“The most critical thing is to have the minimal impact possible on airport operations, for the tenants, the air carriers and the passengers,” Bryan said. “I understand the terminology, the FAA and TSA regulations and how airports are run. That perspective can only help.”
Bryan’s connection to aviation began at age 14, when he started washing airplanes at a local airfield in exchange for flight lessons. He later worked as a lineman at a fixed-base operator, fueling aircraft. At 18, he joined the U.S. Air Force and spent four years working on an A-10 Warthog aircraft.
After his service, Bryan received master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He then worked for the Houston Airport System at Ellington Field and William P. Hobby Airport and served in the Air National Guard in airfield management.
He spent 18 years as Assistant Director of Aviation at Valley International Airport in Harlingen, Texas, where he oversaw major capital improvements that included a $27 million runway extension, a $24.5 million air traffic control tower and full terminal renovation.
At Freese and Nichols, he will expand the firm’s aviation services and support airports and aviation programs throughout Texas, drawing on his extensive experience in airport operations, planning, development and capital improvement programs. He is based in our Harlingen, Texas, office.
Bryan is an Accredited Airport Executive through the American Association of Airport Executives and a member of the AAAE and the Airport Consultants Council.