Tarek Tabshouri

Tarek Tabshouri is the Chief of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Division of Aeronautics.  In that role, Tarek oversees the safety and development of the statewide system of airports and serves as the State’s lead on aeronautical matters including AAM.   Tarek is a licensed civil engineer with 25 years’ experience in surface and aviation transportation.   Tarek started his Caltrans career in 2001 working in highway planning and design with a focus on urban corridor redevelopment, complete streets, and hydraulics.  Prior to assuming the Division Chief role in the Fall of 2024, Tarek managed airport grants, programming, and engineering services and oversaw the establishment of a UAS program for Caltrans operations.

Tarek holds bachelors’ degrees in biology and civil engineering from the University of California, Irvine, and Cal State Sacramento.  Outside of his official duties, Tarek chairs the Caltrans Disability Advisory Committee which promotes an equitable work environment for people with disabilities.