Originally published in 2011
Karon Wiedemann retired from the Aviation Division on August 31 following 38 years of service. A reception was held in her honor at the Hyatt Regency in Austin.
Wiedemann’s career in aviation started at an early age while working as the receptionist for the Texas Aeronautics Commission while attending the University of Texas. After two years, Wiedemann moved to the accounting staff where she eventually became chief financial officer for the agency in 1980.
“In 1991, our agency and the State Department of Highways were merged together to create the Texas Department of Transportation,” said Wiedemann in an interview last winter with the State Aviation Journal. “I then became the Director of Grant Management for the Aviation Division of TxDOT.”
Wiedemann’s duties and responsibilities included management of the division budget and approval of the grants through the Texas Transportation Commission. In 2009, she received the NASAO State Aviation Distinguished Service Award in Tucson, Arizona, for her exemplary work and dedication to the progress of aviation in her state.
One person who will surely miss Wiedemann’s contribution to the agency is Aviation Division Director David Fulton. Fulton said it is impossible to quantify Wiedemann’s contribution to the program: She has contributed to more growth of the program than any other individual over almost four decades. “It will be impossible to replace her,” he said.
Wiedemann said aviation has truly been an exciting and interesting career and encourages those interested to get involved. ”There is a certain glamour and thrill associated with flying,” Wiedemann said, “and working in this business has provided that excitement.”