d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs
Terence H. Fontaine TRAILBLAZER 2013
ing Department record for having every student he taught, pass the required FAA oral examination on the first attempt. In January 2004, Mayor Bill White appointed Fontaine as a direct report in the capacity of Deputy Chief of Staff responsible for monitoring, measuring and improving the city’s day-to-day operations. In the wake of the mass evacuation of neighboring Gulf States as a direct result of Hurricane Katrina, Fontaine was chosen by Mayor White to serve as co-site manager for the City’s recovery efforts headquartered at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Under his leadership, the site received national recognition for its overwhelming impact on the lives of more than 28,000 evacuees and survivors who received shelter and services during the center’s three weeks of operation. In 2008 while working for the City, Fontaine graduated from the University of Houston Bauer Business School earning an Executive MBA.
T
erence H. Fontaine is a native Houstonian and a product of the Houston Independent School District, graduating from Bellaire High School in 1978. After graduation, Fontaine entered the United States Marine Corps where he began a career in aviation. During his seven-year tenure in the Marines, Fontaine worked in aviation operations, learned to fly and studied aircraft maintenance while serving his country stateside and abroad. Fontaine lived and studied abroad while working towards earning his Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation Management from Southern Illinois University. In 1986, after an Honorable Discharge, Fontaine enrolled in Rice Aviation School to become a licensed aircraft technician. He also attended Cliff Hyde Flying Service to continue his flight training. In 1989, Fontaine joined the Technical Operations Division of Continental Airlines in Houston, TX. While at Continental Air36
TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2013
In January 2013 Fontaine was named Interim Executive Vice President of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County. He joined METRO in January 2010 after resigning from the Board of Directors. Fontaine has assumed the responsibilities of Tom Lambert who is the Interim President and CEO. In his spare time he is pursuing his Doctorate in Education at Texas Southern University mainlines, Fontaine worked in many capaci- taining a 3.90 GPA. ties including Aircraft Maintenance SuFontaine is a member of Wheeler Avpervisor and Project Engineer. In 1994 enue Baptist Church where he serves as he became a direct report to the V.P. of a Deacon. His hobbies include politics, Technical Operations. As the Manager of boating, flying, bicycling (completed the Maintenance Operations and a member MS 150 bicycle ride from Houston to of the Continental’s on-time performAustin), motorcycle riding, snowboarding, ance committee, he focused primarily and encouraging young people to conon maintenance performance. During his tinue their education. tenure, Continental Airlines achieved the highest headstart performance rating in Fontaine is the son of Sam and Beverlye Fontaine and is married to the former Ms. company history. Diedra Booker. They have one daughter, In 1996, Fontaine transferred to the Courtney Ann Fontaine. Flight Operations Division where he worked as a Pilot Instructor on the Boeing 727 and 777. After joining the training department, Fontaine continued his education and achieved an Airline Transport Terence H. Fontaine Pilot’s License, the highest rating an Air- Interim Executive Vice President line Pilot can achieve. During his time as Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County an instructor, Fontaine completed Boeing 1900 Main Street 777 Pilot Training at The United Airlines Houston, Texas 77208 Pilot Training Center in Denver, Colorado. (Office) 713.739.4655 He is proud to have held a Pilot Train- Terence.Fontaine@ridemetro.org
