Esther Francis

Esther Francis is an accomplished aviation and infrastructure executive with more than 30 years of experience leading complex capital programs, construction management initiatives, and organizational governance efforts across the aviation, transportation, higher education, and public infrastructure sectors. As Chief Executive Officer and Principal-in-Charge of Fronza & Francis, LLC, she provides executive leadership, strategic oversight, and quality assurance for some of the nation’s most significant aviation development programs. Her expertise spans project governance, contract compliance, procurement strategy, change management, quality management, risk mitigation, and program closeout.

A graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science, Francis is a Certified Professional Constructor and a recognized leader in alternative project delivery methods, including Design-Build, Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), and Program Management. Throughout her career, she has established and implemented policies, procedures, compliance frameworks, and quality systems that improve accountability, reduce risk, and strengthen project performance across large multidisciplinary teams.

Francis has played key leadership roles on several multi-billion-dollar aviation programs, including the $2.5 billion United Airlines Terminal B Transformation Program at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, the $1.5 billion Airside D Expansion Program at Tampa International Airport, and the Houston Airport System’s $1.5 billion Terminal Redevelopment Program. In these roles, she has guided executive decision-making, developed program quality and compliance systems, coordinated stakeholder engagement, and ensured alignment with schedule, budget, safety, and operational objectives. Her leadership has consistently strengthened governance, streamlined procurement and contract administration processes, and enhanced confidence among owners, operators, and project partners.

Known for her collaborative leadership style and commitment to excellence, Francis has built a reputation for creating high-performing teams, fostering accountability, and delivering successful outcomes on complex programs. She has successfully negotiated multimillion-dollar contracts, managed diverse stakeholder groups, and led organizations through challenging project environments while maintaining focus on quality, compliance, and client objectives. Her ability to unite project teams around shared goals has been instrumental in the successful delivery of major transportation and infrastructure investments.

Today, Francis continues to serve as a trusted advisor and executive leader for owners, agencies, airlines, and project teams, bringing deep industry knowledge, practical leadership, and a results-driven approach to the successful delivery of transformative infrastructure programs.