Dr. Terence H. Fontaine

Terence H. Fontaine is a native Houstonian and, in 1978, began a career in aviation by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps where he learned to fly and studied aircraft maintenance. Fontaine earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation Management from Southern Illinois University and became a licensed aircraft technician through the Rice Aviation School before joining the Technical Operations Division of Continental Airlines in Houston, TX.

While at Continental Airlines, Fontaine worked in many capacities including Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor and Project Engineer. In 1994, he was promoted to Manager of Maintenance Operations.  In 1996, Fontaine transferred to the 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 by completing the Boeing 777 Captain’s training course and receiving an FAA Airline Transport Pilot’s (ATP) License. 

In January 2004, City of Houston, 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 2008, while working for the City, Fontaine graduated from the University of Houston Bauer Business School earning an Executive MBA.

In 2009, Fontaine was appointed by the Mayor to the METRO Board of Directors.  In 2010, a new President and CEO assumed control of METRO and Fontaine was hired as a Vice President.  In 2013, Fontaine was promoted to Executive Vice President.  In 2014, Fontaine continued his education by completing a Doctorate in Education at Texas Southern University.

In 2018, Dr. Fontaine was hired as the Director of Aviation at Texas Southern University (TSU). He oversees a premier Bachelor of Science Degree Program in Aviation Science Management. The program offers concentrations in both Professional Pilot and Aviation Science Management. 

It is for his success at elevating Aviation Science Management and building a competitive Professional Pilot Program, at TSU, that he is honored with the Leroy Roberts Award for Propelling Education.