Our Team
We love our people! J|D gathers elite professionals from varied disciplines and cultures to enrich our insights in the global aviation industry. Experience the wealth of knowledge and innovation that only diverse perspectives can offer.
Jacob Sotsky
Vice President
Planning
Over the past 20 years, Mr. Sotsky has leveraged his experience in both airport facility planning and implementation of capital projects to bring buildable solutions to his clients. This combined with his design-oriented background, continues to result in the development of high-quality products and brings added value from his wholistic understanding of how projects function both as a plan and operation.
Since 2015, Jacob has been based in Los Angeles and has been providing program management services to Los Angeles World Airports in support of the Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP) at Los Angeles International Airport. He is also currently serving as the Project Manager for the Master Plan Update at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Previously he served as deputy project manager for the Memphis International Airport Master Plan update and the Airport Development Plan at San Diego International Airport. Prior to Joining J|D, Jacob was involved with the Airport Development Program for the New Guayaquil International Airport (Ecuador); Sustainable Master Plan for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport; and completion of the system-wide capacity analysis for the Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) Airport and Heliport System.
Outside of work he keeps busy traveling, exploring nature, and attending live music events. A big fan of music he is a regular attendee at the Hollywood Bowl, L.A. Symphony, and the Los Angeles Broadway series. In addition, he volunteers in his community and is currently serving as a Commissioner on the Historic Preservation Commission for the City of West Hollywood.
Q & A with Jacob
What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
I sold Christmas trees every winter of my life from age 12 to 19 and I loved it. If you can sell people a Christmas tree you can sell them anything.
Why did you join J|D?
Simply put, because of Darryl Daniels. We met in a New Orleans coffee shop in December 2004 and he sold me on the benefits of a smaller organization that had a family aspect to it. He showed me something I could believe in, and even when we were a smaller firm, you could feel a bigger plan, you could tell we were going to be something bigger. Darryl has always set the tone and I always felt he followed through. Just look around JD and you will see so many examples where the owners went out and hired younger versions of themselves to help perpetuate the culture they were trying to build.
What advice would you give someone starting out in this industry?
Be patient and take your time. Now adays everyone is always in a hurry and we try to rush through everything. When you rush, you don’t learn, and you make easy mistakes. Check your work, take the time to learn from your mistakes and become better. And lastly, LISTEN! Listen to your clients and what they are saying. They are telling you what they want if you listen.
What’s your favorite memory from working at the company?
Winning the New Orleans Master Plan Update. It was the first airport I ever worked at straight out of in college and to win the Master Plan with Darryls’ leadership and support was very special. Such a full circle moment.
What or who has been your biggest influence?
I have been fortunate to have both my personal and professional lives mix throughout my career and I would have to say that my mom, grandfather and Darryl have had the biggest influence of my life.
