Curtis Calabrese

Background

About Curtis Calabrese

Dr. Curtis Calabrese is a candidate for Palm Beach County Commissioner District 4. He was born and raised in Boca Raton, Florida, attended Verde Elementary, and graduated from Boca Raton Community High School. He earned a U.S. service academy nomination from Congressman Ron Klein and later commissioned from the U.S. Naval Academy. He served as a U.S. Navy Reconnaissance Pilot, Legal Officer, and Aerospace Engineer, flying combat missions over Africa in defense of national and allied interests. Dr. Calabrese is an internationally recognized aviation safety expert, lecturer, and a Ph.D. researcher at the University of New South Wales (QS World Ranking: 19), specializing in public policy, human factors, and regulatory enforcement in high-risk industries. His doctoral work challenges conventional models of just culture and explores more effective pathways to accountability and safety through evidence-based policy reform. He previously served as an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector at the Van Nuys Flight Standards District Office, where he investigated more than 100 aircraft incidents and accidents. Today, he is a Captain at United Airlines, a member of the United Airlines Event Review Committee, and Director of Operations for Skyways Charter, a luxury jet company based in Fort Lauderdale. Dr. Calabrese was formerly an Adjunct Professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he taught graduate courses in aviation law, unmanned systems, and regulatory compliance. His research has been published in top-tier journals including the Journal of Transportation Research and the Journal of Safety Research. He holds numerous aviation certifications, including Airline Transport Pilot and Flight Instructor ratings, with type ratings in the B-737, ERJ-170/190, L-188, BE-200, and DA-50. A devoted public servant, Dr. Calabrese is committed to bringing principled, solutions-focused leadership to Palm Beach County—protecting its environment, modernizing infrastructure, and ensuring government works for the people.