Photo By R.J. Oriez | “Don’t focus on getting promoted,” said Dr. William U. Borger, former Senior...... read more read more
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WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- “Don’t focus on getting promoted,” said Dr. William U. Borger, former Senior Executive Service member at AFRL. “Instead, focus on being the best at what you do for the Air Force, and everything else will follow.”
This advice, shared with 24-year-old Amir Mott over lunch, would go on to shape his career for the next 28 years, ultimately guiding him to his current role as the director of the 88th Civil Engineer Group.
Today, Mott leads the 88th Civil Engineering Group, overseeing the maintenance and enhancement of the built environment at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. This includes ensuring the infrastructure—such as buildings, roads, airfields, and utilities—supports the operational needs of over 120 mission partners. Mott’s leadership is crucial in prioritizing and balancing the group’s funding and manpower, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently to meet the most pressing requirements in support of the National Defense Strategy.
Mott’s career path wasn’t always in civil engineering. In fact, at one point, his future seemed destined for a different direction.
“I went to a vocational high school in Chicago where we had majors,” Mott explained. “Initially, I wanted to major in accounting but my drafting teacher, who taught technical drawing and design used in engineering, noticed my talent. He recommended to my counselor that I be placed in the architecture program.”
That advice changed the course of Mott’s life. After high school, he moved to Texas to pursue an architectural degree at Prairie View A&M University.
“As the only boy among three sisters my mom put emphasis on me getting out of Chicago, knowing how tough the city could be,” Mott recalled. “With her encouragement and the support of my high school teacher, who pushed me to consider Prairie View, the decision on what and how to pursue my career goals became less difficult.”
During his time in college, there was one pivotal moment that truly transformed Mott from a boy into a man.
“When my girlfriend, now my wife, got pregnant it was a huge wake-up call,” he said “I realized, ‘Okay, it’s not just about me anymore. I’ve got someone else, a family, to take care of.’”
From that moment, Mott withdrew from many of the more social and typical college experiences — parties, late nights outside of studying, and carefree living — and embraced a more responsible mindset. He focused on his studies, realizing that the demands on him were no longer just academic, but personal.
That work ethic was instilled in him at a young age by his father, who worked multiple demanding jobs.
“My dad was the sole breadwinner in our family. He worked as a supervisor on the night shift, which meant I didn’t often see him during the day. On top of that, he was also a pastor,” Mott shared. “Despite the demands, he always maintained a positive attitude and got things done. Watching him juggle all these responsibilities without complaining taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance and leadership. He showed me that, no matter how tough things get, staying focused and keeping God first will always get you through.”
With his father’s lessons in mind, Mott graduated from college and, to provide for his young family, moved to Ohio to become a Palace Acquire Intern at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
His internship helped shape the foundation of his career, allowing him to build relationships, grow his knowledge of the architectural and engineering career field and contributions he could make regarding the development of the base.
Mott always aspired to be involved in the design of grandeur buildings, skyscrapers or even stadiums, but after his internship he accepted a full-time position at Wright-Patt, he soon learned that the nature of his role would be somewhat different.
“Working for the Air Force, we’re highly limited by budget,” Mott explained. “We don’t design grand structures like skyscrapers or monuments. Our focus is on functional, cost-effective solutions that get the job done while being responsible with taxpayer dollars. It’s about finding the most efficient way to meet the mission without overspending.”
Mott found himself at a crossroads wondering if he wanted to stay with the government or leave and pursue his original dream. He received an offer from a construction management firm, but during the out-processing to leave the Air Force, an internal promotional opportunity presented itself. It promised more leadership responsibilities — an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.
“Once I made the decision to stay, I started to see things differently,” Mott reflected. “I began to focus on roles like program management, where I could work directly with base tenant mission partners, gain an understanding of their facility requirements, and develop execution plans to meet their mission needs. This new outlook on how I could contribute became my enduring focus.”
As Mott became more involved in program management and saw the larger impact of his work, his passion for his career in the Air Force grew.
“Once I settled on staying and got more involved in larger projects, I found a new passion,” he said. “I realized I wanted to make a career out of working for the Air Force.”
And that’s exactly what he did. Over the years, Mott’s leadership expanded, and he took on increasingly complex projects and positions. His ability to balance mission needs with resource constraints allowed him to make a significant impact, ultimately leading to his current role.
Mott’s career is now a testament to his dedication, adaptability, and commitment to the Air Force mission.
As a leader in the Air Force, Mott has not only demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication but also serves as an inspiration to future generations of aspiring civil servants.
His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of mentorship, and the unwavering belief in one’s ability to overcome challenges and achieve greatness.
"I’ve learned that putting God first, maintaining a balance between family and work, genuinely caring for those you lead, and always giving your best for the mission ensures there are no regrets, even when faced with tough times,” said Mott. “Challenges will come, but following this path makes it all worthwhile in the end."
| Date Taken: | 01.20.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 02.22.2025 07:30 |
| Story ID: | 490346 |
| Location: | WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OHIO, US |
| Hometown: | WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OHIO, US |
| Web Views: | 30 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Engineering a Legacy: Amir Mott’s Trailblazing Journey in the Air Force, by Zion Dillahunt, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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