As director of Airline Safety for UPS Airlines, Captain Houston Mills is responsible for ensuring the safe operation of UPS’s fleet of 237 jets, the quality of its worldwide Safety Management System and regulatory compliance of all airline related activities.

Houston most recently was appointed to serve on the newly formed FAA Drone Advisory Committee.  He also serves as the vice-chair of the Airlines for America (A4A) Safety Council (which represents major U.S. Airlines), and on the UPS corporate Unmanned Systems and Lithium Battery Steering committees.  

Before accepting his current position, Houston served as UPS’s International Chief Pilot, where he was responsible for international flight crews and flight operation activity and as the UPS Director of Flight Training where he was responsible for the all crew member training via the UPS Advance Qualification Program. 

A native of Indianapolis, Houston received a Bachelor’s in English Literature from Wabash College and an MBA from Webster University. He also holds a Professional Human Resources designation.

Houston began his aviation career in 1985 as a Marine Corps officer and F/A-18 fighter pilot. He served as an air combat tactics instructor, supported ground units in the Persian Gulf War as a Forward Air Controller during Operations Desert Shield /Desert Storm. Houston also flew missions during Operation Southern Watch and has more than 100 aircraft carrier landings to his credit. He is a currently an international qualified Captain on the Boeing 757/767.

In step with UPS’s commitment to the community, Houston serves on the national Board of Directors of the Marne Toys for Tots Foundation, Board of trustees for the Lincoln Foundation of Louisville, and is president of the Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Kentucky.  

Married and the father of three, Houston particularly enjoys motivational speaking, golf, and has coached various youth sports for many years.