Jane Dyer

U.S. Congress, District 3 (D)

From being Clemson's first female Air Force pilot to working as an airline captain, Jane’s experience shows a determination to make a difference and a focus on excellence. She embraced every opportunity that growing up in South Carolina offered.  Her commitment now is to ensure that even more opportunities will be available to future generations.

Raised in Pickens County, Jane was the sixth of eight children.  Her parents instilled the values of hard work, education, faith, and community.  Jane graduated from Easley High School and Clemson University.

After receiving her degree in Mechanical Engineering, Jane was commissioned as an officer through Air Force ROTC.  She was selected as the first female from Clemson to attend Air Force Pilot Training.

While serving in the Air Force, Jane met her husband John, a retired, highly decorated pilot. Together, they have four children and three grandchildren.

They returned to Anderson County in 1988. Jane has been a pilot at FedEx for the past 20 years.  She is currently an Airbus A300 Captain flying in the US and Europe.

As a working mother, Jane served as a deacon in her church and volunteered in the Children's, Youth, and Young Adult Ministries. She also coached youth basketball and soccer. Encouraging children to be morally, mentally, and physically strong has always been a priority in her life.

South Carolina offered her opportunities that resulted in a rewarding family life and career. Now, it is Jane's turn to give back to South Carolina and secure the future of our children through her work in the US Congress.

Here are Mrs. Dyer's answers to some questions posed by the Institute.

Why you – why now for this position?

South Carolina workers are suffering today: Lost jobs, homes, health care.  Many struggle to put food on the table. 

Never before has South Carolina so desperately needed effective, experienced leadership.

Unfortunately, our politicians appear far more concerned about receiving contributions from corporate America than they are about helping the struggling people in their districts. Their inaction and focus on “politics as usual” not only damages our economic stability but destroys our citizens’ trust in our way of government. 

I trained all my life to lead and to help others.  I made a habit out of accomplishing the impossible.  Now, I want to do more.  I have the skills and determination to make a real difference.

As a working mother, a military veteran, and a native South Carolinian, I am ready to tackle tough issues for a brighter future for our state.

What is your leadership style?

My background in engineering and in flying FedEx’s Airbus 300s is entrenched in problem solving:  analyzing situations, determining viable solutions, implementing the best possible solution, and reevaluating the outcome.

As a pilot, taking no action during an emergency is unacceptable. 

For me as a leader, the same principle applies.  For too long, our legislators have taken no action. Because of that inaction, the people of my district are suffering more than most Americans in this terrible economic downturn.

We must have real leaders, who will find solutions to our energy problems, public education crisis, and national security issues.  Today, we must elect leaders who are committed to lead America toward a brighter future.

With so few women in elected office here in SC what do you foresee to be your greatest challenge once elected to public office?

Implementing solutions that benefit the people of my district will be my biggest challenge as a US Congresswoman.  

Being one of about 450 female Airline Captains worldwide, I have walked the tightrope of being a competent professional in a predominately male environment.  Working in such a competitive, complex environment requires commitment to learning and dedication to excellence.

My success so far can be attributed to being knowledgeable about the issues, open to hearing different viewpoints, accepting the responsibility of being a leader, and making decisions. You can’t waver when you’re flying 600 mph.

The US Congress will hold the same challenges.  I am ready to tackle them.

Has there been a woman who you've admired in the political world and what about her that gives you courage to run the race?

Ann Richards, former Governor of Texas, holds my admiration of female elected officials. What made her so successful was her compassion for working people, determination to fix problems, and her delightful sense of humor.

By putting her unique skills and abilities to work for the people, she made a real difference for the state of Texas.  I plan to do the same thing for the people of my district and the people of South Carolina.  I may not be as funny though.

Complete this sentence - "South Carolina would be a better place if only..."

We committed our state’s precious resources to becoming the world leader in green tech energy: nuclear energy, energy-efficient automotive design, and second- generation bio fuels.   South Carolina needs to provide innovative solutions to the world’s energy needs and, at the same time, put our people to work.

I have long believed in the power of green technology.  In the early eighties, my Dad was a green-energy pioneer – with a solar water heating company in Greenville, SC, and an earth-sheltered house in Pickens County.  Even back then, he knew that we must change from fossil fuels to clean energy options.

My vision for South Carolina is a state that is the center of clean tech jobs.  We will lead when it comes to providing clean, abundant, efficient and affordable energy for our people and for people around the world.

To learn more, visit Jane Dyer's Website at: www.janedyerforcongress.com