NBAA Commends Departing COO Chris Rocheleau for His Strategic Leadership

Contact: Dan Hubbard, 202-431-5970, [email protected]

Washington, DC, Sept. 10, 2026 - The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today thanked Chief Operating Officer (COO) Chris Rocheleau for his service to NBAA, as he departs for a new role as chief executive officer of the Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA).

Rocheleau had rejoined NBAA earlier this year as COO after a period of critical service to the country with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

"We thank Chris for his invaluable contributions to American aviation across several decades in the government, military and industry," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "His leadership makes every organization stronger, and he is uniquely qualified for his new role at ACI-NA. We wish him all the best as he begins an exciting next chapter in the industry."

As acting FAA administrator in 2025, Rocheleau guided the agency after the Jan. 29 midair collision of a regional airliner and U.S. Army helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). He launched a nationwide review to mitigate similar collision risks in complex airspace, and worked with Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to accelerate the hiring of more air traffic controllers to improve system resilience.

After FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford was confirmed to lead the agency, Rocheleau served as deputy administrator until July 2026.

Upon returning to NBAA, Rocheleau oversaw activities relating to aircraft operations, as well as administrative, financial and human resources functions for the association, building on the contributions he made during his previous term as NBAA COO, from June 2022 to January 2025.

Earlier in his career, Rocheleau had served the FAA in numerous roles over 20 years, including acting associate administrator for aviation safety and FAA chief of staff.

Before joining the agency, he served as an officer with the United States Air Force, retiring from the USAF Reserve in 2010 as a lieutenant colonel. He was also among the first leaders of the Transportation Security Administration.

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Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The association represents 10,000 company and professional members and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), the world's largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at nbaa.org.

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