NBAA Welcomes Chris Rocheleau’s Return to the Association From the FAA

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

Washington, DC, July 30, 2026 - The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is thrilled to welcome the return of Christopher J. Rocheleau as the organization's chief operating officer (COO), after a period of critical service to the country with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Rocheleau served as NBAA COO prior to his January 2025 appointment by President Donald J. Trump as acting administrator of the FAA, where he successfully led the agency through one of its most turbulent periods.

"We are thrilled to welcome Chris back to NBAA, where he will build upon his record of success in leading a senior team charged with ensuring that the organization delivers excellence to the business aviation community," said association President and CEO Ed Bolen. "His deep commitment to service, his strategic approach to organizational management and his trusted relationships with top leaders throughout government and industry uniquely qualify him for this important role at NBAA."

Before joining NBAA in 2022, Rocheleau worked for more than two decades in multiple executive roles at the FAA.

As acting FAA administrator, Rocheleau capably guided the agency through the aftermath of the Jan. 29, 2025, midair collision involving a regional airliner and U.S. Army helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), while also managing the transition to a new administration.

Rocheleau initiated a nationwide review to mitigate similar collision risks in complex airspace, and worked closely with Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to accelerate the hiring of air traffic controllers, as part of a broader effort to address persistent staffing shortages and improve system resilience.

He continued to serve as deputy FAA administrator following the July 2025 confirmation of Bryan Bedford to lead the agency. In that role, Rocheleau aided in the ongoing advocacy and development of the Brand New Air Traffic Control System to modernize the national airspace system.

He also furthered the agency's efforts to advance emerging aviation technologies, and was a driving force behind other initiatives, including the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) initiative, and the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) integration pilot program (eIPP).

As COO at NBAA, Rocheleau will oversee activities relating to aircraft operations, as well as administrative, financial, technical and human resources functions for the association.

Rocheleau holds a bachelor's degree from Central Connecticut State University and a Master of Public Administration from City University of Seattle. He also completed the Executive National Security Program at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government and USAF Air Command and Staff College.

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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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