NBAA: Seasoned Leaders Tapped to Serve in Top FAA Posts

Contact: Dan Hubbard, 202-431-5970, dhubbard@nbaa.org

Washington, DC, June 9, 2023 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today commended the Biden administration for naming two proven leaders to fill top positions at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced that DOT Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg will serve as acting FAA administrator, replacing Billy Nolen, who announced his intention to step down from the position earlier this year. Kathryn “Katie” Thomson will serve as the FAA’s deputy administrator, replacing Brad Mims, who is assuming a new, senior role at the DOT as head of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.

The announcements come as Congress considers the next multi-year FAA reauthorization bill. The reauthorization debate is taking place amidst an extraordinary pace of change for the agency and industry, as sweeping new technologies are nearing certification, aviation safety remains a top priority and a new generation of aviation professionals will be needed in the decades to come.

NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen noted that the presence of Trottenberg and Thomson is especially welcome as the industry awaits the nomination of a permanent administrator for the agency.

“It is extremely important for the FAA to have proven leaders stepping into the roles of acting FAA administrator and deputy FAA administrator,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “As Billy Nolen departs for the private sector, and Brad Mims assumes a new, key role at DOT, Polly Trottenberg and Katie Thomson will be excellent in those positions.”      

Bolen also underlined the need for a confirmed administrator to lead the FAA. “The U.S. has the world’s largest, safest and most efficient aviation system, and it’s important the administration provide stability at the agency by making a timely FAA administrator nomination,” he said.

Trottenberg has served for more than two decades in a public-sector career, including in several top positions at various levels of government. She served from 2014 – 2020 as transportation commissioner for New York City, managing a large agency that oversees the city’s roadways, as well as its maritime, cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, and preparedness for emerging transportation technologies. Trottenberg served in the Obama administration as assistant secretary and undersecretary for policy at the DOT, overseeing a portfolio that included roads, railways and aviation.

Thompson has served as FAA chief of staff since February of this year, bringing her longtime expertise in transportation law and managerial experience to the agency. She previously served as DOT general counsel and FAA chief counsel during the Obama administration. In her role at the DOT, she served as director, bipartisan infrastructure law implementation, successfully dedicating more than $600 billion for new and expanded programs across all transportation modes.

Bolen thanked Nolen and Mims for their contributions to aviation. “Billy and Brad have brought innovative thinking and tireless dedication to their work at the FAA,” Bolen said. “We look forward to working with them in their new capacities.”

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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 more than 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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