Teri Bristol, who has held federal government roles for nearly 30 years and is currently the chief operating officer for the FAA, is retiring at the end of February. FAA Administrator Steve Dickson announced the retirement, saying, “Teri has led 30,000-plus employees who keep our skies safe, broken glass ceilings throughout her career, and has inspired us all.”
Bristol joined the Department of Transportation's Acquisition Management Training Program in 1992 and worked for the FAA, U.S. Coast Guard, and Federal Highway Administration. Her career led her to become deputy COO in 2012 and then in her current capacity in 2014. As COO, she is responsible for an organization of 32,000 employees that manages air traffic services for the approximately 50,000 aircraft operating over nearly 30 million square miles.
NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen called Bristol a “thoughtful, dedicated professional who has moved our industry forward.” Bristol has served as a “champion” of the NextGen modernization of the nation’s air traffic control system, NBAA said, adding she further has served as an advocate and role model for women. She has worked to help recruit and retain women and minorities in air traffic control and throughout the agency.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association further recognized Bristol’s efforts to enhance collaboration between the FAA and the organization, calling her “a strong, inspiring leader for whom we have great respect.”
“Teri has always respected aviation safety professionals working at all levels of the ATO and the unions that represent them,” NATCA president Rich Santa said.