FAA Deputy Administrator Rocheleau Returning to NBAA

Chris Rocheleau is stepping down as FAA deputy administrator to return to his role as COO at NBAA, continuing the reshaping of the association’s senior management.

Rocheleau spent nearly 17 years with the FAA before joining NBAA in 2022. But he moved back to the agency at the request of the Trump transition team and quickly became acting administrator after then-administrator Michael Whitaker departed. Within days of rejoining the FAA, he was confronted with his first challenge: the Jan. 29, 2025 midair collision of a PSA Airlines CRJ700 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA).

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy yesterday released a statement praising Rocheleau’s service, saying he showed “remarkable strength.” He added, “In the days following the crash, Chris helped us keep our skies safe—eliminating mixed traffic over the Potomac and a number of other immediate safety reforms.”

He also credited Rocheleau for championing air traffic control modernization, controller hiring surge, and the eVTOL and Advanced Air Mobility Integration Pilot Program. “The DOT and FAA will miss his leadership and wish him all the best in his next adventure,” Duffy said.

Rocheleau, who took the deputy administrator’s role a little more than a year ago after Bryan Bedford was confirmed as the permanent administrator, notified his FAA colleagues yesterday, saying next week would be his last, “bringing to close my time with this remarkable agency.” He pointed to accomplishments over the past year and a half, and said this reflected the expertise and collaboration involving the FAA and industry.

General Aviation Manufacturers Association president and CEO James Viola further praised Rocheleau’s service and leadership at the agency, saying he “met the challenges head-on and worked steadfastly to strengthen aviation safety, advance innovation and modernize the U.S. air traffic control system.” NATA (National Air Transportation Association) president and CEO Curt Castagna called Rocheleau “the right leader at a critical moment…His steady presence, depth of experience, and sound judgment provided stability during an exceptionally demanding period.”

At NBAA, meanwhile, he steps back into a position that he held before he rejoined the FAA. This comes as NBAA hired JetAviva CEO Emily Deaton as senior v-p of product development and sales, tasked with creating new offerings and experiences for NBAA members and forging strategic partnerships. It also comes as Doug Carr, NBAA senior v-p for safety, security, sustainability, and international operations, is set to retire next month after 28 years with the association.

As COO, Rocheleau will oversee activities surrounding aircraft operations, along with administrative, financial, technical, and human resources. Before joining NBAA in 2022, Rocheleau had held multiple roles with the FAA, including associate administrator for aviation safety.

“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 NBAA 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.”