The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) thanked yesterday 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). 

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

As acting FAA administrator in 2025, he guided the agency after the Jan. 29 midair collision of a regional airliner and US 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, he 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.