Chris Rocheleau rejoins NBAA as chief operating officer
Back at NBAA, Rocheleau will oversee activities relating to aircraft operations, as well as administrative, financial, technical and human resources functions for the association.
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is welcoming Chris Rocheleau back to his former role as the association’s chief operating officer (COO), after a period of service with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Rocheleau served as NBAA COO prior to his January 2025 appointment by US President Donald Trump as acting administrator of the FAA.
“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 organisation delivers excellence to the business aviation community,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “His deep commitment to service, his strategic approach to organisational 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 guided the agency through the aftermath of the January 29th, 2025, midair collision involving a regional airliner and US Army helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). He also managed 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 speed up the hiring of air traffic controllers.
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 modernise the US national airspace system.
Rocheleau also furthered the agency’s efforts to advance emerging aviation technologies, including the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) initiative, and the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) integration pilot program (eIPP).
