NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen retires
A private pilot and native Kansan, Ed Bolen was introduced to flying by his father.
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) president and CEO Ed Bolen is retiring after nearly a quarter century.
Bolen, who joined NBAA in 2004, recently took medical leave for cancer treatment. The association hailed his “pioneering legacy”, calling him a “tireless” and “singularly effective” advocate for business aviation.
“It is the privilege of a lifetime to have served NBAA and the aviation community. I am incredibly proud of everything NBAA is, and of what we have accomplished together over the years,” said Bolen. “I regret having to step down because of my health, and I have been touched by the outpouring of your support. Business aviation is at its best when we come together, and I have never been more confident in NBAA’s brilliant future.”
NBAA’s board said Dan Hubbard will continue overseeing day-to-day operations, naming him acting CEO and senior vice president of communications.
The board also said that a special executive search committee will begin a search for a new CEO. The committee will be chaired by Matt Byrd, vice chair of NBAA’s board.
“Business aviation is an immeasurably stronger, safer, more dynamic industry because of Ed’s unwavering commitment,” said John Witzig, chair of NBAA’s Board of Directors. “We have all soared higher and gone farther, driven by the power of his vision.”
A private pilot and native Kansan, Ed Bolen was introduced to flying by his father, who served on the board of the Salina Regional Airport in Kansas.
Bolen’s work as a general aviation champion began as a Senate legislative aide for Kansas Senator Nancy Kassebaum, in the 1990s. He played a central role in passing the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994.
He was nominated by President Clinton and confirmed by the Senate to serve as a member of the Management Advisory Council to the FAA, which he chaired from 2000 to 2004. In 2001, Bolen was appointed by President Bush to serve as a member of the Commission on the Future of the US Aerospace Industry.
In 2021, he was inducted as a Living Legend into the San Diego Air & Space Museum’s International Air & Space Hall of Fame. This year, he will be honoured by his home state and inducted into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame.
“The aviation community cannot thank Ed Bolen enough for his service and leadership,” said Elizabeth Dornak, NBAA’s Board of Directors chair emeritus. “His service to aviation is unmatched over a sterling career, and so many of us are fortunate to count him as a partner and a friend.”
James Viola, General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) president and CEO thanked Bolen for his service. “For decades, Ed Bolen has been a champion and stalwart for the general and business aviation industry. His dedication for the welfare and growth of the industry is truly remarkable,” he said. “GAMA is forever grateful for Ed’s leadership at both NBAA and GAMA; he always stressed the importance of working together for the betterment of the industry. On behalf of GAMA and its membership, we thank Ed for his service, passion and devotion to our industry and wish him nothing but the best during this difficult time.”
Katie Pribyl, AOPA acting co-president said: “I’ve known Ed for decades, and general aviation is stronger today because of him. He’s spent his whole career looking out for pilots, starting as a Senate aide when he helped pass the General Aviation Revitalization Act, and then leading GAMA and NBAA. Through all of it, Ed has been a true friend to AOPA. We’ve stood together against user fees and ATC privatisation, and we’ve worked side by side to protect airports. General aviation has had no better friend than Ed Bolen.”
