Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine June/July 2022 Digital Issue
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Norman Mineta, 90, died May 3, 2022, from a heart ailment in Edgewater, Maryland. Commenting on Sec. Mineta’s passing, General Aviation Manufacturing Association (GAMA) President and CEO, Pete Bunce, issued the following statement:
“Secretary Mineta was an incredible statesman and a true giant in all facets of transportation where he specifically championed safety and security of the aviation industry. He broke racial and political barriers as he worked for the betterment of the United States. Following the 9/11 attacks, he was a driving force in ensuring the security of America and restoring confidence in our aviation system. We are forever grateful for his dedication to advancing transportation and seeking bipartisan solutions. On behalf of the entire staff and membership of GAMA, I extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Secretary Mineta’s family and friends, and his former cabinet and congressional colleagues. Secretary Mineta will forever be remembered for his leadership, grace, political acumen, and service to country.”
Secretary Mineta was U.S. Secretary of Transportation from January 25, 2001 – July 7, 2006, under the Bush Administration. Following his service with the Bush Administration, he was vice chairman of the international public relations firm Hill Knowlton Strategies. Earlier in his career, Mineta was mayor of San Jose from January 9, 1971 to January 9, 1975, and served in the U.S. House of Representatives from January 3, 1975 to October 10, 1995. He resigned his seat mid-term to accept a position with Lockheed Martin before being appointed U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
