The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announced on July 30, 2026, that it is welcoming the return of Christopher J. Rocheleau as its chief operating officer (COO) following his service with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), where he most recently served as acting administrator and deputy administrator.
Rocheleau previously joined NBAA in 2022 as COO before being appointed acting FAA administrator in January 2025 by President Donald J. Trump. During his tenure, he led the agency through a period marked by significant operational and leadership challenges, including the aftermath of the January 29, 2025, midair collision involving a regional airliner and a U.S. Army helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
“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, strategic approach to organizational management, and trusted relationships with leaders throughout government and industry uniquely qualify him for this important role.”
During his leadership at the FAA, Rocheleau initiated a nationwide review of collision risks in complex airspace following the DCA accident and worked with U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to accelerate the hiring of air traffic controllers to address ongoing staffing shortages. After Bryan Bedford was confirmed as FAA administrator in July 2025, Rocheleau continued serving as deputy administrator, supporting efforts to modernize the nation’s air traffic control system.
Rocheleau also played a key role in advancing several major FAA initiatives, including the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) initiative, the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), and broader efforts to support emerging aviation technologies.
In his returning role as NBAA’s chief operating officer, Rocheleau will oversee aircraft operations, as well as the association’s administrative, financial, technical, and human resources functions, supporting NBAA’s mission to serve the business aviation community.
The announcement was also welcomed by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).
“AOPA would like to thank FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau for his leadership at one of the hardest moments in modern aviation history,” said AOPA Acting Co-President Katie Pribyl. “Chris managed an enormous portfolio including aviation safety and air traffic control modernization. We’re glad he’s staying in general aviation, and we look forward to working with him in his new role.”
Before joining NBAA, Rocheleau spent more than two decades with the FAA, serving in multiple executive leadership positions. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Connecticut State University, a Master of Public Administration from City University of Seattle, and has completed executive leadership programs at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and the U.S. Air Force Air Command and Staff College.
In his returning role as NBAA’s chief operating officer, Rocheleau will oversee aircraft operations along with the association’s administrative, financial, technical, and human resources functions, supporting NBAA’s mission to serve the business aviation community.