The NBAA is thrilled to welcome the return of Christopher J Rocheleau as chief operating officer after his period of critical service to the country with the FAA.

Rocheleau served as NBAA COO prior to his January 2025 appointment by President Trump as acting administrator of the FAA, where he successfully led the agency through one of its most turbulent periods.

“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,” says 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, he capably guided the agency through the aftermath of the 29 January, 2025 midair collision involving a regional airliner and US Army helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National airport, while also managing 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 accelerate the hiring of air traffic controllers, as part of a broader effort to address persistent staffing shortages and improve system resilience.

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 national airspace system.

He also furthered the agency's efforts to advance emerging aviation technologies, and was a driving force behind other initiatives, including the Modernisation of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) initiative and the eVTOL integration pilot programme.

Rocheleau holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Connecticut State University and a Master of Public Administration from City University of Seattle. He also completed the Executive National Security Programme at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and USAF Air Command and Staff College.