The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has thanked chief operating officer Chris Rocheleau for his service as he departs to become chief executive officer of Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA).

Rocheleau rejoined NBAA as COO earlier this year following a period of service at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Since returning, he has overseen aircraft operations activities as well as administrative, financial and human resources functions for the association, building on a previous NBAA COO term from June 2022 to January 2025.

“We thank Chris for his invaluable contributions to American aviation across several decades in government, military and industry,” says NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “His leadership makes every organisation stronger and he is uniquely qualified for his new role at ACI-NA.”

As acting FAA administrator in 2025, Rocheleau guided the agency following the January 29 midair collision between a regional airliner and a US Army helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). He launched a nationwide review to mitigate similar collision risks in complex airspace and worked with Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to accelerate the hiring of air traffic controllers. He served as deputy administrator until July 2026, after Bryan Bedford was confirmed to lead the FAA.

Rocheleau spent more than 20 years at the FAA in earlier roles including acting associate administrator for aviation safety and FAA chief of staff. Before joining the agency he served as an officer with the United States Air Force, retiring from the USAF Reserve in 2010 as a lieutenant colonel, and was among the first leaders of the Transportation Security Administration.