FAA Hired Three Senior Airline Executives
Airlines and private aviation operators should monitor how these new leaders influence federal policy and rulemaking.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in People
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The Federal Aviation Administration appointed three new senior officials from the aviation industry to oversee airport operations, regulatory policy, and legal counsel. These hires mark a significant transition in federal oversight for companies operating in the U.S. aviation sector.
Why it matters
These appointments integrate individuals with direct experience in airline operations and federal affairs into the agency responsible for industry-wide safety and compliance. For aviation operators, this shift signals a potential change in how regulations are drafted and enforced across the domestic market.
The agency has added three senior leaders from private sector firms to its core administrative team. These appointments include roles overseeing airports, policy and rulemaking, and legal counsel.
The players
Federal Aviation Administration
The federal agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation in the United States.
Southwest Airlines
A major domestic commercial airline that operates a high-frequency, low-cost flight model.
NetJets
A major provider of private aviation services and fractional aircraft ownership.
Chris Kelly
A former regulatory attorney at Southwest Airlines now serving as associate administrator for airports.
Michael Ciamarra
A former federal affairs director at Southwest Airlines now serving as assistant administrator for policy and rulemaking.
The details
The agency administrator announced the appointment of Chris Kelly, a regulatory attorney from Southwest Airlines, as associate administrator for airports, and Michael Ciamarra, a federal affairs director at the same airline, as assistant administrator for policy and rulemaking. Additionally, Jeff DeVore, an in-house counsel at NetJets, will join the agency as chief counsel. These roles are central to managing the regulatory interface between the federal government and private aviation enterprises.
Timeline
September 29, 2026: The Federal Aviation Administration announced the new leadership team.
October 2026: Jeff DeVore begins his role as chief counsel.
Market Landscape
These hires follow a documented industry trend of federal agencies recruiting personnel directly from regulated firms to manage operational oversight. This move mirrors past industry rotations that have shifted how the agency approaches compliance enforcement for commercial and private operators.
Aviation operators should monitor early rulemaking and enforcement guidance from these new administrators to identify shifts in federal policy. Review internal compliance protocols to ensure they account for any changes in the agency's regulatory focus under this new leadership team.
The takeaway
The addition of industry-seasoned talent to federal oversight roles suggests a more operational focus in future agency rule changes. Operators should prepare to provide feedback on pending policy drafts as these officials settle into their posts throughout the final quarter of the year.
Further reading
For more on shifts in sector leadership, visit our People section.
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Should government agencies hire senior staff directly from the private industries they are tasked to regulate?
