National Business Aviation Association President and CEO Ed Bolen has commended Michael Huerta, administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, for his dedicated service and commitment to aviation safety.

Huerta stepped down on January 6th at the end of his five-year term.

“Michael has been a steady leader at the FAA during a time of significant change,” Bolen said. “Under his stewardship, the agency has shown demonstrable progress in implementing NextGen, to ensure America’s continued global leadership in aviation; in rewriting Part 23 certification standards to ensure the safety and affordability of small aircraft; and laying the groundwork for the safe introduction of unmanned aircraft into the National Airspace System. These important priorities will be among the pillars of his legacy.” Prior to his appointment as Administrator, Huerta's career spanned both the public and private sector, including a tenure as managing director of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. He also served as the executive director of the Port of San Francisco from 1989 to 1993, and as commissioner of New York City’s Department of Ports, International Trade and Commerce, from 1986 to 1989. On welcoming the incoming acting Administrator, Dan Elwell, Bolen said, "We have known and worked closely with the acting administrator in a variety of roles over many years. We look forward to working with him in his new capacity, to ensure the U.S. continues to be the world leader in all aspects of aviation."
	Michael Huerta
	Dan Elwell

In June 2017, Elwell was sworn in as FAA deputy administrator. Before that, he served as vice president of the Aerospace Industries Association; FAA assistant administrator for policy, planning and environment; and senior vice president for safety, security and operations at Airlines for America.

In addition, Elwell was a pilot for 16 years with American Airlines, where he also served as managing director for international and government affairs. A U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, he was a former Air Force lieutenant colonel who saw combat during Operation Desert Storm.