Long-time aviation industry executive and FAA employee Chris Rocheleau was appointed the acting administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced last week.
The Trump-Vance administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced key members of the department’s leadership team. This experienced team brings vast expertise as they work to implement President Donald Trump’s agenda alongside the nearly 55,000 USDOT civil servants already hard at work on behalf of the American people.
Rochelau previously served the FAA for more than 20 years, as Deputy Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety, Chief of Staff, Deputy Associate Administrator for Policy, International Affairs and Environment and Executive Director for International Affairs, among other roles. Prior to his appointment to the FAA, Rocheleau was Chief Operating Officer for the National Business Aviation Association overseeing aircraft and flight department operations, as well as administrative, financial and human resources functions. Rochleau was also one of the first leaders of the Transportation Security Administration. He was an officer and special agent with the U.S. Air Force and retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserve in 2010 as a lieutenant colonel.
Rocheleau joins a stable of other leadership appointees at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Duffy said, as President Donald Trump’s administration puts a new leadership team in place at the department alongside nearly 55,000 USDOT civil servants.
“President Trump has entrusted this team to work tirelessly to reaffirm American’s complete confidence in the safety of our transportation systems,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “It’s been nothing short of incredible seeing this team leap into action after this week’s tragedy. Our focus remains on ushering in a golden age of transportation while prioritizing the Department’s core mission of safety and delivering innovative projects that move America.”
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) applauded Rocheleau’s appointment.
“As our nation mourns the tragic loss of the passengers and crews of Flight 5342 and PAT 25, GAMA applauds the appointment of Chris Rocheleau to Acting FAA Administrator given his ability to provide the agency with steady and proven leadership,” (GAMA) President and CEO, Pete Bunce said. “Mr. Rocheleau’s in-depth knowledge of the inner workings of this complex organization, gained through strong administrative experience in several divisions within the FAA, will serve our nation well, particularly as the FAA responds to and supports the NTSB’s midair investigation at Reagan National Airport. The trust of, and respect for, Mr. Rocheleau within the FAA and industry will help DOT Secretary Duffy and his team collectively tackle the challenges before us including responding to this week’s tragic accident.”