FAA Boss Becomes Aerospace Lobbyist

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) has selected outgoing Federal Aviation Administrator Marion C. Blakey as its new president and chief executive, replacing the retiring John Douglass, effective Nov. 12. She is the 15th FAA administrator, a position she has held since September of 2002. Her term ends September 13. As FAA administrator, Blakey is responsible for regulating and advancing the safety of the nation's airways, as well as operating the world's largest air traffic control system. Prior to being named head of the U.S. aviation agency, Blakey served as chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board.  AIA said "we are very pleased to name Marion Blakey to the role of AIA President and CEO. Her exceptional experience in the executive branch of government, as well her deep expertise in public affairs and government relations, will greatly benefit all the members of AIA as she represents the industry in the years ahead." As head of the FAA, Blakey has wrestled with thorny aviation safety issues. Under her leadership, the Next Generation Air Transportation System was launched and significant progress made toward its implementation. Blakey has held five previous Presidential appointments. From 1992 to 1993, Blakey served as administrator of the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Prior to her service at NHTSA, she held key positions at the Department of Commerce, the Department of Education, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the White House and the Department of Transportation.