Ed Bolen is retiring as president and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the association announced Nov. 6. The announcement followed recent news that Bolen was taking medical leave for cancer treatment.
Bolen joined NBAA in 2004 and has been a champion of business aviation for more than 40 years, leading on key priorities including safety, airport and airspace access, workforce development and air traffic control modernization.
Bolen said he was proud of what NBAA has accomplished over the years and has never been more confident in its future. “I regret having to step down because of my health, and I have been touched by the outpouring of your support,” he said. “Business aviation is at its best when we come together.”
The NBAA board of directors affirmed that Dan Hubbard will continue overseeing day-to-day operations and named him acting CEO and senior vice president of communications. The board also announced that a special executive search committee will begin a search for a new CEO. Matt Byrd, vice chair of NBAA’s board and president and CEO of Hillwood Aviation, will chair the committee.
John Witzig, chair of NBAA’s board of directors, said business aviation is stronger and safer because of Bolen’s commitment. Elizabeth Dornak, NBAA’s board of directors chair emeritus, thanked Bolen for his service and leadership and said many people count him as a partner and a friend.
James Viola, president and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), also issued a statement on Bolen’s retirement. Viola said Bolen has been a champion of the general and business aviation industry for decades and thanked him for his leadership at both NBAA and GAMA.
“He always stressed the importance of working together for the betterment of the industry,” Viola said. “On behalf of GAMA and its membership, we thank Ed for his service, passion and devotion to our industry.” Viola wished Bolen well during what he called a difficult time.
A private pilot and native Kansan, Bolen was introduced to flying by his father, who served on the board of the Salina Regional Airport in Kansas.
Bolen’s work on behalf of general aviation traces to the 1990s, when he was a Senate legislative aide to Kansas Sen. Nancy Kassebaum. He played a central role in passing the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994, which revived American aircraft manufacturing and preserved thousands of jobs.
Bolen later advised presidents of both parties. He was nominated by President Clinton and confirmed by the Senate to serve on the Management Advisory Council to the Federal Aviation Administration, which he chaired from 2000 to 2004. In 2001, President Bush appointed him to the Commission on the Future of the U.S. Aerospace Industry. He is also a former chair of the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics.
In 2021, Bolen was inducted as a Living Legend into the San Diego Air & Space Museum’s International Air & Space Hall of Fame. He will be inducted into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame this year.
NBAA said the search for Bolen’s replacement will move forward as the association continues its advocacy work and early 2027 events.
