The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) board of directors appointed James Viola to lead the association as the next president and CEO starting in the spring of 2025 as current president and CEO, Pete Bunce, is set to retire after 20 years at the helm.
“James Viola has an incredible passion for general aviation and will do a remarkable job representing the interests of GAMA member companies and leading the tremendous GAMA staff,” Chuck Wiplinger, chair and president of GAMA and CEO of Wipaire, said. “His military, flying and regulatory experience, along with his proven leadership of a renowned international aviation association, will make him an extremely effective advocate for the economic and societal contributions of the global general aviation industry.”
“GAMA has an outstanding reputation as a leader across the international aerospace ecosystem, and I am honored and excited to work with GAMA’s members and team to further advance the critical interests and contributions of the aviation industry,” Viola said. “I look forward to championing general aviation’s significant work to provide growth and opportunity for individuals and businesses, enable innovative and technological advancements for safety and efficiency and support the economic development and welfare of communities across the globe.”
Viola comes to GAMA from Vertical Aviation International (VAI), where he serves as president and CEO. Since 2020, Viola has led VAI in representing and supporting the interests of the global helicopter industry and other vertical aviation stakeholders. Additionally, Viola spearheaded the association’s rebranding from Helicopter Association International (HAI) to VAI, which widened the association’s focus to encompass the rapid expansion and technological evolution occurring in vertical aviation.
Prior to VAI, Viola spent over a decade at the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). His last role at the agency was director of general aviation safety assurance, where he was responsible for maintaining consistency and standardization in the application of safety oversight activities for the general aviation community. Additionally, Viola spent over two decades as a U.S. Army aviator, achieving the rank of Colonel. In addition to his more than 35 years of aviation experience, Viola holds several master’s degrees, including one in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, PA and one in International Relations from Auburn University in Montgomery, AL.
Viola is an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) for helicopters and airplanes and has accumulated more than 7,000 flight hours, including 1,100 with night-vision goggles.
“James will be a bold leader for GAMA. His industry experience and knowledge, combined with his excitement for the future of general aviation, make him a great proponent to champion the critical work and priorities of GAMA, its members and the aviation manufacturing industry,” Henry Brooks, vice chair of GAMA and president of power and controls at Collins Aerospace, said.
“GAMA has been fortunate to have Pete Bunce leading GAMA for the past 20 years and we are confident that James will carry on and strengthen that foundation and work,” Eric Hinson, immediate past chair of GAMA president and CEO of Simcom International, said. “On behalf of the entire GAMA membership, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Pete who has done a tremendous job over the last 20 years growing GAMA’s membership, broadening its policy and regulatory reach, honoring our nation’s veterans and being a staunch advocate for the industry.”
Bunce joined GAMA in 2005. Under his tenure, he led the organization through the 2008 economic crisis, numerous FAA reauthorizations, the pandemic and its aftermath and numerous legislative and regulatory milestones. Bunce worked to expand GAMA by opening a GAMA European headquarters and growing the GAMA membership with the inclusion of rotorcraft manufacturers and the emerging advanced air mobility sector. He also has a deep commitment to expanding the aviation workforce best exemplified by the GAMA Aviation Design Challenge, which encourages, inspires and attracts future generations to the general aviation industry. He has been a strong and respected leader in aviation in the halls of the U.S. Congress and with the FAA and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). He has also been an advocate for aviation at the grassroots level, supporting groups like the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) and Veterans Airlift Command (VAC) and engaging in key policy issues like the transition to an unleaded aviation fuel for piston-engine aircraft.
“It has been a true honor and joy to lead such a phenomenal team of experts that delivers results for its members and the entire civil aviation industry,” Bunce said. “Over the past two decades, I could not have asked to work for, and with, a more supportive board of directors and fellow GA association head colleagues. My wife, Patty, and I will always cherish our time at GAMA and the close friendships we’ve been blessed to forge with so many leaders in the entire GA community. Jim has been one of those good friends who I have had the privilege to work with and build a close professional bond. I look forward to watching Jim take GAMA to new heights as our industry journeys into the most exciting time in aerospace since the dawn of the jet age.”
Viola will officially start at GAMA in mid-March 2025. Bunce will stay on to assist with the transition and shift to a special advisor until his official retirement date in April 2025.
