Airports Council International-North America has named Rocheleau as its next president and CEO. Christopher J. “Chris” Rocheleau, who served as acting FAA administrator and later deputy administrator, will begin the new role Oct. 5.
Career Spans FAA and NBAA
Rocheleau spent more than two decades at the FAA before joining the National Business Aviation Association as chief operating officer in 2022. He returned to the FAA in January 2025 as acting administrator and led it following the midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. After Bryan Bedford was confirmed as administrator in July 2025, the FAA announced that Rocheleau would remain at the agency as deputy administrator.
Rocheleau left the FAA in July and returned to NBAA last month as COO. His previous FAA positions included acting associate administrator for aviation safety, chief of staff and assistant administrator for policy, international affairs and environment.
Leadership Change
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead ACI-NA and represent the airports and business partners that make our aviation system possible,” Rocheleau said in Thursday’s announcement.
He said his first priority will include discussions with the association’s leadership, members, staff and industry partners.
Rocheleau will succeed Kevin Burke, who will step down Oct. 4 after nearly 13 years as ACI-NA president and CEO. Burke will remain CEO emeritus through the end of 2026.
The association represents commercial airports in the U.S. and Canada, and its current policy work includes airport infrastructure, air traffic control modernization, workforce issues, safety and emerging aviation technologies.
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