FAA Hired Three Industry Executives for Senior Roles
The Federal Aviation Administration appointed new leaders from Southwest Airlines and NetJets to fill top-tier agency positions.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in People
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The Federal Aviation Administration has announced the hiring of three experienced industry professionals to serve in senior administrative and legal roles. Two of the new appointees join the agency from Southwest Airlines, while the third transition follows a career in-house at NetJets.
Why it matters
These appointments bring direct corporate aviation experience into the regulatory body tasked with overseeing national airspace safety and policy. The additions reflect a strategic shift toward incorporating private sector operational expertise into federal rulemaking processes.
The agency appointed three senior officials from two major aviation corporations to spearhead airport administration, policy, and legal affairs. The agency maintains a staff of thousands across the United States, with these roles representing key pillars in the current leadership structure.
The players
Chris Kelly
He is the new associate administrator for airports at the FAA who previously served as a regulatory attorney at Southwest Airlines.
Michael Ciamarra
He is the new assistant administrator for policy and rulemaking at the FAA who formerly held the title of federal affairs director at Southwest Airlines.
Jeff DeVore
He is the incoming chief counsel for the FAA who moves to the agency from a position as in-house counsel at NetJets.
Federal Aviation Administration
This is the national regulatory body within the United States responsible for the regulation of civil aviation and the safety of the national airspace system.
Southwest Airlines
It is a major American airline and one of the largest carriers in the world known for its extensive domestic flight network.
The details
The agency administrator confirmed the appointments of Chris Kelly as associate administrator for airports and Michael Ciamarra as assistant administrator for policy and rulemaking, both coming from Southwest Airlines. Additionally, the agency tapped Jeff DeVore, an in-house counsel at NetJets, to serve as the new chief counsel.
Timeline
The Federal Aviation Administration announced the staff appointments on September 29, 2026.
Jeff DeVore is scheduled to begin his new tenure as chief counsel in October 2026.
Market Landscape
The transition of high-level talent from private carriers to government agencies marks a significant integration of industry-specific knowledge into public governance. This shift highlights the agency's focus on aligning regulatory rulemaking with the practical operational realities faced by commercial aviation firms.
The inclusion of airline-experienced leadership may influence future federal aviation policies and airport infrastructure projects that impact national flight operations. Regular air travelers can monitor these administrative changes to understand potential shifts in regulatory standards that could affect service reliability or airport convenience.
The takeaway
These high-level appointments illustrate a deliberate move to bridge the gap between commercial airline operations and federal oversight. Travelers and industry stakeholders should anticipate that new leadership will prioritize regulatory updates based on private-sector perspectives.
What happens next
Jeff DeVore is set to begin his role as chief counsel in October 2026.
Further reading
For more information on recent professional transitions, visit the United States People section.
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Should government agencies hire senior staff directly from the private industries they are tasked to regulate?
