Chris Rocheleau was named as deputy administrator of the FAA in January but also took on the role of acting administrator with the departure of FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Rocheleau most recently had served as COO at NBAA. The move to the FAA marked a return to the agency where he had previously held numerous senior leadership roles for more than 20 years. He was also among the leaders who helped stand up the Transportation Security Administration in the wake of 9/11. Rocheleau spoke with AIN about his decision to rejoin the FAA, the immediate crises he faced with the agency, his long-term vision, and what was at the time the pending confirmation of Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford as permanent administrator.
What brought you back to the FAA?
I had served for 22 years in the agency in a variety of roles and was very fortunate to have the opportunities over time to progress within the agency. Whether it was in the chief of staff role or international affairs, [I was able to] understand the corporate nature and the importance of all the different pieces of the agency working together to accomplish the goals, whether for the FAA, the wider industry, or the Department of Transportation.
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