AOPA Statement on NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen's Retirement

“I’ve known Ed for decades, and general aviation is stronger today because of him,” said AOPA Acting Co-President Katie Pribyl. “He’s spent his whole career looking out for pilots, starting as a Senate aide when he helped pass the General Aviation Revitalization Act, and then leading GAMA and NBAA. Through all of it, Ed has been a true friend to AOPA. We’ve stood together against user fees and ATC privatization, and we’ve worked side by side to protect airports. General aviation has had no better friend than Ed Bolen.”

"Ed is widely recognized as one of general aviation’s most formidable, respected, and influential advocates—a leader whose passion, determination, and unwavering commitment have helped shape and protect the future of our industry," said AOPA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Advocacy Jim Coon. "It has been a pleasure to be able to work with him to promote and protect general aviation and more importantly call him a loyal friend, which is rare in Washington. But beyond his many professional accomplishments spanning decades, what makes Ed truly special is the man he is: a man that has the values of integrity, humility, and conviction. What an amazing career and person."

"I'm thankful I've had the opportunity to get to know Ed. His work benefited everyone in general aviation—not just the business aviation community," said AOPA Board of Trustees Chairman Luke Wippler. "He's spent his career protecting our freedom to fly. We're keeping Ed and his family in our thoughts as he focuses on his health."