Key facts
- The FAA is hiring two Southwest Airlines employees for senior roles.
- Chris Kelly will join the FAA as associate administrator for airports.
- Michael Ciamarra will join the FAA as assistant administrator for policy and rulemaking.
FAA hires two Southwest Airlines employees for senior roles
IN SHORT
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is hiring two employees from Southwest Airlines for senior positions. Chris Kelly, a senior regulatory attorney at Southwest, will become the new associate administrator for airports, and Michael Ciamarra, Southwest's senior federal affairs director, will serve as assistant administrator for policy and rulemaking. Additionally, Jeff DeVore from NetJets will be the FAA's new chief counsel.
Who's Involved
Federal Aviation Administration
hiring two Southwest Airlines employees for senior roles
Chris Kelly
senior regulatory attorney at Southwest Airlines joining FAA as associate administrator for airports
Michael Ciamarra
Southwest senior federal affairs director joining FAA as assistant administrator for policy and rulemaking
Jeff DeVore
in-house counsel at NetJets serving as FAA chief counsel
Southwest Airlines
employees hired for senior roles at FAA
NetJets
company where Jeff DeVore previously worked as in-house counsel
↳ Why This Matters
The appointments signal a continued trend of industry professionals moving into regulatory roles, potentially influencing policy and oversight within the aviation sector.