NBAA Appointed Interim COO Amid Leadership Changes
The trade association adjusted its executive team as longtime president Ed Bolen begins a medical leave.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in People
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has appointed Dan Hubbard as interim chief operating officer to manage daily operations. This move follows President and CEO Ed Bolen’s decision to take a leave of absence to undergo cancer treatment.
Why it matters
The change shifts the organizational reporting structure during a critical planning period for the group's annual business aviation convention. Operators should monitor how this internal transition affects the association's regulatory advocacy and logistics support for the upcoming event.
Dan Hubbard, who has served the association for 22 years, steps into the interim COO role while Ed Bolen, who has led the organization since 2004, takes medical leave.
The players
Dan Hubbard
An executive with 22 years of tenure at the National Business Aviation Association who now serves as interim chief operating officer.
Ed Bolen
The president and CEO who has led the National Business Aviation Association since 2004.
Heidi Williams
The new senior vice president for operations at the National Business Aviation Association.
The details
Dan Hubbard, previously the senior vice president for communications since 2008, will now oversee the organization's day-to-day operations. Heidi Williams has been appointed as the new senior vice president for operations, moving from her previous role as vice president of air traffic services and infrastructure to lead the operations team.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: Leadership changes were formally announced.
October 20-22, 2026: The NBAA-BACE convention is scheduled to take place.
Market Landscape
This leadership adjustment follows the established succession and continuity protocols of the National Business Aviation Association. It mirrors standard industry practices for large trade groups managing significant operational transitions during a high-stakes event cycle.
Operators planning for the upcoming convention should direct inquiries to the new leadership team for operational coordination. Monitor for updates regarding meeting agendas as the association navigates this executive transition.
The takeaway
Organizations should maintain clear documentation of succession plans to ensure continuity of operations during medical leaves. Operators should confirm all scheduled convention logistics through official association channels to avoid potential scheduling disruptions.
What happens next
The NBAA-BACE convention is scheduled to occur from October 20-22, 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Henderson Executive Airport in Nevada.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership trends, visit the People section.
