The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has named former FAA senior official Alan Stephens v-p of regulatory affairs. He steps into the role held by John McGraw, who will continue as a senior advisor for the association with a focus on collaboration with the Transportation Security Administration.
“John McGraw’s achievements as NATA v-p of regulatory affairs over the past 10 years are impressive,” said NATA president and CEO Curt Castagna, citing his work to ensure equitable access at airports, safeguarding continued operations throughout the pandemic, and fostering consensus charter training standards. “NATA’s staff and membership are grateful for John’s expertise, guidance, and continued efforts to produce progress through partnership.”
Stephens brings more than 40 years of aviation experience to his new role with NATA. Most recently, he was acting deputy director of the Office of Air Carrier Safety Assurance in the FAA’s Flight Standards branch. In that role, he oversaw three divisions providing oversight for 33 Part 121 certificates.
He joined the agency in 2001 as an aviation safety inspector focused on avionics and subsequently held several inspector and management roles. A graduate of the Federal Executive Institute, Stephens holds a bachelor’s degree in professional aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and also served in enlisted and officer roles in the Tennessee Air National Guard from 1981 to his retirement in 2015.
“Alan’s vast aviation knowledge, agency experience, and strategic skill will be invaluable to charting a path forward for our members on all regulatory fronts. His initial focus will be on prioritizing industry issue resolution, member feedback, and NATA representation on key industry stakeholder committees,” Castagna said.
