NBAA Announces Leadership Transition: Ed Bolen Steps Back, Dan Hubbard Steps Up
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) recently announced a major leadership transition. Long-serving President and CEO Ed Bolen is taking a leave of absence for cancer treatment. In his stead, the NBAA Board of Directors appointed veteran communications executive Dan Hubbard as interim Chief Operating Officer on September 18, 2026. Hubbard will oversee the association’s day-to-day operations during Bolen’s absence.
With a tenure of 22 years at NBAA and a role as Senior Vice President of Communications since 2008, Hubbard brings a wealth of institutional knowledge to his interim position. His responsibilities will include overseeing preparations for the upcoming NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), scheduled for October 20–22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Henderson Executive Airport.
In a parallel move, Heidi Williams was promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations, succeeding Douglas Carr who retired in July 2026.
Board Chair John Witzig expressed confidence in the leadership team. Major aviation associations, including AOPA and EAA, extended well wishes to Bolen for a full and speedy recovery. Hubbard stated that NBAA is “well-positioned to continue operating seamlessly” and remains committed to delivering a successful NBAA-BACE for the business aviation community.
Source: NBAA Official Press Release — NBAA Names Hubbard as Interim COO, Williams as SVP Operations