NBAA’s Ed Bolen Temporarily Steps Down for Cancer Treatment
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announced a significant leadership change on September 18, 2026. Ed Bolen, the President and CEO, will be taking a leave of absence to undergo cancer treatment. In his stead, the NBAA’s Board of Directors has appointed Dan Hubbard, a 22-year NBAA veteran and the Senior Vice President of Communications, as the interim Chief Operating Officer. Hubbard will now be responsible for the organization’s day-to-day operations.
This leadership transition comes just weeks before the aviation industry’s pivotal annual event, the 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE). The event is scheduled to take place from October 20 to 22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Henderson Executive Airport. Hubbard, who has held the position of SVP for communications since 2008, will also be in charge of the preparations and execution of this major convention.
John Witzig, the NBAA Board Chair, has expressed his confidence in the transition. He stated, “Dan has a strong strategic view of NBAA’s mission and all its initiatives. As NBAA’s interim COO, he will oversee day-to-day operations during Ed’s absence, including at NBAA-BACE, with support from a leadership team with decades of experience.” The board has also promoted Heidi Williams to the position of Senior Vice President of Operations. This role was previously left vacant following Douglas Carr’s retirement in July 2026. The entire aviation community is wishing Bolen a full and swift recovery.
Source: GlobalAir.com – NBAA names Dan Hubbard interim COO as Bolen steps away for cancer treatment