Ed Bolen Retires After 22 Years as NBAA CEO; Dan Hubbard Named Acting CEO
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announced on November 6, 2026, that its long-serving President and CEO, Ed Bolen, is retiring after more than 22 years leading one of general aviation’s most influential advocacy organizations. Bolen, who has headed the NBAA since 2004, cited his health as the reason for stepping down. His retirement follows a medical leave that began in September while he underwent cancer treatment.
The NBAA Board of Directors has named Dan Hubbard acting CEO. Hubbard has been with the association for 22 years and will continue serving as Senior Vice President of Communications, a role he has held since 2008.
The board has also established a special executive search committee to identify a permanent successor. The committee is chaired by Matt Byrd, NBAA board vice chair and President and CEO of Hillwood Aviation.
During his tenure, Bolen was widely recognized as a tireless champion for business and general aviation. He advocated on issues including airport access, airspace modernization, and safety regulation, and represented the industry in repeated, contentious debates over air traffic control privatization.
Before joining the NBAA, Bolen served as president and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association from 1996 to 2004. He is also scheduled to be inducted into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame in 2026. The aviation community has responded with an outpouring of tributes, with AOPA calling him “general aviation’s best friend.”
Source: AVweb, November 6, 2026