NBAA names Dan Hubbard interim COO as Ed Bolen takes medical leave

The National Business Aviation Association has appointed Dan Hubbard interim Chief Operating Officer while President and CEO Ed Bolen takes a leave of absence for cancer treatment, according to General Aviation News.

Hubbard will oversee day-to-day operations, including at NBAA-BACE, the association's Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, scheduled for October 20–22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Henderson Executive Airport.

Hubbard has been with NBAA for 22 years and has served as senior vice president for communications since 2008. John Witzig, chair of NBAA's Board of Directors, said: "We are wishing Ed a full recovery as he takes the time he needs to focus on his health."

Witzig also noted that "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, and a proven track record of serving the business aviation community with excellence."

"NBAA is well-positioned to continue operating seamlessly and serving members strategically and effectively, and I am honored to step in and lead our dedicated team," Hubbard said. "I have every confidence in our ability to execute an outstanding NBAA-BACE next month, while continuing to advance the industry's policy agenda and supporting the operational and other needs of our members."

The association also promoted Heidi Williams to senior vice president, operations, filling a role left by the retirement of Douglas Carr in July. Williams previously served as vice president, air traffic services and infrastructure, overseeing the association's policies and coordination with the FAA and other government and industry stakeholders. She also leads the association's emerging technologies initiatives and airspace and air traffic modernisation efforts.

NBAA-BACE is the world's largest business aviation event, according to General Aviation News. The show draws participants from across the industry each year, and the upcoming convention will be the first major NBAA gathering since Bolen's departure. It is unclear from available reporting whether Bolen will return before the convention or resume his duties afterward.