Nicholas E. Calio served as the president and CEO of Airlines for America (A4A), the trade association representing the country’s leading passenger and cargo airlines, from January 2011 until his retirement from A4A in September 2025, at which time he became CEO Emeritus.

Under Calio’s leadership, A4A restructured and rebranded, becoming an influential voice shaping policies that prioritize safety and security, which is critically important amid record air travel and increased reliance on air cargo shipments.

Known for his ability to form strong teams, establish solid relationships and build diverse coalitions that bring about consensus, Calio has worked collaboratively with airlines, labor unions, Congress, the executive branch and countless others to affect meaningful change for the aviation industry, both domestically and internationally.

Calio is a staunch advocate for innovation and modernization of the air traffic control (ATC) system in the U.S., successfully imploring Congress to pass an emergency funding package to make fundamental changes and investments to address the controller shortage and outdated ATC technology while providing predictability and stability for future funding.

He has led multiple FAA reauthorization negotiations, was instrumental in avoiding total crisis during the 2022 5G C-Band implementation and helped save the industry from ruin during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, he worked closely with Congress, labor groups and commercial carriers to create the Payroll Support Program, securing nearly $60 billion in financial assistance as part of the CARES Act that kept airline employees on the job and pilots certified. Simultaneously, Calio partnered with Harvard University’s National Preparedness Leadership Initiative and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support independent, first-of-its-kind research about the safety of air on commercial airplanes.

On the international stage, he has elevated A4A’s opposition to market access restrictions, onerous taxation and over-burdensome regulations that would negatively impact U.S. airlines’ global competitiveness.

Prior to joining A4A, Calio was Citigroup’s executive vice president for global government affairs and a member of its senior leadership committee. He was responsible for the company’s government affairs globally.

He served President George W. Bush as assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs from January 2001 to January 2003. As the president’s principal liaison to Congress, he worked closely with the leadership and members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives and had the primary responsibility for formulating and implementing White House strategy on all legislative issues. He held the same position during the administration of President George H.W. Bush.

Earlier, he was a partner at O’Brien*Calio, a law and lobbying firm he co-founded in 1993. A 1998 Fortune Magazine survey of members of Congress, congressional staff, administration staff and Washington lobbyists rated the firm as one of the “Ten Most Powerful” in Washington. Calio started the firm after leaving the first Bush administration.

A tireless advocate, active civic leader and devoted mentor to many, Calio has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions. The International Aviation Club and Air Transport World selected Calio to receive the 2025 Pogue Lifetime Achievement Award. The award, which he will accept in September 2025, is presented to “an individual considered a visionary and preeminent leader of contemporary aviation” and recognizes industry leaders who have “helped shape modern international commercial air transportation.” 

He was the recipient of the Bryce Harlow Foundation’s 2025 Business Government Relations Award for his exemplary career dedicated to advancing the integrity of government advocacy and increasing understanding of its role in developing sound public policy.

In 2024, Calio received the Glen A. Gilbert Memorial Award, presented by ATCA, which celebrates an individual who has made lifelong contributions to advocacy, provided strategic leadership on myriad issues and advanced the U.S. aviation industry. The official award is on permanent display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.

That same year, Calio was honored with the 2024 Hermes Air Transport Organisation’s Katerina and George Iatrou Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the global airline industry. 

He was honored by Vaughn College in 2023 for his efforts during the pandemic and his leadership in the industry. He has also received the Fund for American Studies Business Leadership Award; the Excellence in Business Award from the Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF), the philanthropic arm of the nation’s largest and oldest organization for people of Italian heritage; and the People Who Move America Award from the Boy Scouts of America.

Calio is a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University and Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He is currently chair of the Ohio Wesleyan University Board of Trustees. He is also a trustee of the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Paul Archambeault is the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial and Operating Officer of Airlines for America (A4A). In this role, he is responsible for the overall financial and operational functions of the $40 million association and its business units (e-business, Known Crewmember, publications and the Airlines Clearing House). He serves on the executive leadership team, helping set strategic direction for the association, and provides operational and management support to the CEO, senior leadership and the entire A4A staff. He assures the financial resources align with the association’s goals and mission.

He coordinates and manages the operational structure of the councils and committees staffed by A4A and industry subject matter experts that help consolidate and refine industry positions on technical issues. Directly in his purview is the security and facilitation functions to include aviation security, passenger facilitation and industry-related cyber security.

His oversight also encompasses support services, administration, treasury and information technology.

Consistently recognized as a leader in the finance and operational space, he received the transformational CFO of the year award from association peers after the rebranding, restructuring and relocation of A4A. He is a long-standing member of the Trade Association CFO network.

Archambeault joined A4A in 1991 as a staff auditor and has held multiple vertical management roles in finance, operations and aviation security. Additionally, he served as Director of the Aviation Millennium Project, the industrywide initiative that ensured all airline operations were Y2K compliant. He was named Vice President, Chief Financial officer and Treasurer in October 2003 and promoted to his current role in 2013.

A native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Archambeault holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Old Dominion University and a master’s degree in financial management from George Mason University. He is also an active certified public accountant (CPA).

Keith Glatz is the Senior Vice President of International Government Affairs at Airlines for America (A4A).

Glatz brings vast international policy experience to Airlines for America (A4A), having successfully negotiated historic air services agreements that have resulted in unparalleled market access for U.S. carriers worldwide. He possesses a proven ability to develop and execute complex government relations strategies, navigate global political landscapes, and build strategic relationships with key stakeholders to drive organizational success in a global environment.

Since joining A4A in 2013 as Vice President, he has built from the ground-up a global team focused on identifying and executing strategic commercial opportunities while also proactively anticipating shifts in political and regulatory regimes to advance the global competitiveness of the U.S. airline industry. Glatz consistently shapes and delivers public policy and regulatory outcomes that align with A4A’s Board of Directors global priorities, including leading and delivering successful outcomes for the U.S. industry during UK-EU Brexit negotiations, the reopening of the transatlantic aviation market during COVID, and has secured a level playing field for the U.S. airline industry in critical but challenging key foreign markets, such as China, India and Russia. During Glatz’s tenure, A4A has consistently opposed and defeated multiple attempts by foreign governments to arbitrarily and illegally restrict U.S. airline service in Europe, increase taxes on airlines, and to reregulate the critical commercial rights and freedoms of the airline industry.

Prior to A4A, Glatz served as Special Assistant to the Under Secretary and Senior Negotiator for Air Services at the Department of Transportation. In this capacity, he advised U.S. government leadership on public policy affecting the civil aviation industry and led the negotiating team to the successful conclusion of bilateral Open Skies Agreements with numerous foreign governments, including Japan, China, India, Canada, Australia and the European Union. These negotiations resulted in billions of dollars of new market access opportunities for U.S. passenger and cargo airlines.

Glatz’s previous experience also includes two appointed Presidential Management Fellowships during which he worked at the Department of State and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative as Deputy Director for Russia and the Newly Independent States, furthering U.S. international trade agreements and transportation policies. In addition to this background, Glatz also founded and was President of DKS Settlement Group, LLC a Virginia based start-up real estate settlement and management company for over a decade.

Glatz holds a Juris Doctor and Master of Public Policy from the University of Akron and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Texas Tech University. In addition, he is also an active board member of several professional organizations and active in the local community with American Ballet Theater and Miracle League.

Karen Keller was named Chief of Staff of Airlines for America (A4A) in April 2022 and manages the Executive Office and facilitates all aspects of strategic planning and general coordination across the association. She serves as the liaison between the president and CEO and the A4A leadership team as well as liaising with the A4A members. She is responsible for the planning and execution of the quarterly board meetings, overseeing meeting document preparation and follow-up.  She works hand in glove with A4A’s senior leadership to prepare the President and CEO for meetings and events with the Administration, Capitol Hill and the business community.

Prior to joining A4A, Keller worked as the chief operating officer at PLUS Communications where she oversaw the operations, HR and IT functions of the firm. Earlier, she served as the director of the Office of Special Events and Protocol at the Smithsonian Institution for eight years where she oversaw the day-to-day operations and managed events.

Additionally, Keller served as special assistant and personal secretary to President George W. Bush and oversaw Oval Office operations from 2005 – 2009. She also served as special assistant to the White House budget director and oversaw the operations of the Office of Management and Budget director’s office. She worked as the director of administration at the 53^rd Presidential Inaugural Committee and served as the deputy to the CEO of the 2004 Republican National Convention.

Keller began her career at Burson-Marsteller, overseeing the office of the President and Chief Operating Officer and working as an event producer. She is a native Washingtonian and graduate of Towson University where she earned her BA in English and Communications.

Sharon Pinkerton was named Senior Vice President, Legislative and Regulatory Policy for Airlines for America (A4A) in February 2011, and leads policy development on legislative and regulatory matters, working with Capitol Hill and the Administration. She has testified on behalf of the industry on a wide variety of issues including air traffic control (ATC) modernization, consumer rights, FAA reauthorization, aviation safety and security and airport infrastructure. Pinkerton's hallmark has been her ability to develop broad based industry and labor coalitions to advocate effectively on issues ranging from ATC modernization, sustainable aviation fuel, credit card regulation to taxes and fees. The Modern Skies Coalition was formed at the end of last year and has been praised by Secretary Duffy for the breadth and depth of its 57 members who were successful in advocating for $12.5 billion for modernization in the 2025 reconciliation package. Sharon has been recognized for her contributions to aviation and was named 2019 honoree for the AAAE Women in Aviation education scholarship initiative, which has raised over $1.4 million to support outstanding female students enrolled in aviation programs.

Pinkerton joined A4A as Vice President, Government Affairs in April 2006, where she was responsible for overseeing all aviation-related issues before federal, state and local governments. Before joining A4A, she served as Assistant Administrator for Aviation Policy, Planning and Environment at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In addition to developing and transmitting an FAA reauthorization proposal to Capitol Hill she also led the agency’s strategic planning process. Prior to her appointment at FAA, Pinkerton was transportation counsel to House Aviation Subcommittee Chairman John L. Mica (R-Fla.) and served on Capitol Hill for nearly 10 years initiating hearings and participating in legislative drafting and negotiation that resulted in legislation. She began her professional career at Price Waterhouse in Cincinnati and practiced as a CPA. A native of Vero Beach, Fla., Pinkerton received a Bachelor of Science degree from Cedarville College in Ohio, and earned a law degree from the University of Florida.

Paul Rinaldi is Airlines for America's Senior Vice President, Operations and Safety. Rinaldi is responsible for A4A’s Operations and Safety departments, including Air Traffic Management. He brings to the association more than thirty years of hands-on industry experience and leadership at the highest levels.

Rinaldi began his career as a certified controller with the Washington-Dulles Tower (IAD) in 1991, and he rose through the ranks of elected leadership of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), the organization of 20,000 highly skilled air traffic controllers, engineers and other aviation safety related professionals. The membership elected him to an unprecedented four three-year terms as NATCA president, and upon his retirement in 2021, he was honored with the role of NATCA president emeritus.

Since his retirement from NATCA, Rinaldi has served as the founder and president of Rinaldi Consultants LLC, advising aviation leaders on initiatives that help shape regulatory and policy decisions, especially those related to aviation, air traffic control and emerging technologies.

During his three decades of aviation experience, Rinaldi has worked closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT), the White House and key committees on Capitol Hill including House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Senate Commerce Committee. He has testified 20 times on Capitol Hill on a wide range of issues including critical aviation safety programs, efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS), new technologies, federal funding and FAA reauthorizations.

Rinaldi has held roles on numerous industry board and advisory councils, and he regularly provides thought leadership to the aviation industry, the media and academic institutions. A current member of Kansas State University’s Advisory Board, he contributes to shaping its aviation curriculum to ensure workforce and safety preparedness.

Rebecca Spicer joined Airlines for America (A4A) as Senior Vice President, Communications in 2018. She is responsible for media relations and communications initiatives that help advance policy, legislative and regulatory priorities and execute public relations strategies on behalf of the leading U.S. airlines, both passenger and cargo carriers.

She led A4A’s communications during the COVID-19 pandemic, generating significant media coverage and launching the “Save Our Jobs” campaign that helped save the industry and get Congress to support the Payroll Support Program, which was passed three times and secured nearly $60 billion to keep airline employees on the job. 

Additionally, she worked with an industry coalition to amplify research conducted by Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health that concluded that air on airplanes was safe and the risk of COVID-19 exposure during air travel was low. The research was instrumental in restoring confidence in the flying public and reopening markets.

Spicer led A4A’s “5G Interference Won’t Fly” communications campaign in 2022, which was critical to educating federal leaders and the public about safety concerns amid the deployment of 5G service near airports. The campaign generated widespread media coverage and helped drive an agreement, allowing for the safe continuation of air service. The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) honored the campaign with its Power of Associations Award, and PRWeek named it a finalist for its Best in Crisis Award.

Prior to A4A, Spicer worked at the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA), where she became Senior Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs. While at NBWA, she was named to PRWeek’s “40 Under 40” edition and received ASAE’s Rising Star Award.

She served in the George W. Bush White House as associate director of communications, producing televised presidential events. Earlier, she worked at WJLA in Washington, D.C., where she produced the award-winning six p.m. newscast; KTRK in Houston; WTNH in New Haven; and WVTM in Birmingham. She began as a production assistant at CNN.

A Nashville native, Spicer graduated from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn., where she has served on the Board of Trustees, volunteered as Class Alumni Chair and received the Distinguished Young Alumna Award. She also holds a degree in communications from Indiana University.

She earned a certificate from Harvard Kennedy School's “Persuasive Communication” executive program and is a member of Page, the world's leading professional association for communications executives. PRWeek inducted her in the Hall of Femme, which honors “leaders in the communications industry who challenge the status quo, move the needle in business and strive to make a difference.” PRNEWS named her an Industry Champion, recognizing “supportive, innovative and inspiring women who are making strides within their organization.”

Spicer serves on the Board of the National Council for Adoption, volunteers as a troop leader for the Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital Council and was on the Advisory Council of the Salvation Army National Capital Region.

Marli Collier serves as Vice President, Communications at Airlines for America (A4A). A trusted and effective communicator, she helps lead the strategic development and execution of internal and external communication efforts, including media relations, advocacy campaigns, crisis response and executive communications.

With established relationships with reporters across the media landscape, Collier serves as an on-the-record spokesperson for A4A and works to educate both the press and traveling public about the U.S. aviation industry’s record of safety, resiliency and economic growth.

Collier’s work focuses primarily on government affairs, legislative and regulatory policy, guiding A4A’s advocacy communications on critical topics including ATC modernization, the Durbin-Marshall Credit Card Competition Act, environmental policy and international issues. She enjoys the challenge of translating wonky policy into meaningful messages for everyday people.

Her work has been recognized by PRNews and Vega Digital Awards for presenting complex data and policies in a clear and accessible manner to convey A4A’s mission and priorities. 

Prior to her work at A4A, Collier spent several years in the U.S. Senate, working for the Environment and Public Works Committee as press secretary and in the press offices of U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito and David Perdue.

A proud native of Dawson, Georgia, Collier graduated cum laude from the University of Georgia with degrees in political science and journalism.

Haley Gallagher assumed her current role as A4A’s Vice President of Security and Facilitation in January 2024.  She is responsible for representing and defending the collective interests of the A4A membership on airline security, cyber, cargo and facilitation issues. Ms. Gallagher brings over 20 years of public and private sector experience to the position, most recently serving 11 years with the Transportation Security Administration where she specialized in international engagement and counterterrorism activities aimed at risk mitigation. Throughout her government career, Ms. Gallagher has been successful in building productive relationships and coalitions across government and industry stakeholder groups, coordinating policy or technical positions, and reaching consensus on issues with international impact. Ms. Gallagher holds a Bachelor of Arts from Messiah College and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. 

John Heimlich joined Airlines for America (A4A) in April 2001 and currently serves as Vice President and Chief Economist. He is responsible for matters pertaining to economics and energy and frequently engages with members of the media. Prior to A4A, Heimlich spent five years at United Airlines in financial planning, financial analysis and international and regulatory affairs. In the latter role, he worked on competition matters, mergers, route cases and antitrust immunity for alliances. A native of Kent, Ohio, Heimlich holds a Bachelor of Arts degree magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, from Cornell University and a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Graham Keithley is Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Regulatory Legal Affairs. In this role, Keithley serves as legal counsel to member airlines on a range of regulatory issues at the international, federal, state and local levels, including safety, security, consumer protections, accommodations for passengers with disabilities, airports, public health and employee drug and alcohol testing. Keithley also serves as legal counsel for various A4A programs and member services. Prior to joining A4A in 2019, Keithley was an attorney in top aviation practices at major law firms, including Baker McKenzie and Jones Day. Earlier he served in the United States Navy performing aircraft maintenance administration. He is an active member of, and Sponsorship Liaison for, the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Forum on Air and Space Law, as well as Assistant Editor for the ABA’s Air and Space Lawyer publication. A native of Washington, D.C., he attended Georgetown University Law Center, is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and is active in the local community through leadership in his Freemason lodge.

Justin W. Madden is the Vice President, Safety & Technical Operations for Airlines for America (A4A), a trade association representing the leading U.S. passenger and cargo airlines.  With over two decades of airline and government affairs experience, he leads the safety and technical operations teams with a commitment to ensuring the highest levels of safety and operational performance.

In his role, Justin passionately advocates for and supports member carriers while also forging collaboration with national aviation authorities, trade associations, standards organizations and other key stakeholders in the aviation industry to provide durable solutions that safeguard the flying public and advance A4A's mission.

Justin's distinguished career includes appointments by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC), where he has contributed to several subordinate working groups. Additionally, he has served multiple terms on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC), appointed by the TSA Administrator. His extensive airline experience spans from Trans World Airlines to over 20 years with Southwest Airlines.

A proud veteran of the Marine Corps, Justin holds a bachelor's degree in aviation science and an MBA from West Chester University.  His leadership and dedication continue to shape the future of aviation safety and technical operations.

Laura McKee currently serves as Vice President, Airport Affairs and is responsible for coordinating policy and industry matters regarding the business relationship between airlines and airport operators. McKee joined Airlines for America (A4A) as Managing Director, Airport Affairs in July 2007, was promoted to Senior Managing Director, Airline Services in June 2011, and then to Vice President Airline Services in May 2013. Before joining A4A, McKee served as Director, Risk Management for Centerplate, Inc. (a food and beverage concessionaire) where she was responsible for managing all insurance, safety and security functions of the company. She previously spent 10 years with Trans World Airlines and US Airways and began her career as an attorney with the law firm of Evans & Dixon in St. Louis. A native of Philadelphia, McKee received a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Villanova University and earned a law degree from Washington University in St. Louis.

Doug Mullen is Vice President and Principal Deputy General Counsel, International Legal Affairs for Airlines for America. Mullen previously served as Associate General Counsel, Regulatory Affairs for the association, serving as legal counsel to member airlines on a wide range of regulatory issues at the international, federal, state and local levels. His legal portfolio has included matters regarding safety and operations; airports; drug and alcohol testing; accommodations for passengers with disabilities; cargo operations; and pilot qualification, training and certification. As Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Mullen advocates before U.S. federal agencies and foreign regulatory bodies to ensure that legislative decisions and regulatory policies strengthen the aviation industry and maintain the highest level of safety. Prior to joining A4A in 2007, Mullen served as an Attorney Advisor in the Office of the Chief Counsel, Regulations Division at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and as an Attorney Advisor in the Office of the General Counsel, Ethics Division at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Kristine O’Brien serves as Airlines for America’s Vice President, Global Government Affairs. As a key member of the A4A lobbying team, she relentlessly fights on behalf of U.S. airlines on Capitol Hill.

Known for her strong relationships in Congress and with aviation stakeholders, O’Brien has secured landmark victories for the industry. She has served as an effective advocate and negotiator for major legislation including the 2024 FAA reauthorization bill, reconciliation bills that have promoted major overhauls to the nation’s air traffic control systems and invested significantly in airline sustainability and during the COVID-19 pandemic her work helped secure $58 billion in payroll relief, protecting over 700,000 airline jobs through the CARES Act’s Payroll Support Program.

O’Brien previously served as Director of Outreach and Member Services for the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure under Chairman Peter DeFazio. She also spent several years advising Senate Democratic Leader Charles E. Schumer on transportation, infrastructure and economic development issues.

Prior to coming to Washington, O’Brien held roles at the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. Early in her career, O’Brien worked directly in the U.S. airline industry serving in Strategic Planning, Network Planning and Financial Analyst roles at International Lease Finance Corporation, United Airlines and Continental Airlines.

O’Brien holds a Master of Planning from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Boston University.

Riva Khoshaba Parker is Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Litigation, Labor and Employment. Parker is an expert litigator in all areas of labor and employment law, bringing years of litigation experience to A4A. Parker joined A4A in 2019 from the Pentagon’s Office of The Judge Advocate General of the U.S. Army where she advised senior leadership, developed and executed strategies for enterprise wide challenges and created the Army’s first nation-wide labor litigation team. Prior to the Pentagon, Parker served in the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and worked at several law firms in Washington, D.C., most recently at Ifrah Law Firm, LLP. Parker holds degrees from the University of Chicago and Yale Law School.

Highly regarded on Capitol Hill and among his peers for his effectiveness and strategic political insight, Josh Saltzman serves Airlines for America (A4A) as Vice President for Global Government Affairs, following 12 years as professional Congressional staff.

As the House Republican lead for the U.S. commercial aviation industry, Saltzman collaborates with colleagues, association members and consultants to develop and execute legislative strategies to influence policymakers and achieve beneficial outcomes. Through cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with House Republican members and their staffs, other transportation sector stakeholders and conservative organizations, Saltzman has played a pivotal role in securing support for the industry’s tax, security, energy and aviation policy priorities.

Prior to joining A4A, Saltzman gained his extensive management and legislative experience as Chief of Staff to Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX), then Vice Chairman of the House Rules Committee and Chairman of the Rules Subcommittee on Legislative and Budget Process. Saltzman served as the Chief Policy and Political Aide, and as the primary liaison between Rep. Sessions and Republican Leadership offices, Members of Congress and their staffs. Previously Saltzman served as Deputy Chief of Staff/Rules Committee Associate for Rep. Sessions, and as legislative aide to Rep. Edward Royce (R-CA) and Rep. Patrick Toomey (R-PA). Saltzman received a Master of Philosophy degree from Trinity College, Dublin, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from The College of William and Mary.

Jarrod D. Thompson was named Vice President, Legislative and Regulatory Policy in February 2015. In this role, he utilizes his broad aviation policy expertise in transportation, aviation safety, aviation security, the federal budget and appropriations process, aviation regulations, particularly economic regulations governing commercial aviation, as A4A continues to address the tax, regulatory and infrastructure challenges facing both the passenger and cargo industries and their customers.

Thompson is an integral part of a team that influenced the Federal Aviation Reauthorization (FAA) Act of 2018, the creation of the Payroll Support Program as part of the CARES Act, the FAA Act of 2024 and the aviation components of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Prior to joining A4A, Thompson served as Director of Congressional Affairs at United Airlines. He also has extensive airline and transportation-related policy experience working on Capitol Hill serving as Full Committee Deputy Staff Director and Republican Senior Professional Staff Member for the Aviation Subcommittee for the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

In his role on the Subcommittee on Aviation he had direct oversight responsibilities for the FAA, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), aviation programs of the Department of Transportation (DOT). In particular he served as the lead Senate Republican staff for the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2012.

In his role as Full Committee Deputy Staff Director he oversaw and facilitated broader policy areas under the jurisdiction of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee that include the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), U.S. Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Corporation for Travel Promotion, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Amtrak, the Surface Transportation Board, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) amongst others.

A native of Laurel, Montana, Thompson holds a Bachelor of Science from Montana State University in Psychology.

Kevin Welsh is Vice President, Environmental Affairs and Chief Sustainability Officer at Airlines for America. In this role, he leads A4A’s sustainability and environmental advocacy and policy initiatives. He works closely with A4A member airlines to support efforts that help achieve the sector’s ambitious climate and environmental goals. Kevin joined A4A in 2023 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) where he served as the Executive Director of the Office of Environment and Energy. He also served as Director for Climate and Environment at the National Security Council in the White House from 2015 to 2017, where he helped advance U.S.-international climate and energy objectives. Kevin began his career practicing environmental law in Washington, D.C. A native of Connecticut, Kevin received his law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law and his undergraduate degree from Tufts University.

Sean Williams joined Airlines for America as Vice President of State and Local Government Affairs in April 2013. Williams leads the State and Local Affairs Committee’s lobbying efforts in states and localities throughout the country. A seasoned leader, he routinely builds coalitions with stakeholders to drive consensus around complex public policy matters. 

Williams has successfully led industry advocacy efforts across multiple states on issues related to taxation, labor, safety, security, privacy and environmental standards, among others. He has served as the primary industry negotiator on a number of key pieces of legislation, including the historic 2024 reform of the California Private Attorneys General Act, the reform of long-standing aircraft property valuation conflicts and legislation which reduces and rationalizes the industry’s tax burden, among others.

Williams was previously elected to six terms representing the 68th House District in the Connecticut General Assembly. At different points during his legislative career, he served as the Ranking Member on the tax-writing Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, Ranking Member of the Energy and Technology Committee, and as a member of the Insurance and Real Estate, Commerce and Education Committees. He also served as a member of the State Bond Commission. A recipient of several awards for his legislative work and community involvement, he was widely recognized as a leader willing to cross party lines to forge strategic partnerships on a number of key pieces of legislation in Connecticut.

Williams holds an MBA in Finance and a B.A. in Political Science, both from the University of Connecticut. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority.