Billy Nolen to Head Agency After Dickson's Departure, With Assistance from Bradley Mims

The FAA has announced an interim administrator following the departure of Steve Dickson in the coming days, naming Billy Nolen for the role. 

As Nolen steps up to the plate, deputy administrator Bradley Mims will lighten his load a bit and focus on the FAA's workforce and the nation's airports. Nolen is a long-time aviation safety professional, former airline captain, and has been operating as an associate administrator at the FAA since January.

His tenure in that role saw him oversee a team of more than 7,600 employees to oversee the administration and regulation of aviation safety throughout the country.

Bradley Mims' efforts should help to ease the transition to an interim head thanks to his 40+ years of transportation work.

Along the way to the FAA, Mims has served with the Clinton Administration, and taken up a leadership role as President and CEO of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials before his stint as deputy administrator. 

So far, there has not been much headway announced on the long-term replacement for Dickson, who surprised more than a few in the industry when he announced his departure as FAA head halfway through his appointed term. The Biden administration says it is conducting a national search for a nominee suitable for the role, but no names have made their way to the public yet. Once chosen, the nominee will require a Senate confirmation before beginning their 5-year term. 

“Billy Nolen has extensive expertise in aviation and a deep understanding of the vital role the FAA plays in ensuring the safety of the traveling public,” said U.S Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “We are grateful to Steve for his service and to Billy and Brad for stepping up to lead the FAA during this critical time.”

FMI: www.faa.gov