Bunce Retiring In Spring 2025 After 20 Years

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has appointed James Viola to take over as its next President and CEO in the Spring of 2025, when Pete Bunce will retire after leading the association since 2005.

Viola will begin his leadership in March 2025 while Bunce will remain as a special advisor and assist in the transition until his official retirement in April.

Henry Brooks, GAMA Vice Chair and President of Power & Controls at Collins Aerospace said, “James will be a bold leader for GAMA. His industry experience and knowledge, combined with his excitement for the future of general aviation, make him a great proponent to champion the critical work and priorities of GAMA, its members and the aviation manufacturing industry.”

Bunce became GAMA’s leader following a 26-year career in the U.S. Air Force, where he flew F-15s and A-10s. His last appointment was as director of the Air Force Congressional Budget and Appropriations liaison. He led the association through the 2008 economic crisis, several FAA reauthorizations, the pandemic, and numerous critical legislative and regulatory landmarks.

Viola spent more than twenty years as a U.S. Army aviator where he achieved the rank of Colonel. He holds an ATP certificate and is also a CFI for helicopters. He was with the FAA for a decade as Director of General Aviation Safety Assurance and in that role he maintained consistency and standardization in applying safety oversight for general aviation.

He has been President and CEO of Vertical Aviation International (VAI) since 2020, where he led the initiative to rebrand from Helicopter Association International to VAI to broaden its focus to embrace the rapidly expanding technologies and enterprises that are emerging in vertical aviation.

FMI:  gama.aero/