Polly Trottenberg Named Acting Head of FAA

She will replace Billy Nolen, who plans to join eVTOL startup Archer Aviation in the coming weeks.

Amelia Walsh

Friday, June 09, 2023 at 02:57 PM ET

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Polly Trottenberg will be replacing Billy Nolen as FAA acting administrator. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

President Biden has appointed Deputy Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg as the interim head of the FAA, replacing Billy Nolen.
Trottenberg brings decades of public sector transportation experience but lacks apparent aviation-specific background, a factor that previously stalled another nominee.
This appointment addresses the FAA's ongoing vacancy of a permanent, Senate-confirmed leader since 2022, aiming to provide stability amid critical aviation challenges.
The White House is conducting a national search for a permanent FAA administrator, while also making other key agency appointments.

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On Friday, President Joe Biden announced Deputy Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg will be the new interim head of the FAA.

Trottenberg will replace Billy Nolen, who plans to join eVTOL startup Archer Aviation in the coming weeks. Having served as New York City’s transportation commissioner from 2014 through 2020, Trottenberg boasts decades of experience in the public sector. She has served as a legislative staffer in the U.S. Senate for 12 years and worked for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.