The National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) announced today that Mark Kimberling has been named the new President and CEO of the 85-year-old organization.
“I congratulate Mark on his selection as the next President/CEO of NASAO. Mark has the talent and the vision to lead this organization and continue to keep NASAO visible and valuable in Washington,” said Brad Brandt, NASAO Chair and Aviation Director for the Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development. “I look forward to our many opportunities to support our member states and increase the value of NASAO to our Business Partners.”
Before joining NASAO to manage the association’s advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures, Kimberling served as the National Director of State Government Affairs at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), where he successfully spearheaded several significant pro-aviation state tax reform and funding initiatives across the country and received the Presidents Award – the organization’s highest honor for an employee. Kimberling also worked as an international aviation and airport analyst, authoring a comprehensive assessment report on the development of Brazil’s national system of airports and infrastructure. Prior, he worked on transportation, aviation, and other policy issues in Congress on the staff of Representative Zoe Lofgren (CA-19). Kimberling is also a commercial rated pilot and certified flight instructor (CFI) with international flight experience as a former First Officer for American Eagle Airlines based in Puerto Rico.
“I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to lead this important and historic association,” said Kimberling. “Our state aviation directors – and their staffs – across the country are an extremely talented group of professionals who play a vital, yet often overlooked, role in the ongoing success of our nation’s aviation system. It will be a privilege to serve as their chief advocate as the next President and CEO of NASAO.”
Kimberling will succeed Greg Principato. “Greg played an important role in refocusing the strategic direction for NASAO, and could not have put me in a better position to succeed with all of the guidance and tutelage he has given to me during his tenure,” added Kimberling.
Kimberling resides in Ellicott City, MD with his wife, and is a proud graduate of Boston College.
