Marion Blakey – Leading The FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has enjoyed having two women serve as the agency’s Administrator: Jane Garvey and the current FAA chief, Marion C. Blakey. Climbing the ranks of a large federal agency is no easy task, but nevertheless, both women persevered and joined the prestigious few who’ve led the talented team of professionals at the World’s leading national aviation administration. Blakey is a tough woman that doesn’t care for excuses, which is probably why she also was a successful leader as the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) Chairman before taking the FAA’s helm.

During her tenure at the NTSB, Blakey managed a number of major accident investigations including the crash of American Airlines flight 587, which crashed into the Belle Harbor neighborhood of Queens in New York City shortly after takeoff from John F. Kennedy International on November 12, 2001. She worked to improve the Board's accident reporting process and increased industry and regulatory responsiveness to NTSB safety recommendations. Blakey also strengthened the Board's advocacy and outreach programs to promote safer travel throughout all modes of transportation. She also furthered development of the NTSB Academy as a national and international resource to enhance aviation safety and accident investigations.

Aiming High
In addition to her role as NTSB Chairman and current-day FAA Administrator, Blakey also held four previous Presidential appointments, two of which required Senate confirmation. From 1992 to 1993, Blakey served as Administrator of the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). As the nation's leading highway safety official, she was charged with reducing deaths, injuries, and economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes. Prior to her service at NHTSA, she held key positions at the Department of Commerce, the Department of Education, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the White House, and the Department of Transportation.

Ms. Blakey, born in Gadsden, Alabama, received her bachelor's degree with honors in international studies from Mary Washington College of the University of Virginia. She also attended Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies for graduate work in Middle East Affairs. From 1993 to 2001, Blakey was the principal of Blakey & Associates, now Blakey & Agnew, a Washington, D.C. public affairs consulting firm with a particular focus on transportation issues and traffic safety. Blakey was sworn in September 13, 2002 as the 15th FAA Administrator. As the current Administrator, she is responsible for regulating and advancing the safety of the nation's airways as well as operating the world's largest air traffic control system.

Is An FAA Career For You?
Only you can answer that question. While the chances of becoming the next FAA Administrator are not real high, there certainly are numerous other exciting career opportunities with the agency. Like Ms. Blakey, you might also enjoy a long career of public service helping to run our nation’s national airspace system.

One of the FAA Administrator’s duties is to promote the agency’s mission via the media. This week’s video clip features a one-on-one interview with Marion Blakey, courtesy of AirsideTV.com. Ms. Blakey discusses some the FAA’s work on the new Sport Pilot aircraft and pilot certification program. Enjoy.