The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announced the passing of Ed Bolen on Nov. 11, 2026, following a battle with cancer. Bolen served as the association’s president and CEO for nearly a quarter century.
Bolen retired on Nov. 6, 2026, stepping down after championing the general aviation industry for more than 40 years. On Nov. 10, 2026, he was inducted into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame in recognition of his advocacy for safety, airspace access, workforce development, and air traffic control modernization.
“Ed was not just our colleague – he was a friend and a mentor to many of us,” said Dan Hubbard, NBAA acting CEO and senior vice president of communications. “He accomplished so much, and did so with grace and humility. On behalf of the entire NBAA team, we send our condolences and prayers to Beth, Jack, Robert and all of Ed’s family, in this incredibly difficult time.”
A private pilot and native Kansan, Bolen learned to fly through his father, who served on the board of Salina Regional Airport (KSLN). Bolen earned an economics degree from the University of Kansas before completing a law degree and a Master of Laws in taxation. He went on to serve as legislative director for U.S. Sen. Nancy Kassebaum and majority general counsel to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, playing a central role in drafting the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994.
Before joining NBAA, Bolen served as president of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) from 1996 to 2004. He was nominated by President Bill Clinton to serve on the Management Advisory Council to the FAA, chairing the council from 2000 to 2004, and was appointed by President George W. Bush in 2001 to the Commission on the Future of the U.S. Aerospace Industry.
“What we do know is that we can all take inspiration from Ed’s legacy of service, dedication and leadership,” said John Witzig, chair of the NBAA Board of Directors.
For more information: NBAA.org
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