Michael O’Donnell, AAE, is a highly respected aerospace and aviation executive with more than 40 years of leadership experience spanning commercial aviation, airport operations, regulatory oversight, and commercial space transportation. Over the course of his distinguished career, Michael has served in senior leadership roles at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), state aviation organizations, and airport authorities across the United States. Most recently, he served as the FAA’s Deputy Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation, where he directed daily operations supporting the safe growth and integration of the U.S. commercial space sector. Prior to that, he held executive leadership positions including Executive Director of the Office of Air Traffic Safety Oversight and Executive Director of the Office of Accident Investigation and Prevention. Michael is also the founder and President of O’Donnell Aerospace Consulting, where he advises aerospace, aviation, and commercial space organizations on regulatory strategy, operational readiness, safety management, and airspace modernization.

Throughout his career, Michael has built a reputation for operational excellence, strategic leadership, and deep expertise in navigating complex regulatory and safety environments. During his 17 years in the FAA Senior Executive Service, he led high-performing teams responsible for airport safety standards, accident investigation, air traffic safety oversight, and the integration of emerging aerospace technologies into the National Airspace System. Earlier in his career, he served as Executive Director of the South Carolina Division of Aeronautics, Airport Manager for Waterbury-Oxford Airport in Connecticut, and an Aviation Accident Investigator for the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Michael’s experience also includes military service in the United States Air Force as an Aircrew Life Support Specialist, which provided the foundation for his lifelong commitment to aviation safety and operational integrity. Today, through his consulting work, he partners with aerospace firms, airports, startups, and government agencies to help organizations successfully navigate the rapidly evolving future of aviation and commercial space transportation.

Beyond his executive leadership roles, Michael is recognized as a trusted advisor, educator, and thought leader within the aerospace industry. He serves as an Adjunct Professor for the Graduate Studies program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and frequently speaks on topics including airspace modernization, airport safety, commercial space integration, and the future of aerospace innovation. Michael holds both a Master of Science in Aeronautical Science and a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is also a private pilot, an Accredited Airport Executive (AAE), and maintains extensive experience working across local, state, federal, and private-sector aviation environments. His unique ability to bridge government oversight with industry innovation continues to make him a highly respected leader within both the aviation and aerospace communities.