(August 10, 2004) - National Business Aviation Association has elected its new Chief Executive Officer. On Thursday, the NBAA announced the selection of Edward M. Bolen as president and CEO of the organization, which represents more than 7,600 companies that operate general aviation aircraft. Before accepting the NBAA role, Bolen served as president and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), a Washington-based organization representing more than 50 of the world's leading manufacturers of general aviation airplanes, engines, avionics and related equipment. As GAMA president, Bolen worked closely with Capitol Hill staff on a wide range of aviation issues, and testified regularly at Congressional hearings.

"Ed has long been recognized as an authority on issues important to the aviation community," said Baldwin. "Now, Ed's grasp of policy and his dynamic, widely respected leadership style will enable us to better serve the interests of our Members, and give NBAA an even more powerful voice on the important issues affecting our constituency." "In recent years, our industry has faced many unique and unexpected challenges," continued Baldwin. "It is all the more important that NBAA build upon its long-standing role as the primary force for advancing the cause of business aviation worldwide, and we are confident that Ed, who has a very deep understanding of business aviation and its issues, is the right person to lead NBAA in realizing this vision."

Bolen will begin his term on September 7, 2004. He will succeed NBAA Board Chairman, Interim President and CEO Donald E. Baldwin, who served as interim president and CEO since April, when Shelly Longmuir resigned her position as CEO