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GAMA Mourns the Passing of Former President and CEO, Ed Bolen
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) is mourning the passing of its former president and CEO, Ed Bolen, who most recently served as president and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).
“The general and business aviation industry has lost a devout champion. Ed Bolen was a dedicated leader with unrivaled resolve, passion and charisma who advocated for the welfare of our industry and wanted nothing short of seeing it grow and flourish. On behalf of the entire GAMA team and our membership, I extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Ed’s family and friends, and the entire team at NBAA and its members. We are forever grateful for Ed’s friendship, leadership, vision and devotion to the general and business aviation industry and community,” said James Viola, GAMA president and CEO.
Bolen served as GAMA’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel starting in 1995 after serving in U.S. Senator from Kansas Nancy Kassebaum’s office. Following his mentorship by then-GAMA president and CEO, Ed Stimpson, the board appointed Bolen president and CEO of GAMA where he served from 1996-2004. Under Bolen’s leadership, GAMA expanded from a U.S. focused association to a global association representing the general aviation manufacturing industry.
While in Senator Kassebaum’s office, Bolen played an integral role in the passage of the General Aviation Revitalization Act (GARA) in 1994. The provisions of GARA rejuvenated the general aviation industry 32 years ago and is a key pillar of the industry today.
“Ed Bolen leaves behind a legacy of staunch industry advocacy efforts, which started with Senator Kassebaum, and was further built upon at GAMA and then solidified at NBAA. His devotion to serving our industry is an inspiration to us all. It was an absolute honor to be at Ed’s induction into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame on Tuesday night, and to review all the great things he has done for Kansas and our industry. He is a giant in the industry that will be missed.” Viola added.
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