Michael O'Donnell

Biography

As the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Deputy Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation (AST), Mr. O’Donnell is responsible for directing AST’s daily operations in overseeing and enabling safe space transportation.

Mr. O’Donnell has over 35 years of civil and military aviation experience, and 15 of those years are as a Senior Executive with the FAA. He most recently served as Executive Director with the Office of Air Traffic Safety Oversight Service (AOV-1). Previously, Mr. O’Donnell served as Executive Director with the Office of Accident Investigation and Prevention (AVP-1) and joined the FAA as Director of the Office of Airport Safety and Standards (AAS-1) in 2008. Prior to his tenure with the FAA, Mr. O’Donnell served as the Executive Director for the South Carolina Division of Aeronautics; the Airport Manager for Waterbury-Oxford Airport in Connecticut; and an Aviation Accident Investigator for the Connecticut Department of Transportation. From 1984 to 1990, Mr. O’Donnell served in the U.S. Air Force as an Aircrew Life Support Specialist.

A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), Mr. O’Donnell holds a M.S. in Aeronautical Science and a B.S. in Professional Aeronautics. Mr. O’Donnell is also an Adjunct Professor for the Graduate Studies program at ERAU. Mr. O’Donnell is a private pilot, accredited airport executive, and has local, state and federal government experience.

Education

• M.A.S. - Master of Aeronautical Science in Aviation Aerospace Management and Aviation Aerospace Operations, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• B.S. - Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics: Aviation Business Administration, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University