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Representative of the United States of America on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization

Representative of the United States of America on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization, Department of State
Responsibility
Management Scope

The United States contributed $1.2 million in funding to ICAO in fiscal 2023<2. The ambassador is supported by a deputy chief of mission and air navigation commissioner plus expert and support staff.3

Primary Responsibilities
  • Leads the U.S. mission to ICAO as a representative of the president.
  • Leads work with ICAO, its member states and aviation sector stakeholders to set internationally applicable standards in key civil aviation sectors and promote their implementation.
  • Coordinates with U.S. federal agencies, including the Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Transportation Safety Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board and the State Department.
  • Supports efforts to assist developing countries in improving their national civil aviation systems and compliance with international standards
Strategic Goals and Priorities
Depends on the policy priorities of the administration.
Requirements
  • Substantial experience in the aviation sector.
  • Robust understanding of aviation law and regulations both domestically and internationally.
  • Previous experience in government or working with agencies and lawmakers is preferred.
  • Working knowledge of and experience with national security policy is a plus.
Competencies
  • Strong public speaking skills.
  • Ability to collaborate across agencies and within international organizations.
Past Appointments
  • Chesley B. Sullenberger III (2022): Aviation safety expert, CBS News; airline pilot, US Airways; F-4 pilot, U.S. Air Force.4
  • Thomas L. Carter (2017 to 2020): Vice president for government relations, Elbit Systems of America; president, Commonwealth Consulting Corporation; airline pilot, US Airways.5
  • Michael Anderson Lawson (2014 to 2017): President, Los Angeles World Airports’ Board of Airport Commissioners; director, board of directors, The Advancement Project; partner, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.6
AGENCY

Department of State

Mission: The U.S. mission to International Civil Aviation Organization is focused on improving the safety, security and sustainability of civil aviation.

COMPENSATION

Foreign Service Chief of Mission Pay Plan: Levels II-V (22 U.S.C. § 3961)1

REPORTS TO

Secretary of State

SENATE COMMITTEE

Foreign Relations

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Footnote
  1. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GPO-PLUMBOOK-2020/pdf/GPO-PLUMBOOK-2020.pdf
  2. https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/508-compliant-FY-2024-CBJ_FINAL_4.26.2023.pdf
  3. https://icao.usmission.gov/mission/icao/
  4. Leadership Directories.
  5. Leadership Directories.
  6. Leadership Directories.
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