FAA Administrator Babbitt Announces Chief of Air Traffic Organization

David is the right person to take on this critical challenge. He has a unique ability to manage complex situations and the leadership skills to bring people together and get the job done, said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

David is committed to transparency, accountability, and to building a safety culture that encourages collaboration. I am thrilled that he has agreed to accept this critical responsibility, said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt.

Grizzle, who became FAAs chief counsel in 2009, has been filling the role of chief operating officer since mid-April. Before joining the FAA, he worked with Continental Airlines and its affiliates for 22 years.

"The Air Traffic Organization is involved in a once-in-a-generation transformation. I could not be more honored to be a part of the ATO team, said Grizzle.

As chief operating officer, David is responsible for leading the FAAs 35,000 air traffic controllers, technicians, engineers and support personnel who keep our nations air traffic system moving safely and efficiently, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.