The National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) has named Mark Kimberling the new president and CEO of the 85-year-old organization.

Before joining NASAO to manage the association’s advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures, Kimberling served as the National Director of State Government Affairs at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), wher he successfully spearheaded several pro-aviation state tax reform and funding initiatives across the country and received the Presidents Award — the organization’s highest honor for an employee.

Kimberling also worked as an international aviation and airport analyst, authoring a comprehensive assessment report on the development of Brazil’s national system of airports and infrastructure.

He also worked on transportation, aviation, and other policy issues in Congress on the staff of Representative Zoe Lofgren (CA-19).

Kimberling is also a commercial rated pilot and certified flight instructor (CFI) with international flight experience as a former First Officer for American Eagle Airlines based in Puerto Rico.

“I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to lead this important and historic association,” said Kimberling. “Our state aviation directors – and their staffs – across the country are an extremely talented group of professionals who play a vital, yet often overlooked, role in the ongoing success of our nation’s aviation system. It will be a privilege to serve as their chief advocate as the next president and CEO of NASAO.”

Kimberling succeeds Greg Principato. “Greg played an important role in refocusing the strategic direction for NASAO, and could not have put me in a better position to succeed with all of the guidance and tutelage he has given to me during his tenure,” added Kimberling.

Since its founding in 1931, NASAO has represented the men and women in state government aviation agencies who serve the public interest in all 50 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico.