Assistant Administrator for Communications 

Hannah Walden serves as the Assistant Administrator for Communications at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In this role, she provides executive oversight of the agency’s internal and external safety communications programs, strategies and campaigns, ensuring alignment with the FAA’s safety mission and goals. Walden leads all public affairs initiatives and serves as a primary spokesperson on media relations before Congress, government agencies and the public. She plays a central role in ensuring the FAA connects all users of the national airspace system with timely and accurate safety information, advancing public understanding of aviation issues, and enhancing organizational transparency and effectiveness.

Walden brings a decade of experience in strategic communications and aviation public affairs. Prior to joining the FAA, she served as Communications Director at Airlines for America (A4A), where she managed media engagement, developed strategic messaging on policy priorities, and directed high-impact social media and advocacy campaigns. Her earlier tenure at A4A as Communications Manager included national education efforts, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Lightning Initiative, to combat human trafficking in aviation. Walden is known for her leadership in crisis communication, stakeholder engagement, cross-functional coordination, and advancing aviation policy through public awareness and media strategy. 

Walden earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Auburn University. She is a recipient of Piedmont Airlines President’s Award for outstanding contributions to internal communications strategy. In addition, she received a certification from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in “Managing Communications Following a Major Accident,” equipping her with the tools to lead communications efforts in high-stakes, time-sensitive environments.