Executive Director for the Office of Aviation Policy & Plans (APO)

Ms. Natasha “Tash” Durkins is the Executive Director for the Office of Aviation Policy & Plans (APO) within the FAA’s Office of Policy, International Affairs and Environment (APL). Tash oversees the critical support provided to the FAA Administrator in the areas of planning and policy development. Tash leads the integration of aviation policies, plans, and priorities in close partnership with the Office of the Secretary, government agencies, industry, and public sector organizations. She is known for her strong leadership and authentic approach to creating space for innovation and idea sharing.

Tash served most recently as the Vice President (VP) of Mission Support Services in the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization (ATO). She served Mission Support Services in several key leadership roles, including the acting Deputy Vice President, the Director of Policy, and the Director of the Eastern Service Center. Tash has focused her leadership on developing high-functioning teams, creating strategic and data-driven approaches to decision-making, and supporting the ATO on the leading edge of NAS evolution.

In her more than 17 years with the FAA, Tash has also held leadership positions in ATO’s Safety & Technical Training, Management Services, and System Operations. She leverages her expertise and wide agency network to contribute to the collective success of the FAA and beyond.

Tash attended Howard University and later earned a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from George Mason University. She is an author and is currently working toward becoming a certified professional coach. In her free time, Tash embraces being a foodie around DC and spending time with her husband and two dogs, Boomer and Kobe.