Brittany Richardson is the acting executive director of the Office of Accident Investigation and Prevention (AVP), the FAA’s focal point for safety management systems, aviation safety data, and all aircraft accident investigations and activities related to the National Transportation Safety Board. AVP also leads FAA-industry collaborative safety initiatives such as the U.S. Aviation Safety Team and the Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing program.

Brittany started her aviation career more than 30 years ago at USAir and USAir Express, a legacy Part 121 air carrier and its subsidiary. She joined the FAA in 2004 as an aviation safety inspector with the American Airlines Certificate Management Office, setting the foundation of her public service career. Brittany spent 16 years in the FAA’s Flight Standards Service, coming up through the ranks to serve as manager of the Safety Risk Management Division within the Office of Foundational Business and deputy director of Air Carrier Safety Assurance in the Office of Safety Standards.

Brittany relies on her master’s degree in human resource management to engage employees in support of improving organizational culture, employee/labor relations, and employee hiring and development.