Acting Deputy Director, Office of National Engagement and Regional Administration 

Shawn Kozica was appointed to serve as the Acting Deputy Director of the FAA Office of National Engagement and Regional Administration (ARA) in December of 2025. He coordinates with the ARA Executive Director to lead the nationwide organization comprised of nine regional offices strategically located across the country.

Previously, Mr. Kozica was the Deputy Vice President, System Operations Services (AJR-0), providing guidance on all aspects of national air traffic flow management initiatives, system performance analysis, and airport surface flow management programs. The role included operational oversight of all National Airspace System (NAS) security issues while leading a multi-layered organization staffed with approximately 600 employees across five directorates. Serving as the Senior Executive Security Administrator in the Air Traffic Organization (ATO), he coordinated with law enforcement, Department of Homeland Security, and other organizations on national security activities.   

Prior to that, Mr. Kozica held the position of Deputy Vice President, Mission Support Services (AJV-0). He led innovative infrastructure and airspace design and oversaw the execution of federal aviation regulations, policies, and procedures. His management authority included five multilayered directorates and three Service Centers comprised of a combined staff totaling more than 1,400 highly technical specialized positions.  

Mr. Kozica also advanced developmental research, new technologies, and aerospace modernization as the Deputy Director of the Portfolio Management and Technology Development Office (ANG-C001) in the Office of NextGen (ANG) and the Acting Chief Strategist for Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Mission Support Services. Other critical positions held in FAA Service Centers and TRACON facilities provided Mr. Kozica with broad operational experience. Before joining the FAA, he was an Operations Coordinator for American Airlines and an Air Traffic Controller, Operations Supervisor, and Training Manager for the U.S. Air Force. 

Mr. Kozica holds an Associate of Science in Airway Science from the Community College of the Air Force and a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management from Wayland Baptist University.