Chris Wilbanks serves as Vice President for Mission Support Services within the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization. In this role, he provides executive leadership across a broad portfolio that includes strategy, international engagement, three Service Centers, ATO finance, technical labor, policy, and training. Mission Support plays a critical role in advancing modernization efforts and ensuring the long-term success of the National Airspace System.
Over the course of his career, Chris has held multiple management positions in the field before advancing to senior leadership. He served as Director of Technical Labor (AJG-L), Director of Air Traffic Services Strategic Operations (AJT-2), Director of Technical Training (AJI-2), and Deputy Vice President of Safety and Technical Training, where he led critical workforce hiring and training initiatives. These experiences laid the foundation for operational knowledge, labor expertise, and organizational leadership, preparing him to take on the Mission Support Services Vice Presidency.
A passionate leader committed to discipline, strategic vision, and people development, Chris has built his career on fostering strong teams, driving accountability, and delivering results through intentional leadership. He recognizes that in today’s fast-paced, 24/7 operational environment, success depends not only on precision and structure but also on the ability to adapt—balancing stability with agility to meet evolving challenges.
Training remains a central focus of Mission Support Services, ensuring that the next generation of air traffic controllers and technical professionals are prepared to meet the demands of the system. At the same time, alignment of strategy, resources, and partnerships ensures that the organization is well-positioned to sustain both current operations and future modernization.
Outside of work, Chris channels his passion for discipline into endurance sports, particularly long-distance running. He draws inspiration from the consistency, resilience, and adaptability required in training and competition; qualities that mirror his leadership philosophy.
Chris and his wife, Crystal, an air traffic controller, share a family life centered on commitment and achievement. Their son Creighton plays college football, Cohen is an avid soccer player, and Skylar is a dedicated cheerleader, all of whom inspire Chris daily and keep him grounded in what matters most.
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