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United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

What is the difference between a Community Engagement Officer and a Regional Ombudsman?

A Community Engagement Officer (CEO) holds a position on the Regional Administrative Team and acts as the primary point of contact between local communities and the FAA. A CEO fulfills the designation of Regional Ombudsman for his or her area. The “FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018” requires each Regional Administrator to designate an individual to be the Regional Ombudsman.

The difference between the two titles is that one is a position (CEO) and the other is a designation (Regional Ombudsman). The FAA could have designated another member of the Regional Administrator's team, but the agency determined that the CEO was the most appropriate individual, as the CEO has the closest connection to the discussions and meetings that involve the airports and the communities. As a member of a national and matrix team, the CEO has the unique ability to have vision into regional issues and concerns as well as national trends and projects. The CEO has the appropriate line of sight and access to the Regional Administrator to ensure awareness, coordination, and communication.