NATA Announces New Leadership, Recognizes Obitts’ Service to Members

The Board of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has announced that Timothy Obitts will step down as President and CEO effective September 1, 2022, to advance the cause of sustainability as the Chief Legal Officer for Alder Fuels. The Board of NATA has appointed Curt Castagna (President and CEO, Aeroplex Group Partners, Long Beach, CA) to serve as NATA’s 11th President and CEO.

Since joining the NATA staff in November 2014, Obitts also served as the Association’s Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President of Business Operations, and Senior Vice President of Business & General Counsel, overseeing the Association’s day-to-day operation and ensuring a member-first culture.

For nearly the past three years as NATA’s President and CEO, Obitts was instrumental in advocating for its members during the COVID pandemic and personally guiding hundreds of aviation businesses through complex relief programs. During his tenure with NATA, he brought leaders of other general aviation groups together in demonstrating the industry’s commitment to sustainability through the promotion of initiatives that advance the proliferation of sustainable aviation fuels, encourage the use of Book and Claim programs, and provide a roadmap for FBOs, airports, and other aviation businesses to reduce their environmental footprint.

With Castagna continuing his duties as President and CEO of Aeroplex Group Partners, this leadership transition follows a succession plan set up by the Association several years ago to leverage the experience and dedication of its members to drive strategy and effect meaningful change in the industry. Marty Hiller first served in this capacity in 2016, consistently demonstrating his value to the Association through a keen understanding of its membership’s needs and insight in the development of innovative products and services.

Castagna will serve NATA’s membership under this model, leveraging a proven industry background with a specific focus on trade association collaboration and stakeholder engagement to help take the Association into the next phase of flight. Prior to accepting the position, Castagna served over six years as an NATA Board Member including two years as Board Chair and one year as Immediate Past Chair.