Assistant Administrator, Office of NextGen, FAA
Mr. Paul Fontaine is the Assistant Administrator for NextGen and is responsible for championing the evolution of the National Airspace System (NAS). He provides strategic direction and executive oversight to more than 800 federal employees in the Office of NextGen (ANG) and is responsible for implementing the air transportation system modernization, executing the aviation research portfolio, and delivering results to support the overall advancement of aviation. Mr. Fontaine has experience harmonizing the implementation of aviation technologies with stakeholder priorities and ensuring risks are collaboratively addressed to facilitate delivery of Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) capabilities and benefits.
Previously, Mr. Fontaine was the director of ANG Portfolio Management & Technology Development. He led the FAA Enterprise Planning effort in collaboration with aviation stakeholders, identified strategies, developed integrated solutions, coordinated investments to evolve and sustain a world class aviation system, and established NextGen integration goals, strategies, budgets, and priorities.
Mr. Fontaine was also responsible for the formulation, management, and coordination of the agency’s research and advanced technology development program in human factors, communications, navigation, surveillance, and air traffic management.
As the former manager of the Safe Flight 21 Program, his work led to the current nationwide deployment of the Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) program.
Mr. Fontaine has more than 30 years of FAA and Department of Defense program management experience. He earned his commission as a Distinguished Graduate of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program. He holds an M.B.A. in finance from Marymount University and a B.S. in managerial economics from Rhode Island College.