Michael O’Donnell
Fractional Aerospace Advisor | Regulatory Strategy Expert | Safety & Operations Consultant
Mr. O'Donnell is a seasoned aerospace executive with over 40 years of leadership in commercial space, aviation, and regulatory oversight. A trusted advisor to industry leaders, he brings deep expertise in safety management, regulatory strategy, and high stakes operational leadership, developed through decades of experience with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and state aviation organizations.
Most recently, Mr. O'Donnell served as the FAA's Deputy Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation (AST), where he directed AST’s daily operations, overseeing the safety and growth of the U.S. commercial space transportation sector. In this role, he was instrumental in aligning regulatory frameworks to support industry innovation, ensuring operational excellence while maintaining the highest safety standards.
With 17 years in the Senior Executive Service at the FAA, Mr. O'Donnell has built and led high-performance teams, driven regulatory compliance, and developed critical policies to support the safe integration of cutting-edge aerospace technologies. His tenure includes executive leadership roles as the Executive Director of the Office of Air Traffic Safety Oversight Service (AOV-1) and the Office of Accident Investigation and Prevention (AVP-1). He initially joined the FAA as Director of the Office of Airport Safety and Standards (AAS-1) in 2008, where he established a foundation for data-driven safety oversight and operational improvement.
Prior to his federal service, Mr. O'Donnell led the South Carolina Division of Aeronautics as Executive Director, managed Waterbury-Oxford Airport in Connecticut, and served as an Aviation Accident Investigator for the Connecticut Department of Transportation. His early career in the U.S. Air Force as an Aircrew Life Support Specialist laid a strong technical foundation for his later achievements in aviation safety and oversight.
A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), Mr. O'Donnell holds an M.S. in Aeronautical Science and a B.S. in Professional Aeronautics. He is an Adjunct Professor for the ERAU Graduate Studies program and a private pilot, and accredited airport executive, further reflecting his deep commitment to the aerospace field.
Mr. O'Donnell holds a Top Secret/SCI security clearance and maintains an extensive global network, enabling him to bridge the gap between government and private sectors to foster innovation and operational excellence.
Today, he serves as a fractional advisor and consulting partner to aerospace firms, startups, airports, state agencies, and innovators navigating:
National Airspace System Upgrade
FAA regulatory pathways
Airspace integration of advanced aircraft and space launch systems
SMS and safety oversight protocols
Operational readiness for commercial space ventures
Public-private coordination on infrastructure and policy
Michael J O’Donnell, AAE
Justin O’Donnell
Fractional Communications Consultant | Brand Strategist | Thought Leadership Partner
Helping aerospace leaders translate vision into voice.
With over 15 years of experience in corporate communications, brand strategy, and executive ghostwriting, Justin specializes in helping aerospace organizations articulate who they are, what they do, and why it matters. He partners with firms in technical and highly regulated industries to build trusted narratives that drive business outcomes. Whether it’s positioning a CEO as a thought leader, interfacing with regulatory agencies, or navigating high-stakes change or crises, Justin delivers communications that command attention, shape perception, and drive action.
He brings the rare ability to bridge technical complexity and emotional resonance backed by deep experience across sectors like aerospace, advanced manufacturing, government contracting, and automation.
Fractional Communications Officer
Support tailored for founder-led or growth-stage firms who need seasoned communications leadership without a full-time headcount.
Executive messaging & internal communications
Vision and values articulation
Change management & M&A comms support
Communications strategy planning
Crisis communication response
Investor relations
Employee engagement
Executive Ghostwriting & Thought Leadership
Credibility is currency. Justin specializes in crafting high-impact content that positions founders, principals, and senior engineers as credible voices.
LinkedIn ghostwriting & content calendars
Keynote speeches & op-eds
Byline articles in aerospace & defense trade media
Advisory on personal brand positioning
Brand Strategy & Messaging Architecture
Before you push communications or chase headlines, make sure the fundamentals are sharp. Justin will help you define, refine, and align your core messaging.
Message alignment for companies operating within evolving regulatory frameworks (e.g., NextGen, UAM, BVLOS)
Brand identity audits
Messaging frameworks (who we are, what we do, why it matters)
Taglines, value propositions, and web copy
Storytelling frameworks for new opportunities, regulations, or services
Strategic Campaigns & Market Positioning
Turn communications into a growth lever. Justin helps translate complex aerospace offerings into positioning strategies that resonate with both technical and procurement audiences.
Communication strategies aligned to FAA roadmaps, UAM policy, and NAS modernization initiatives
Campaign planning for product launches or RFP cycles
Government and public-sector communications support
Competitive differentiation analysis
Industry conference content & presentation strategy
Value-Add
Industry-Aware: Justin works exclusively with highly technical, mission-driven businesses. He understands regulatory nuance, corporate operations, and engineering culture.
Credibility-First: His work has appeared in trade publications, executive platforms, and global organizations shaping billion-dollar transformations.
Relationship-Oriented: He enjoys working quietly behind the scenes to make you look good and sound like yourself.
Technical Translator: He works closely with your SMEs to ensure technical integrity is preserved while making your message land with decision-makers.
Justin O’Donnell, MFA
Commercial Space Transportation Launch and Re-entry Licensing
Spaceport Licensing
Ethiopian Flight 302 Family Liaison | Boeing 737 Max accident
Airport Certification (FAR Part 139 & Grant Assurances)
National Space Policy
National Security Programs
National & State Airport Policy
Air Traffic Safety Oversight
American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)
Airport Safety and Design Standards Development
Aviation and Space Safety Oversight
Aircraft Accident Investigation
Commerical Aviation Safety Team
General Aviation Joint Sterring Committee
Space Vehicle Mishap Oversight
Rulemaking under 14 CFR Titles 49 & 51
Intra-Governmental Relations
International Leadership
Safety Management Systems (SMS)
Servant Leadership Training
Capitol Hill Experience
Cyber Security
EXPERTISE
National Space Council (NSpC)
National Security Council (NSC)
National Environmental Policy (NEPA)
FAA Budget and Contracting
Foreign Policy Reviews
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
U.S. Government Common Standards Working Group – (CSWG)
National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO)
White House Experience
Flight Operations - Corporate Flight Department
Airport Management- Accredited Airport Executive
State Aviation System Plans and Economic Impact Studies
Airport Operations | Development | Planning | Construction
Airport Master Plans
Emergency Management Expertise
Wildlife Management
US Air Force/Space Force
Seasoned Public Speaker and Panelist
Education/Mentorship
Research and Development