National Air Transportation Association president and CEO Tom Hendricks is planning to resign from his post on August 31, the association announced March 4. Hendricks informed members in a message that he would leave the association “upon the completion of my employment agreement when it expires at the end of August” and that the association’s two senior vice presidents, William Deere and Timothy Obitts, will continue to oversee the association’s daily activities. An interim president is expected to step in when Hendricks departs.

“I am extremely grateful to the NATA board, staff and you for the opportunity to lead the association through a period of significant change,” he said. Hendricks joined the association in July 2012 after serving with both Airlines for America and Delta Air Lines. He also brought a military background to the role as a retired Air Force Reserve colonel and fighter pilot who served on active duty as a U.S. Navy officer on the USS Midway (CV-41) and as an instructor pilot at the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School.

During his tenure with NATA, he reorganized the association, bringing in both Deere and Obitts, steered it through a Federal Elections Commission investigation, moved the headquarters downtown, worked with the Transportation Security Administration to expand the Known Crewmember program, set in motion plans to expand the membership and, most recently, finalized a deal with Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty for its workers compensation insurance program.

Hendricks did not provide details about his plans beyond NATA, saying only, “Having accomplished these initiatives, I now look forward to new challenges and opportunities.” But the timing, through the end of the contract, enables Hendricks to steer the association as the FAA reauthorization bill progresses through Congress. Hendricks has been vehemently opposed to the independent ATC proposal.

NATA chairman Andrew Priester, who is chairman and CEO of Priester Aviation, praised Hendricks’s leadership, saying “Under Tom’s steady hand the association moved forward on a number of fronts, particularly enhancing its reputation with policymakers and expanding benefits for NATA’s membership. We respect and appreciate his decision and willingness to remain through August to aid in this transition.”

 Priester added that the board is pleased that Deere and Obitts will continue to steer the day-to-day activities. “Bill and Tim are an important part of Tom’s legacy to this association. Their work executing Tom’s vision continues on the association’s path toward long-term success.”

Hendricks also drew high praise outside the association, with NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen noting his “sterling reputation and strong leadership skills.”

Bolen added: “Tom has been a tireless champion for general aviation, with an unyielding commitment to protecting and promoting the industry…and over his four-year tenure the association has made a number of strategic decisions that today position NATA on solid ground as it moves into its eighth decade.”