Elias “Eli” Cotti, who has provided in-depth expertise and represented the business aviation industry on maintenance and other technical matters for NBAA, is retiring after 20 years with the association. Succeeding Cotti is Stewart D’Leon, who previously spent 14 years with Gulfstream.

Cotti, who joined NBAA in November 1999, has promoted the adoption of high aircraft maintenance standards, providing technical assistance to business aviation operators and serving as the staff liaison to the NBAA Maintenance, Technical, and Connectivity Committees. On a global stage, he has represented the business aviation community as an International Business Aviation Council observer to the International Civil Aviation Organization Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection and worked on issues such as the Carbon Reduction Scheme for International Aviation and the development of standard and recommended practices for global certification of aircraft, emissions, and noise.

Before his time with NBAA, Cotti spent more than a decade as chief of maintenance for the Hewlett Packard Company flight department and also has been an aircraft mechanic.

“For the past two decades, Eli has served NBAA’s membership with excellence,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “His expertise, integrity, and humility have allowed him to be a respected and effective leader for our industry in the U.S. and around the world.”

D’Leon steps into that role after serving as Gulfstream’s field service representative at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. He also spent four years in the U.S. Air Force and holds a bachelor's of science in professional aeronautics and a master's of aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

“Stewart delivers the experience, professionalism, and integrity needed to ensure a smooth and successful transition as we say farewell to Eli,” said Bolen. “His deep knowledge of the business aviation industry, combined with his FAA Airframe & Powerplant license and private pilot rating, provide the expertise and insight our members expect from NBAA.”