Arlene Feldman

Arlene Feldman was the first woman to head a state division of aeronautics, to be an FAA Deputy Director, and to be an FAA Regional Administrator. Arlene was selected as New Jersey's Director of Aeronautics in 1982. In 1984 she began her career with the FAA as the Deputy Director of the FAA Technical Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Two years later, Arlene became the Deputy Director of the FAA's Western Pacific Region in Los Angeles. She became the FAA's highest ranking, non-politically appointed woman in 1988 when she was selected as New England's Regional Administrator. During her tenure there, she coordinated an international aviation partnership with Spain and developed one of the FAA's most successful aviation education programs. In 1994, Arlene became the Regional Administrator for the Eastern Region, where she provided leadership for some of the nation's most complex airspace. Meanwhile, she continues to develop aviation education programs, targeting inner city schools to spark the enthusiasm of today's youth and focus their energies. Arlene retired from the FAA in September 2005.