WASHINGTON - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Administrator Jane F. Garvey announced yesterday the appointment
of Charles Keegan as head the Office of Research and
Acquisitions.  Keegan succeeds Steven B. Zaidman, who retired
from the FAA on April 13, 2002.

As the agency`s acquisition chief, Keegan is accountable for
modernizing the nation`s airspace system.  His responsibilities
include research, acquisition, integration, development and
deployment of air traffic control systems.  Keegan has oversight
of 2,000 employees here at Washington`s headquarters and at the
William J. Hughes Technical Center in Atlantic City, NJ. 

Keegan will retain his current responsibilities for managing the
implementation of the agency`s Operational Evolution Plan.  He
will continue to coordinate with the leadership of the aviation
community to increase airspace capacity to meet demand.  The
Operational Evolution Plan is a 10-year rolling plan that covers
systems, procedures and community-wide commitment.
” Charlie is a proven leader with strong air traffic operational
experience,” said Administrator Garvey. “His most recent success
includes delivering the products and programs promised under
Free Flight Phase 1.  We are fortunate to have someone of his
caliber to help develop our nation`s air traffic control system.”

Keegan has managed quality assurance and training programs,
and supervised system requirements and acquisition
organizations.  He is also a pilot. 

Keegan graduated from Daniel Webster College in 1981 with a
bachelor of science degree in air traffic control management,
aviation management, and transportation management.  He and
his wife Sandy have two sons.

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