The General Aviation Manufacturers Association’s board of directors has named James Viola president and CEO effective this spring, succeeding Pete Bunce, who will retire after 20 years as head of GAMA.

Viola, who currently is the president and CEO of Vertical Aviation International, also worked at the FAA for more than a decade and spent more than two decades as a U.S. Army aviator, reaching the rank of colonel.

During his tenure, Viola led the group’s rebranding from Helicopter Association International to VAI in an effort to expand the association’s focus to include more elements of the rapidly evolving vertical aviation category and represent a wider range of industry stakeholders.

“GAMA has an outstanding reputation as a leader across the international aerospace ecosystem and I am honored and excited to work with GAMA’s members and team to further advance the critical interests and contributions of the aviation industry,” Viola said. “I look forward to championing general aviation’s significant work to provide growth and opportunity for individuals and businesses, enable innovative and technological advancements for safety and efficiency, and support the economic development and welfare of communities across the globe.”

“I have known Jim since his days working at the FAA, and have worked closely with him during his time leading VAI,” said AOPA President Mark Baker. “We’ve become really good partners on so many issues, and I’m very happy to see him take the helm of GAMA.”

In addition to more than 35 years of aviation experience, Viola holds several master’s degrees, including one in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and another in international relations from Auburn University in Montgomery, Alabama. He holds airline transport pilot and flight instructor certificates for helicopters and airplanes. Viola has logged more than 7,000 flight hours, including 1,100 using night vision goggles.

“James Viola has an incredible passion for general aviation and will do a remarkable job representing the interests of GAMA member companies and leading the tremendous GAMA staff,” said Chuck Wiplinger, GAMA chair and president and CEO of Wipaire. “His military, flying and regulatory experience, along with his proven leadership of a renowned international aviation association, will make him an extremely effective advocate for the economic and societal contributions of the global general aviation industry.”

Bunce, who joined GAMA in 2005, led the organization through challenging times including the 2008 economic crisis, FAA reauthorizations, the pandemic, its aftermath, and several legislative and regulatory milestones. He is credited with expanding GAMA by opening a European headquarters and extending GAMA membership to rotorcraft manufacturers and the growing advanced air mobility sector.

“It has been a true honor and joy to lead such a phenomenal team of experts that delivers results for its members and the entire civil aviation industry,” Bunce said. “Over the past two decades, I could not have asked to work for, and with, a more supportive board of directors and fellow GA association head colleagues.”

“I congratulate Pete on his well-earned retirement after an outstanding job leading GAMA for the past 20 years,” said Baker, who himself is retiring at the end of 2024 and will be succeeded by Darren Pleasance on January 1. “I look forward to me and Pete having fun flying together in Wisconsin after we’ve both retired.”

Viola will begin work at GAMA officially in mid-March. Bunce will stay on to assist with the transition and work as a special advisor until his official retirement date in April.