Who We Are

Nicholas E. Calio is president and CEO of Airlines for America (A4A), the trade association for the country’s leading passenger and cargo airlines. Calio leads the organization, which advocates for America’s airlines as models of safety, customer service and environmental responsibility and as the indispensable network that drives nearly $1.5 trillion in U.S. economic activity and 10 million U.S. jobs.

Paul Archambeault was named Senior Vice President, Chief Financial and Operating Officer of Airlines for America (A4A) in September 2014. In this role, he manages support services; administration, treasury, information technology and business services (e-business, industry audit, high-density airport slot services, publications and the Airlines Clearing House).

In September 2011, Christine Burgeson joined Airlines for America (A4A) as Senior Vice President, Global Government Affairs. A key member of the A4A leadership team, Burgeson leads government affairs with a focus on increasing the advocacy reach and lobbying capabilities of the organization.

Glatz brings vast international policy experience to A4A, having successfully negotiated agreements on behalf of the U.S. aviation industry, resulting in unparalleled market access for U.S. carriers worldwide. Before joining A4A, Glatz served as Senior Negotiator for Air Services at the Department of Transportation. Prior to 2004, Glatz held three Presidential Management Fellow positions, during which he worked at the Department of State in the Office of Aviation Negotiations and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative as Deputy Director for Russia and newly independent states. Glatz holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Texas Tech University and a Juris Doctor and Master of Public Policy from the University of Akron.

Karen Keller was named Chief of Staff of Airlines for America (A4A) in April 2022 and manages the Executive Office and facilitates all aspects of strategic planning and general coordination across the association.

Sharon Pinkerton was named Senior Vice President, Legislative and Regulatory Policy for Airlines for America (A4A) in February 2011, and leads policy development on legislative and regulatory matters, working with Capitol Hill and the administration. Pinkerton joined A4A as Vice President, Government Affairs in April 2006, where she was responsible for overseeing all aviation-related issues before federal, state and local governments.

Rebecca Spicer was named Senior Vice President, Communications at Airlines for America (A4A), in 2018. She is responsible for communications initiatives that execute key public relations strategies, help advance policy priorities and achieve advocacy objectives. PRWeek recognized her achievements by inducting her in the Hall of Femme, which honors women who are “leaders in the communications industry who challenge the status quo, move the needle in business and strive to make a difference.”

Patricia Vercelli is Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary at Airlines for America. She brings to the association more than 20 years of experience in the airline financial services industry. Vercelli is responsible for A4A’s legal and corporate governance, overseeing the General Counsel’s office and providing corporate secretary functions. Vercelli joins A4A from Universal Air Travel Plan (UATP), the airline-owned travel payment system.