Polk State alum’s appointment to FAA Administrator serves as inspiration for Aerospace Program
For graduates of Polk State College, the possibilities are limitless. That includes serving the highest levels of government.
Over the summer, Polk State graduate Bryan Bedford was confirmed as the new Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, which regulates U.S. civil aviation and surrounding international waters.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the FAA team,” Bedford said in a release. “I have a deep respect for the important work FAA employees do to protect the safety and efficiency of our national airspace.”
Bedford graduated from what was then Polk Community College with an Associate in Arts in the spring of 1982. He would later go on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University.
“As a Polk State student, seeing an alumni become the FAA Administrator is incredibly inspiring,” exclaimed Polk State Aerospace student Dylan Infante. “It shows how far a Polk education and hard work can take you. It makes me proud to be part of Polk State.”
Bedford arrived at the FAA with more than 35 years in aviation experience. That includes 26 years as the CEO of Republic Airways. Earlier this year, Aerospace student An Nguyen became the program’s first cadet ambassador for Republic Airways.
“It’s incredibly exciting to have someone who attended Polk State and lived in Polk County now heading the FAA,” said Maria Jodoin, Manager of Flight Experience. “Bryan Bedford’s appointment is a proud moment for our aviation community. His success really highlights how Polk State provides the essential building blocks necessary for students to succeed.”
Polk State’s Associate in Science in Aerospace Administration Program equips graduates for high-demand roles in aviation management and operations, with alumni working within airport authorities and aviation service providers locally and across the globe. Polk State’s Associate in Science in Professional Pilot Science graduates boast a 96% Federal Aviation Administration exam pass rate (2024-2025), with alumni securing positions at leading aviation employers including established pathways with industry leaders.
Since Polk State Aerospace launched in 2013, the program has experienced much success, including job placement for its graduates thanks to industry partnerships, valuable study abroad opportunities and authorization from the FAA to save students thousands of dollars in flight-training hours. The Polk State Flight Team, comprised of aerospace students, finished in the top 25 nationally in 2023 and 2024 at the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) Safety and Evaluation Conference (SAFECON).
“Bryan’s appointment is a great example of what’s possible with hard work and ambition,” Jodoin explained. “For our Aerospace students, it’s a reminder that there are no limits to what they can achieve. Having someone from Polk State lead the FAA speaks volumes about the quality of our education and our strong ties to the aviation industry. It reinforces that Polk State is a place where talented professionals are made, ready to reach the highest levels in the field.”