Robert Stephen Bell
247 Highway 554
Abiquiu, New Mexico 87510-1142
505-685-0957
505-490-9111
Summary
Thirty-four years experience in air traffic control operations and management in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and United States Air Force (USAF). Fifteen years experience in National Airspace System (NAS) Traffic Flow Management (TFM) and FAA Labor and Management Relations. Program management and operational experience at FAA field facilities and the FAA Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC). Subject matter expert in organizational change principles, influence/interest based negotiations, collaborative and consensus problem solving, Traffic Flow Management system dynamics, job task and human resource analysis. Extensive executive experience in labor and management organizing and in strategic human resource management specifically related to organizational learning and development initiatives, and in technical training related to the Traffic Flow Management System (TFMS), Flight Schedule Monitor (FSM), Traffic Management Advisor (TMA) and associated TFMS – dependant applications. ATC subject matter expert in the development and program management of large scale organizing and change initiatives directly related to air traffic control workforce transition requirements and technical integration of Next Generation Air Transportation System, (NextGen) technologies.
Seven years experience in aviation industry related activities with three private sector companies, including The Boeing Company, Boeing Research and Technology, Airspace Solutions/Airspace & Operational Efficiency.
Recent Accomplishments
2010-2015
Joined The Boeing Company’s Advanced Air Traffic Management Team and leads (ATM) business in defining and developing air traffic management strategies, concepts, services offerings, and new business pursuits. Worked with the business development team and interfaced directly with Boeing ATM customers including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA), and global Air Navigation Service Provides (ANSP’s) from around the globe.
Assisted with developing and implementing marketing strategies and campaign plans, including creating and presenting briefings to Boeing customers and/or the ATM Leadership Team. Managed the development and presentation of customer briefings, white papers, and proposals and worked in cooperation with the Boeing ATM engineering group and other team members in identifying the right set solutions for customers. Developed detailed knowledge of ATM customer needs and requirements. Worked with the Boeing ATM Leadership Team in influencing and advancing Boeing ATM strategies, concepts and solutions globally. Performed an influencing role as liaison with the FAA, NASA, ANSP’s, and other related private, commercial, and governmental entities important to Boeing’s success in ATM business.
Led the Boeing SE-2020 Team comprised of fourteen companies which include, Lockheed-Martin, Harris, Honeywell, Jeppesen, Airbus, Adacel, Cessna, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and others in the development of integrated solutions using a holistic team approach to address transformational NextGen R & D requirements for FAA.
Served as a designated and principal member of Boeing’s Global Air Traffic Management Solutions Team supporting regional air navigation service providers around the globe in developing air traffic management solutions focused on efforts in China and India ACP initiatives, Russia, Moscow TMA Zone, Bermuda, FIR Development, China ATMB Strategic Planning Development and other international efforts around the globe.
2007/2010 – Served as an air traffic consultant and subject matter expert to FAA’s ATO NextGen Implementation and Integration Office, AJP-A1 in the development and implementation of the NextGen Implementation Plan and associated activities. Provided analysis support on AJP-A1 process development and improvements in conjunction with support and planning requirements associated with tactical, strategic and collaborative initiatives, NextGen workforce transition issues, workforce outreach and collaboration and NextGen Management and Review Board processes. Served as consultant to the ATO Sr. Vice President, NextGen and Operations Planning, and Staff on NextGen workforce transition issues, human capital initiatives, workplace technological changes and integration, and communications outreach specifically earmarked for the NextGen mission critical occupations of Air Traffic Control Specialists (ATCS), 2152 Job Series and Airway Transportation System Specialists, (ATSS), 2101 Job Series. Formulated and provided program management responsibility for the 2009/10 NextGen Workforce Outreach Initiative undertaken and realized by the Sr. Vice President, NextGen and Operations Planning and other FAA principles.
Contract consultant to FAA Technical Operations Services, ATO-W and ATC Facilities, AJW-2 regarding transition plan development to consolidate Technical Operations legacy divisions and field organizations in alignment with recommendations of the ATO Technical Operations Transition Plan (2004). Participated on the joint Planning & Requirements and Engineering Services Team tasked to provide process improvements which employed cost savings strategies that impact Engineering Services core and non-core positions.
Consultant and subject matter expertise to FAA’s Air Traffic Organization, AJA-55 activities pertaining to the selection, placement and hiring of Air Traffic Control Specialists as called for in the FAA’s 10 Year Strategy for the Air Traffic Control Workforce, A Plan For The Future, 2007-2016. Planned and facilitated workgroup meetings to introduce PEPC (Pre-Employment Processing Center(s) concepts and methodologies to associated FAA/ATO ATC hiring components and management officials, provided analysis support including trend and gap renderings, organizational and development recommendations, process/planning recommendations, data extrapolation(s) and program management oversight and evaluation(s).
Project lead and subject matter expert consultant to Job Task Analysis and Resource Management Analysis in Traffic Management Units of the Air Traffic Organizations System Operations Service Unit (AJR). Co-author of related scientific and technical reports.
2005/2006 – Organized and initiated implementation of a systemic redesign of the National Airspace System (NAS) Traffic Flow Management (TFM) training system in the ATO System Operations line of business. Transitioned all technical training to web based delivery platforms and implemented a scientific approach to technical workforce development and curriculum redesign. Accelerated cycle time for technical training design development and delivery and promoted long term increased efficiency and return on investment for all technical workforce development activities throughout the NAS. Organized and initiated the first ever science-based job-task analysis of Traffic Flow Management positions.
2004 – As the ATCSCC System Coordinator for Training developed, organized, and implemented the first use of Future Search technologies and methodologies in the FAA workforce development structure. Organized first ever Traffic Flow Management Training Search Conference with participation by more than 35 FAA stakeholders representing all FAA Air Traffic Organization (ATO) lines of business.
2003 – Introduced, organized, and implemented the first NAS Aviation Future Search Conference for FAA/ATO Executives and NAS Stakeholder’s known as “Growth without Gridlock”. This unique conference resulted in TFM procedural changes that ultimately reduced NAS delays and significantly improved communications between the diverse groups of NAS stakeholders.
Professional Experience:
The Boeing Company 2010 – 2015
Boeing Research & Technology, Airspace Solutions/Airspace & Operational Efficiency
Beacon Management Group Inc. 2008 – 2010
Vice President Collaboration Management
RSB Consulting Inc. 2007 – 2010
Principal Consultant
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 1982 – 2007
Traffic Flow Management Coordinator, FAA ATO System Operations, Albuquerque ARTCC, Albuquerque, NM
November 2006 – March 2007
System Coordinator – National Airspace System (NAS) Traffic Flow Management (TFM) Learning and Development, FAA Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC), Herndon, Virginia
January 2004 – August 2006
National Training Manager responsible for technical training, developmental initiatives and training administration for approximately nine hundred employees and managers in the Air Traffic Tactical Operations Division, FAA Air Traffic Service Organization. Conducted stakeholder seminars “A System Approach to NAS Traffic Flow Management.” Lectured, facilitated, and conducted working seminars and classroom scenarios on systemic change from an organizational and development perspective. Designed and developed traffic flow management training/learning initiatives and classroom curriculum for the Air Traffic Control System Command Center and FAA field facilities nationwide. Lectured, taught, and facilitated collaborative and consensus problem resolution seminars and developed processes for the NAS Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) work groups and other NAS stakeholders nationwide with an emphasis on System Thinking and cultural change throughout the National Airspace System.
Worked as a technical expert in extensive long-range studies and initiatives related to the organizational development of the ATO System Operations Service Unit, including related organizational communication and training initiatives. Utilized professional expertise and knowledge in principles of organizational development, organizational communication, and instructional systems to improve near-term and long-term organizational effectiveness of the FAA Air Traffic Organization System Operations Service Unit.
Served as a managerial resource for the achievement of ATO System Operations Service Unit components of the FAA Flight Plan 2005-2009 goals of Increased Capacity, International Leadership and Organizational Excellence.
Training Staff Specialist – FAA Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC) October 1998 – January 2004
Redesigned the FAA’s premier course on National Traffic Flow Management, 50113 and initiated an instructional system design approach to building additional courses for ATCSCC/TFM Field facilities and other NAS stakeholders on operational problem solving, communication, collaborative decision making, and strategic planning.
Traffic Management Specialist – (FAA ATCSCC)
October 1997 – October 1998
Planned and implemented national ground delay programs and ground stops as well as traffic management initiatives such as altitude restrictions and mile in trail restrictions. Coordinated with NAS users and operators to maintain balance between NAS capacity and demand.
Certified Professional Air Traffic Controller – FAA Phoenix TRACON
September 1991 – October 1997
President and CEO, National Air Traffic Controllers Association
1988-1991
Represented the association in Washington, DC and prepared and delivered association testimony before Congress in House and Senate. Served as chief association negotiator and chief executive officer. Designed and implemented association headquarters office and staff. Negotiated and organized ratification of first NATCA labor contract and increased association membership to over eight thousand members in first year. Addressed airline and aviation related safety issues on the Today Show, Good Morning America and other network news and special interest programs. Acted as consultant to other US and international associations in organizing strategies including CATCA (Canadian Air Traffic Controller Assoc.) and fledgling ATC organizations in Poland, Russia, Central and South America while representing NATCA formally to the IFATCA (International Federation of Air Traffic Control Association’s). Piloted and managed the development and implementation of a joint FAA and NATCA collaborative decision making process know as Quality through Partnership (QTP).
Operational Traffic Flow Management
Albuquerque ARTCC Traffic Management Unit December 2006 – March 2007
Air Traffic Control System Command Center October 1996 – November 2006
Certified Professional Air Traffic Controller
FAA Phoenix TRACON September 1991 – October 1996
FAA New York, NY TRACON December 1984 – September 1988
FAA Omaha, NE RAPCON October 1982 – December 1984
Air Traffic Controller, Full Performance Level, Supervisor
Mesa, AZ ATCT September 1981 – April 1982
Luke AFB, AZ ATCT/RAPCON 1979 – 1980
Galena Airport, AK ATCT/RAPCON 1978 – 1979
Luke AFB, AZ ATCT/RAPCON 1974 – 1978
EDUCATION
1970 -1971 University of Nebraska at Omaha – Music Major/Business Minor
1979 -1981 Glendale Community College (Arizona) – History/Education
1983 -1985 Embry Riddle Aeronautical University – Professional Aeronautics
1999 -2000 Embry Riddle Aeronautical University – Strategic Human Resource Management
EXECUTIVE BOARD (S)/COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS
National Air Traffic Controllers Association – President, 1988-1991
Federal Aviation Administration – Total Quality Management Executive Steering Committee, 1990-1991
Federal Aviation Administration – Air Traffic Division Quality Through Partnership National Steering Committee, 1989-1991
United States Department of Transportation (DOT) – Aviation System Capacity Advisory Committee, 1988-1991
Civil Air Navigation Service Organization (CANSO) – Unmanned Aerial Systems Subgroup, 2012-Present
Aviation Industry Association (AIA) – Air Traffic Control Subcommittee, 2011-Present
Aviation Industry Association (AIA) UAS Subgroup, 2012-Present
ATCA Exposition and Conference Planning Committee, 2011
MENTORS/LEARNING INITIATIVES AND TRAINING
George Meany Institute – Collective Bargaining/Contract Negotiations
Federal Personnel Management Institute – Labor Management Relations
American Arbitration Association – Arbitration Methodologies
Organizational/Systemic Change Dynamics – Patrick Dolan, Ph.D. Harvard University, L. Joyce Cox, Ph.D. University of Southern California
Whole Systems Dynamics/Future Search Technologies – Marvin R. Weisbord, Sandra Janoff, PhD, Robert Rehm, Nancy Cebula, Tom Devane
Organizational & Developmental Sciences – W. Kirk Roller, Ph.D., Florida State University
SkillsNET Job Profile and Competency Development Training and Certification – John Henderson, Ph.D., Chief Scientist, SkillsNET Corp.
Robert S. (Steve) Bell – Biography
A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Steve Bell attended the University of Nebraska, Glendale (Arizona) College, and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.
After serving in the U.S. Air Force air traffic control system, Steve joined the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 1982 and since that time has worked at the Ontario (California) Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON), the Omaha Radar Approach Control (RAPCON), the New York TRACON, the Phoenix TRACON, the Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC) in Herndon, Virginia, the FAA Air Traffic Organization, System Operations Service Unit (ATO-R) and the Albuquerque Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
In 1988 Steve Bell, while an employee of the FAA, New York TRACON, was elected as the first President and CEO, National Air Traffic Controllers Association. NATCA, having received its certification in June of 1987, was an infant organization with less than 300 members. Within Steve’s first year in office, a successful contract was negotiated and ratified by an overwhelming majority of NATCA’s membership, which grew to almost 8,000 members the first year. Shortly after contract ratification, Mr. Bell piloted a program with NATCA and the FAA in the development and implementation of a collaborative labor management process based on collaborative and consensus decision-making, which became known as Quality Through Partnership (OTP).
While serving NATCA and the FAA in Washington, Steve Bell represented the association on many fronts. He prepared and delivered the association’s testimony before Congress, having appeared before both the House and Senate on numerous occasions. He appeared on major television networks and CNN, having addressed ATC and airline safety issues on the Today Show, Good Morning America, and other network news and special interest programs. Numerous articles and interviews were written and undertaken by Mr. Bell, which appeared in major newspapers such as The Washington Post, the New York Times, the Baltimore Sun and other major publications. Along with his diverse responsibilities, Mr. Bell was a consultant to other associations in organizing strategies, and was a frequent speaker at various aviation safety and labor-related activities across the country.
Mr. Bell, in one of his final FAA roles was the System Coordinator for Traffic Flow Management Learning and Development, ATO System Operations, AJR, at the David J. Hurley, Air Traffic Control System Command Center in Herndon, Virginia. He was responsible for developmental initiatives and technical training/learning for more than eight-hundred specialists and managers nationwide on the concepts of system thinking, learning disciplines, collaborative consensus decision making, influence based negotiations, communications skills, conflict/crisis management, ETMS (Enhanced Traffic Management System) technical training, and FSM (Flight Schedule Monitor) technical training. Mr. Bell also exercised management oversight of various other results-based technical training for air traffic controllers, managers, and other NAS Stakeholders regarding traffic flow management initiatives, process, methodologies, procedures and technology. Steve also served as a facilitator, instructor and consultant for collaborative and consensus processes with an emphasis on system thinking, system dynamics, cultural change and systemic leadership throughout the National Airspace System. Mr. Bell is but a handful of individuals that has experience in all three FAA ATO Lines of Business, Terminal Operations, Enroute Operations and System Operations.
In March of 2010 Steve joined The Boeing Company as a member of Boeing’s Air Traffic Management Team and was promptly chosen to lead Boeing’s SE-2020 Team as Lead Coordinator, Business Development Council. During Mr. Bell’s tenure with Boeing he was assigned to numerous business pursuits around the globe and served on Boeing’s SE-2020 Technical Committee. In May of 2014 he was awarded for excellence in performance, safety, customer satisfaction and process improvement by the Vice President and General Manager, Boeing Research and Technology.
In his spare time he tends to equine friends at his horse ranch in Northern New Mexico where he enjoys “perfectly mad looking country…hills and cliffs and washes all thrown up in the air by God and let tumble where they would.”
