Michelle Duquette is a strategic aviation leader with over two decades of experience bridging engineering, operations, and government policy to shape the future of the aviation ecosystem. As Director – Strategy and government (FFG), she leverages her deep understanding of regulatory systems, operational design, and public-private collaboration to guide the company’s engagement with government partners, industry stakeholders, and emerging sectors in advanced air mobility (AAM). Her ability to align policy vision with operational execution makes her a cornerstone in advancing FFG’s mission to modernize and integrate new air transportation technologies into national and global frameworks.

Before joining FFG, Michelle spent more than 20 years advising the U.S. federal government on aviation and aerospace initiatives, where she led strategic programs focused on drone and AAM risk assessment, cross-agency harmonization, and security and infrastructure modernization. As a Senior Principal at The MITRE Corporation, she oversaw a multi-million-dollar research portfolio encompassing FAA technical efficiency projects, aerospace forecasting, defense collaboration, and the evolving regulatory landscape for uncrewed systems. Her work informed high-level decision-making at the FAA and Department of Defense, fostering cooperation between industry and government to accelerate safe integration of next-generation technologies.

Earlier in her career, Michelle served as an Aircraft Dispatcher at both CommuteAir dba USAir Express and Federal Express, where she built custom flight-following systems, developed and administered training curricula, and supported major corporate operational transitions. This early foundation in flight operations instilled a practical understanding of safety, logistics, and communication that continues to inform her executive approach to strategy and governance today.

Throughout her career, Michelle has been recognized for her ability to navigate complex challenges with precision, empathy, and foresight. She brings a unique combination of technical expertise, regulatory insight, and narrative-driven leadership to the rapidly evolving landscape of AAM and UAS operations. Her presence at the intersection of innovation and policy allows her to translate technical complexity into actionable strategy—ensuring that FFG not only anticipates industry shifts but also helps define them.

Key Contributions & Achievements

Future Flight Global (Director of Strategy & Government)

• Policy Integration & Strategic Partnerships: Shapes FFG’s strategy for engaging with federal, state, and international aviation authorities, aligning company initiatives with evolving regulatory frameworks for AAM and UAS operations.
• Government Relations & Advocacy: Leads policy dialogue and collaboration between FFG, industry partners, and government agencies to enable scalable, safe, and equitable air mobility solutions.

Government & Industry Leadership

• Advisory Expertise: Provided senior-level counsel to FAA and DOD executives on drone integration, airspace modernization, and cross-agency collaboration, advancing the safe adoption of emerging technologies.
• Research & Innovation Management: Directed multi-million-dollar research portfolios focused on risk assessment, aerospace forecasting, technical efficiency, and infrastructure resilience.

Operational Foundation & Industry Growth

• Flight Operations Experience: Began her aviation career as an Aircraft Dispatcher, designing operational systems, training programs, and safety protocols that improved efficiency and compliance in fast-paced airline environments.
• Cross-Sector Coordination: Built bridges between public and private sectors to streamline innovation pipelines and promote sustainable growth across the aviation ecosystem.

Leadership & Professional Engagement

• Advisory Roles: Serves on multiple advisory boards, including DRONERESPONDERS (Public Safety) and the XPONENTIAL Executive Steering Committee for the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI).
• Strategic Leadership Style: Known for her persistence, intuition, and operational creativity, Michelle consistently transforms complex problems into collaborative, results-driven solutions.