Robert L. Sumwalt is Executive Director of the Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, where he also holds appointments as Distinguished Fellow in Aviation Safety and Associate Professor.

Previously, Sumwalt served as Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Member of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for 15 years, where he was appointed by U.S. Presidents Bush, Obama, and Trump.

Prior to that, Sumwalt was an airline pilot for 24 years with over 14,000 flight hours in Boeing 727, 737, Airbus A-320.