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. She has testified on behalf of the industry on a wide variety of issues including air traffic control (ATC) modernization, consumer rights, FAA reauthorization, aviation safety and security and airport infrastructure. Pinkerton's hallmark has been her ability to develop broad based industry and labor coalitions to advocate effectively on issues ranging from ATC modernization, sustainable aviation fuel, credit card regulation to taxes and fees. The Modern Skies Coalition was formed at the end of last year and has been praised by Secretary Duffy for the breadth and depth of its 57 members who were successful in advocating for $12.5 billion for modernization in the 2025 reconciliation package. Sharon has been recognized for her contributions to aviation and was named 2019 honoree for the AAAE Women in Aviation education scholarship initiative, which has raised over $1.4 million to support outstanding female students enrolled in aviation programs.

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. Before joining A4A, she served as Assistant Administrator for Aviation Policy, Planning and Environment at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In addition to developing and transmitting an FAA reauthorization proposal to Capitol Hill she also led the agency’s strategic planning process. Prior to her appointment at FAA, Pinkerton was transportation counsel to House Aviation Subcommittee Chairman John L. Mica (R-Fla.) and served on Capitol Hill for nearly 10 years initiating hearings and participating in legislative drafting and negotiation that resulted in legislation. She began her professional career at Price Waterhouse in Cincinnati and practiced as a CPA. A native of Vero Beach, Fla., Pinkerton received a Bachelor of Science degree from Cedarville College in Ohio, and earned a law degree from the University of Florida.