Meet our speaker

LaKisha Price currently serves as the Acting Vice President of System Operations Services in the Air Traffic Organization (ATO). In this role, she oversees national air traffic flow management initiatives, system performance analysis, airport surface flow management programs, Flight Service operations, Operational Readiness contingency operations, all National Airspace System (NAS) security situations, and Space Operations that leads the operational integration of commercial space operators into the NAS. LaKisha also serves as a member of the CANSO Operations Standing Committee, where she represents the FAA in global collaboration with other Air Navigation Service Providers. Her leadership is instrumental in driving advancements in operational efficiency and safety in air traffic management worldwide.

Ms. Price served as the permanent Deputy Vice President (DVP) of System Operations Services. As DVP, she provided national-level guidance on air traffic procedures and airspace issues and traffic flow management for the NAS. In addition, she served as the Senior Executive Security Administrator in the ATO, fulfilling the FAA’s statutory responsibilities in support of law enforcement, the Department of Homeland Security, and other national security missions.

Prior to her role as DVP, Ms. Price served as the Director of NAS Operations, overseeing seven groups and a workforce of approximately 150 geographically dispersed employees. She was responsible for ensuring the efficient operation of the NAS. Among her many accomplishments, she enhanced communication and coordination with both public and private aviation stakeholders and led the effort to revise restricted airspace around spaceport launches—keeping key arrival routes open and minimizing commercial flight delays.

With over 20 years of FAA experience, Ms. Price has held several progressively senior positions within the ATO. She served as the Air Traffic Manager at the Air Traffic Control System Command Center, leading a highly skilled workforce responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious movement of air traffic nationwide. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she served as the Response Manager for the JATOC-Crisis Action Team (J-CAT), managing a 24/7 operation that served as the central hub for all COVID-19-related activity across ATO operational facilities.

Ms. Price also served as General Manager of the Joint Air Traffic Control Operations Command, applying her extensive expertise in NAS systems, security, equipment, training, and procedures to support tactical operations and NextGen evolution. Additionally, she served as Air Traffic Manager at Andrews Air Force Base, where her strategic leadership and budgetary oversight earned the facility the prestigious “Facility of the Year” award.

Ms. Price graduated at the top of her class from the United States Air Force Air Traffic Control Craftsman Course and the FAA Academy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science and Technology with a concentration in Air Traffic Control and graduated Cum Laude from Thomas Edison State University.