Michele Merkle is serving as the Director of the Air Navigation Bureau at ICAO since July 2023. Michele has over 35 years experience working to improve the safety, capacity and efficiency of the global aviation system, providing systems engineering and human factors expertise in the development, evaluation and implementation of aviation systems and advanced concepts. She has held a number of executive and managerial positions at the United States’ Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) where she was responsible for modernizing the United States’ Air Traffic Management System and integrating new entrants. She holds a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research. At ICAO, Michele is responsible for delivery of safety and air navigation strategic outcomes, including developing and maintaining ICAO SARPs and PANS. She is responsible for the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Program Continuous Monitoring Approach, as well as coordination with regional safety and accident investigation organizations. She brought about a culture of innovation at the FAA and is working at ICAO to help Member States and industry stakeholders tackle complex aviation challenges, and help ICAO achieve greater operational efficiencies.