Biography

Christopher Bidwell was named Senior Vice President, Security for Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) in January 2019.

In this position, he is responsible for leading the association’s efforts on aviation security and oversight of ACI-NA’s regulatory activities. Bidwell serves as a subject matter expert, providing guidance on security policy, monitoring domestic and international aviation security developments as well as regulatory actions and programs affecting security at North American airports.

Bidwell represents industry aviation security interests as a member of several Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) committees and working groups. He chairs the DHS Aviation Sector Coordinating Council (ASCC) and serves as the vice chair of the TSA Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC), providing recommendations to further enhance aviation security.

Bidwell joined ACI-NA as Vice President, Security in October 2008. Prior to joining ACI-NA, Bidwell was Managing Director of Security at the Air Transport Association and represented member airlines on aviation security issues. Previously, he served as Manager, Corporate Security for American Airlines, responsible for oversight and compliance with federal security standards and regulations. At Reno Air, he served as Director, Safety and Security, and managed the company’s emergency response program. Prior to joining Reno Air, he was Senior Staff Investigator, Inflight Safety and Staff Engineer, Occupational and Environmental Safety at United Airlines where he was responsible for ensuring the safety of passengers, employees, aircraft and ground equipment.

Bidwell is a multi-engine, instrument-rated commercial pilot and holds a Master of Science in Aviation Safety from the University of Central Missouri.