Mark L. Bathrick was appointed to the Federal Senior Executive Service and became Director of the Office of Aviation Services (OAS) in the Department of the Interior (DOI) in November, 2005 and served in this role until his retirement at the end of 2021. As Director, Mr. Bathrick was responsible for management of all DOI aviation operations nationwide, encompassing 66,000 flight hours and involving 20,000 employees. He oversaw four offices across the U.S. and managed over 1,200 traditional and 850 remotely piloted aircraft, supporting critical government missions, such as wildland firefighting. During his tenure, Mr. Bathrick was recognized with numerous national awards, including for his development of innovative aviation policy solutions and as the architect of DOI’s “Drones for Good” program.
Prior to joining DOI, Mr. Bathrick completed a distinguished career as a decorated Naval Aviator, retiring as a Captain. A graduate of the prestigious Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) and the British Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS), he has flown over 40 different types of military and civilian fixed wing, rotary wing, and lighter-than-air aircraft, having qualified as pilot-in-command in 12 different models. Mr. Bathrick is a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP) and holds an FAA commercial instrument, multi-engine pilot rating.
Mr. Bathrick holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the United States Naval Academy and an executive Master of Business Administration from Boise State University. He is a member of the Naval Academy Engineering Honor Society and the National Engineering Honor Society (Tau Beta Pi).
