Wilkinson ’96 Joins American Airlines as VP of Regulatory Affairs

American Airlines recently announced that Molly Wilkinson, Albany Law School Class of 1996, has been named its new vice president of regulatory affairs. She will oversee the regulatory affairs practice while working from the airline's Washington, D.C., office.

“We are delighted to have someone with Molly’s experience and track record join the American team and look forward to benefiting from the passion and dedication she brings with her to this role,” Nathan Gatten, American Airlines’ senior vice president for government affairs, said in a statement.

Wilkinson was previously executive director of the Electronic Payments Coalition (EPC). Under Wilkinson’s leadership, the EPC campaigned against the Durbin amendment, which limits debit card processing fees charged to merchants.

In a statement released by the EPC, U.S. Congressman Ted Budd said, “Molly is an exceptional leader that knows how to get things done. Her leadership brought the Electronic Payments Coalition tremendous success, and I know that she’s going to achieve the same level of excellence at American Airlines.”

“We’re excited for Molly and want to thank her for all she’s done over the past couple of years to advance the payments industry,” added former EPC board chair Aaron Stetter, executive vice president, policy and political operations for the Independent Community Bankers of America.

Before joining the EPC, Wilkinson was executive director of the Card Policy Council of the American Bankers Association and senior vice president for regulatory policy at Regions Financial Corporation.

Wilkinson joined the private sector following a 22-year career in government service, which began at the New York State Legislature where she was a research assistant. As a political appointee, she held several roles in the administrations of New York Governor George Pataki and U.S. President George W. Bush. Her last role in public service was as the general counsel for the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for Ranking Member Senator Susan M. Collins.

She received Albany Law School's Outstanding Young Alumni in Government Award in 2005 and the Distinguished Alumni in Government Award in 2008.