East Texas A&M University alum Jennifer Rykaczewski has recently been appointed to the Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (ACPAC) by U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. Rykaczewski graduated from East Texas A&M in 2017 with her Master of Business Administration.

The ACPAC's purpose is to evaluate existing aviation consumer protection programs and provide recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation for improving or establishing additional aviation consumer protection programs.

The committee consists of one representative from an air carrier, an airport operator, a state or local government official with expertise in consumer protection matters, and a nonprofit public interest group with expertise in consumer protection matters. Rykaczewski will serve as the consumer protection representative for a two-year term that began March 26, 2026.

Rykaczewski is the president and executive director for Affordable Skies, a national consumer advocacy nonprofit focused on air travel. Affordable Skies works to ensure aviation policy and industry decisions reflect the perspectives of everyday travelers. The company stays closely connected to travelers through their membership base, surveys, and both virtual and in-person events. This insight gives them realistic experiences from travelers.

Her work representing consumers through Affordable Skies has greatly influenced her appointment to this committee. Rykaczewski provides a direct line to current traveler experiences, which is critical in a policy setting such as the ACPAC. She brings real-world insights from travelers across the country into her newfound role.

“I'm grateful for the opportunity to represent consumers' interests and contribute to strengthening aviation consumer protections,” Rykaczewski said.