Virginia Aviation Business Association
The Voice of Business Aviation in Virginia
The VGAAC is focused on legislation that supports the aviation and aerospace industries in Virginia. The caucus promotes workforce and other initiatives to ensure the Commonwealth remains business-friendly to the aviation and aerospace sectors.
The VGAAC serves as a more formalized opportunity for the members of the House and Senate to learn about aviation and aerospace and explore opportunities for growth.
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Our thanks to Senator Bill DeSteph (R-20, Virginia Beach/Eastern Shore), Delegate Karrie Delaney (D-9, Fairfax), Delegate Chris Runion (R-35, Bridgewater), and Senator Russet Perry (D-31, Leesburg) in leading the Aviation Caucus during the 2026 Virginia General Assembly.
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All members of the legislature are technically members of the caucus.
Unfortunately not all members can attend every meeting held by the caucus.
To date caucus participants include:
Sen. Bill DeSteph (co-chair)
Del. Karrie Delaney (co-chair)
Sen. Russet Perry (vice-chair)
Del. Chris Runion (vice-chair)
Del. Bonita Anthony
Sen. Christie Craig
Sen. Danny Diggs
Del. Jackie Glass
​Del . Marty Martinez
Del. Danny Marshall
Sen. Tammy Mulchi
Del. David Reid
Sen. Kannan Srinivasan
Del. Anne Ferrell Tata
Del. Josh Thomas
Del. Wren Williams
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The VGAAC meets weekly on Thursdays at 8 AM during the Legislative Session in the Virginia General Assembly Building Room 600-B.
2026 Caucus
March 5, 2026
Speakers:
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DJ Smith, Physical Security Industry Specialist, Amazon Security ​​​
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Jennifer Goodrum, Director of State and Local Government Operations, Rocket Lab
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Hendrik Jonkers, Founder, Monarch Autonomous
January 22, 2026
​Speakers:
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Greg Campbell, Director, Virginia Department of Aviation
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Bud Oakey, President, the Virginia Aviation Business Association
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Chris Carter, Deputy Director, Virginia Space Grant Consortium
February 26, 2026
Speakers:
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Marc Allen, Chief Executive Officer, Electra.aero: ​
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Tombo Jones, Director, Mid Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) Partnership/Virginia Tech​
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Dr. Rachel White, Director, Aerospace Academy of the Eastern Shore, Old Dominion University
February 19, 2025
Speakers:
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Dr. Gwyn Stone, Career and Technical Education Director, Danville Public School
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Tom Chadwick, General Manager of Physical Security, Dominion Energy
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Dr. Trina Marsh Dyal, Acting Center Director, Langley Research Center NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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February 12, 2026
​Speakers:
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Dr. David Doré, Chancellor, Virginia Community College System
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Dr. John Downey, President, Blue Ridge Community College
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Dr. Cornelius Johnson, President, Danville Community College
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Sean Mulligan, Chief Operating Officer, Virginia Space Port Authority​
February 5, 2026
​Speakers:
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Col. Pat Fulghum, Virginia Wing Commander, Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, CAP Education
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Greggory Hodge, EVP AvDyne AeroServices and VABA Chair​
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January 29, 2026
​Speakers:
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Michael Cooper, State & Local Government Affairs Manager, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority,
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Jason El Koubi, CEO, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership
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Joe Benevento, President & CEO, Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation​