Virginia Aviation Business Association
The Voice of Business Aviation in Virginia
Meet our Board Members
Jim Hopkins
Chairman of the Board
Catie Austin Brown
Board Member
Craig Parisot
Board Member
Donna Lawson
Board Member
David Frash
NetJets
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Jim Hopkins was elected as Chairman in December 2022.
Jim has 35 years of administrative, financial and operational experience in the aviation industry, with Signature Flight Support and its predecessor companies. During his tenure, he has held various roles from flying aircraft, to overseeing the fixed base operation (FBO) network, MRO and Aircraft Management & Charter operations. Jim is a graduate of Virginia Tech, with a major in management science. He is an ATP pilot and has over 5,000 hours of flight time.
His role at Signature Flight Support is Senior Vice President, Airport Relations and Strategic Programs. Jim is responsible for Signature’s relationships with the airports it serves in North America and opening new opportunities for both the airport and the airport’s community.
Catie Austin-Brown is a native of Buchanan, Virginia. She is Vice President at Austin Electrical Construction, Inc. (AEC), a family-owned business founded by her father in 1977. AEC specializes in airfield lighting installation and maintenance, and the installation, maintenance and inspection of AWOS Systems and Navigational Aids. The company serves air carrier and general aviation airports in Virginia and throughout the East Coast.
Ms. Austin-Brown graduated from Mary Baldwin University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and an Elementary Education Teaching License. She taught elementary school in Rockbridge County for seventeen years before assuming a full-time leadership role with AEC.
Catie resides in Lexington, Virginia with her husband Stuart and their three children.
Craig is an accomplished leader, entrepreneur and operational executive. Over his 25-year career as a military officer and private sector executive, Craig has built a reputation as an innovator and results focused strategic thought leader doing business collaboratively and ethically. He is the President and CEO of ATA LLC, a Virginia data and AI solutions company with full stack skills and capabilities focused on bringing rigor, automation, and quality assurance to complex data platforms and data science applications.
Along with VABA, he was appointed by Governor Youngkin to represent Region 3 on the Virginia Aviation Board and is the current Chairman of the Virginia Foundation for Research and Economic Education (VA FREE). Craig is also a Senior Advisor to Virginia’s Lt Governor on aerospace, aviation and economic development. He is a member of Rotary International and a corporate partner to the National Association of State Aviation Officials. He previously served on the Virginia Department of Aviation’s UAS Working Group and supports the Virginia Advanced Air Mobility Alliance (VAAMA) and the Aerospace States Association.
Craig engages in angel and growth stage investing. He has an MBA from Cal Poly and is an alumnus of Harvard’s Senior Executive Course in National and International Security. Craig lives in Great Falls, Virginia with his son, Jackson, and is passionate about family, fitness, community, art, comedy and improv, business, economic growth, technology and national security.
Donna Lawson recently retired from the position as the legislative affairs officer for NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. Since 2003, she had been responsible for developing and implementing strategies to communicate the value of NASA and Langley’s programs to federal, state and local government officials. She earned a master’s degree in Technical Communication and Management from Old Dominion University and is a resident of Poquoson, Virginia.
She is deeply committed to building advocacy for NASA and maintaining US leadership in aerospace. She collaborates with industry, academia and community leaders on cooperative efforts to raise awareness of the importance of NASA and the aerospace industry to the future and economic vitality of our Nation. Read more.
David Frash, State & Local Government External Affairs Director, NetJets, brings to the VABA Board a wealth of legislative experience with a demonstrated history working on behalf of industry within multiple state legislative bodies.
Rod Hall
Board Member
Rod Hall is a government affairs advisor in the Washington Office of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP. His practice focuses on transportation and infrastructure issues. Mr. Hall advises an array of corporate and municipal clients on legislative, political, and regulatory matters before both houses of Congress as well as the Executive Branch. Prior to joining the firm, President Obama appointed Mr. Hall to serve as the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) assistant administrator for Government Affairs. For five years, Mr. Hall served as the principal advisor to two FAA administrators on matters concerning Congress, aviation industry groups, and other governmental organizations. Before joining the Obama Administration, Mr. Hall served as a senior congressional staffer within the U.S. House of Representatives.
In 2015 Mr. Hall was appointed by Governor Terence R. McAuliffe as a member to the Virginia Aviation Board. During his eight-year tenure on the board, Mr. Hall represented multiple geographic regions and is the immediate past Chairman. He also serves as a member of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority and as the Prince William County representative on the Stafford Regional Airport Authority.
Mr. Hall holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Dillard University (New Orleans) and also a master's in political science. Mr. Hall and his family reside in Manassas, VA.
Greggory Hodge
Board Member
​​Greggory Hodge is a seasoned aviation industry leader committed to advancing workforce development, business innovation, and minority representation in aviation. As Vice President and Executive Board Member of AvDyne AeroServices, LLC, he plays a pivotal role in managing one of the country's largest minority-owned FAA 145 repair stations, overseeing strategic growth, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
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With over 20 years of experience in aircraft maintenance, business operations, and public affairs, Greggory has been instrumental in forging partnerships that expand opportunities for aviation professionals. His leadership in mentorship, community outreach, and economic development makes him a strong advocate for Virginia's aviation sector. His passion for the industry and track record of success uniquely positions him to contribute valuable insights and drive meaningful impact as a Virginia Aviation Business Association (VABA) Board Member.
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Greggory's expertise extends beyond aviation maintenance; he has played a key role in fostering strategic collaborations with industry stakeholders, ensuring continuous innovation and growth. As a dedicated leader, he has championed programs that enhance diversity and inclusion in the aviation workforce, working closely with educational institutions and corporate partners to create sustainable career pathways for aspiring professionals.
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His tenure at AvDyne AeroServices has been marked by a commitment to operational excellence, supplier engagement, and technology-driven solutions that improve efficiency and service delivery. He has successfully implemented specialized tool calibration programs and procurement strategies that have contributed to the company's reputation as an industry leader.
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In addition to his executive responsibilities, Greggory has served as Director of Public Affairs for the Major Anderson Tuskegee Aviation Maintenance Academy, where he managed government relations, media outreach, and strategic communications to elevate awareness and support for aviation education initiatives.
Greggory Studied Automotive Engineering Technology at Northern Virginia Community College. His technical acumen, business leadership, and advocacy for aviation excellence make him an ideal candidate to support and advance the mission of the Virginia Aviation Business Association.
Cynthia Lawrence
Board Member
Cynthia is the Director of the Office of Workforce Development at Carilion Clinic. Prior to joining Carilion, Cynthia founded and led two companies from 1986 – 2015, when they were acquired.
Cynthia is the founding President of the Blue Ridge Partnership for Health Science Careers and serves on the boards of the Virginia Lottery, Greater Roanoke Workforce Development Authority, Mill Mountain Theatre and Virginia Ready. She is a member of the Virginia Chamber’s Workforce and Education Committee and is on the President’s Advisory Council for Hollins University and Advisory Board for the Department of Management at the Pamplin College of Business. She recently completed three terms on the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport Commission as a City of Roanoke appointee.
Cynthia serves on numerous civic arts, education, and human services boards in the area. In 2018, she and her husband Mark received the Silver Hope Award from the MS Society in honor of their community service. Cynthia is a native and lifelong resident of Roanoke, Virginia. The Lawrences live in Roanoke City.
Joe Oyler
Board Member
Joe Oyler is the Senior Manager of State and Local Government Operations at The Boeing Company. He leads state and local government relations activities in the Mid-Atlantic Region for key Boeing geographical areas that include Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Ohio.
Before joining The Boeing Company, Oyler served as Managing Director of Public Policy for the Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC), overseeing infrastructure and economic development policy. In 2022, the DRC was recognized as the National Chamber of the Year. Prior to joining the DRC's Public Policy team, Oyler served as Managing Director of Leadership Programs for the DRC.
Oyler's background includes time as a communications and legislative affairs consultant within the Department of Justice; military program management consultant within the Department of Defense; policy intern to U.S. Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1); and legislative researcher at The Franklin Partnership, a government relations firm that represented the City of Fort Worth.
Oyler was appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin to the Governor’s Aerospace Advisory Council. He also serves as a commissioner of the Arlington Economic Development Commission and on the boards of the Virginia Aviation Business Association, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, and the National Landing Business Improvement District.
Mr. Oyler served in the United States military as a commissioned officer in the Marine Corps Reserve and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Virginia Wesleyan College.
He and his wife, Brittany, live in Stafford, Virginia with their dog, Trooper.
Mike Stewart
Board Member
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Mike Stewart joined the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission as Executive Director in October 2021. Mike is an aviation industry veteran with over 40 years of experience. Prior to ROA, he spent 14 years at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA).
During his tenure at MWAA, Mike served as Vice President and Airport Manager of Washington Dulles International Airport; Vice President for Airline Business Development, where he was responsible for recruiting passenger and cargo air service at both Dulles and National Airports; and Manager of Airport Administration at Dulles, where he managed most of the revenue-producing leases and contracts on the airport.
Previously, Mike worked in the commercial airline sector for 20+ years, starting his career as a Ramp and Customer Service Agent with the original Piedmont Airlines, which was acquired in 1989 by US Airways. He held several leadership positions for Piedmont/US Airways, including Station Manager at ROA, from 1992-96.
Tom Walker
Board Member
Tom is the founder and CEO of DroneUp, the leading complete drone services provider, transforming businesses and government organizations with drone technology solutions. DroneUp’s diverse suite of products includes flight services, data analysis, drone program development, regulatory consulting, training, equipment, and drone delivery.
Recognized as a UAS industry pioneer with patented mobile app technology and a commitment to research and development, DroneUp further fuels invention and application across private and public sectors. With our people, services, and innovative solutions, DroneUp delivers on operational challenges with efficiency, reliability, and safety. Read more.
Greg Campbell
Board Member
Greg Campbell serves as the Director of the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV), appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin.
Campbell previously served as Executive Director of the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD) since 1992. He is certified member of the American Association of Airport Executives and a past president of the Virginia Airport Operators’ Council. As SHD’s Executive Director, Campbell promoted commercial air service for the Shenandoah Valley; led the Airport Commission’s 25 employees; and oversaw all aspects of business and air service development, marketing, operations, public safety, finance, planning and capital improvements.
Greg has passionately served his community over the years. He serves as a board member of the Virginia Aviation Business Association (VABA). He is a past president of the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce; former chairman of the Shenandoah Valley Partnership; and recently served as a board member on Go Virginia Region 8. Campbell was named Airport Manager of the Year in 1996; was selected as Aviation Person of the Year in 2012; and was awarded the James Madison University Public Servant Award in 2013. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Bridgewater College.
Ron Gatewood
Board Member
Ron Gatewood is the founder and President of SkyWorld Aviation, Inc., a successful General Aviation aircraft management, and maintenance service firm. President of Tracey Corp., an airport development, management and FBO firm. President and founder of Midland Development Corp., a hanger construction firm.
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Ron's military career includes 27 years command pilot with extensive flying experience in the United States, Asia and Africa as Naval Aviator in the U.S. Marine Corps. Maintenance Officer of a Marine Jet Squadron in high intensity combat operations. Executive transport pilot for U.S. ambassadors overseas and U.S. Marine Corps General Officer Transportation in the United States.
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Honors: Distinguished Flying Cross - 4 Awards, Air Medal - #48 with Gold Star, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal - 2 Awards, Navy Commendation Medal, and Navy Achievement Medal.
Thomas "Mike" Mickel
Chairman Emeritus
Mike stepped down as Chairman after being elected as Chairman of the VABA in August 2016. He founded Dominion Aviation in 1983 as an aircraft management and charter company and is the President and CEO.
Dominion Aviation Services is located at the Chesterfield County Airport. As a 35 year veteran of corporate aviation, he is dedicated to service and committed to quality with safety at the forefront of every decision.
He is an experienced pilot with over 10,000 hours of flight time, is Airline Transport rated and certified to fly numerous corporate jets and helicopters.
STAFF MEMBERS
Bud Oakey, President
Craig Whitham,
Vice President
Katie Hellebush, Director
Becky Hall,
Communications & Events Director
