#USA #National Harbor #Air Space Forces #Kathleen Ferguson #AFA Board

AFA Elects New Board Chair and Members

The Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) is ushering in a fresh chapter of governance with the election of Kathleen Ferguson as the Chair of its Board of Directors. Ferguson, who has had a distinguished career as a civil servant within the Department of the Air Force, will officially take on her responsibilities starting October 1.

Joining the AFA in 2015, Ferguson is a Life Member with significant experience, having served on the Board for the past three years and previously held the role of National Director. Her impressive career spanning nearly 35 years within various civil engineering and leadership roles culminated in her position as Principal Assistant Secretary for Installations, Energy and Environment. Currently, she leads the defense consulting practice at The Roosevelt Group in Washington, D.C.

Board Composition and New Members

The AFA has also welcomed several other prominent individuals to its Board:

• - Dwyer Dennis, a National Director at Large, brings over 35 years of experience as a retired Major General in the Air Force. Dennis has held various leadership roles, including Program Executive Officer for Fighters and Bombers and advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense. In his current position as Executive Vice President at DAI, he continues to mentor future leaders and provide strategic guidance to both government and industry.

• - Wesley Hallman, another National Director at Large, also boasts a distinguished military background, having retired as a Colonel after serving 27 years in the Air Force. He notably served as Chief Air Force Liaison to the House of Representatives. In his post-military career, Hallman has held executive positions, including Executive Vice President at the National Defense Industrial Association.

• - Janelle Stafford, reaffirmed as the National Director for the Central Area, has been an active AFA member for over 20 years. Stafford, with nearly 25 years in the aerospace and defense industry, advocates for airpower and quality-of-life initiatives essential for recruitment and retention, while also honoring veterans.

At the recent National Convention, AFA delegates approved a resolution to allow the Chair greater flexibility in appointing National Directors, increasing the number from three to five. These newly appointed directors will serve one-year terms and will be pivotal in bringing unique skills and perspectives to the Association. Currently, there are still two vacant positions on the Board.

Distinctive Leaders

Notable individuals who have been recognized for their contributions include:

• - Col. Robert E. Corsi, USAF (Ret.), for his role as former Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff of Manpower, Personnel and Service.
• - Tom Deale, the Corporate Lead Executive at Northrop Grumman, who previously served as Vice Director for Joint Force Development.
• - Greg Touhill, who is known for his role as Director of the Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute's CERT Division and as the first Chief Information Security Officer for the Federal Government.

AFA's Mission and Vision

Lt. Gen. Burt Field, USAF (Ret.), President and CEO of AFA, expressed his confidence in the newly elected Board, noting their extensive experience and commitment to serving Airmen, Guardians, and their families. The collective leadership will be crucial as the Association navigates the complexities of a rapidly changing world.

Founded in 1946, the Air & Space Forces Association is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocating for investments and support for both the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. With a flourishing membership of over 120,000 and more than 200 chapters worldwide, AFA is committed to promoting a dominant Air and Space Force as a cornerstone of national defense while honoring the heritage and service of Airmen and Guardians.

For more detailed information regarding AFA's leadership and initiatives, visit their website.