AFA Appoints New Board Chair and Welcomes Aerospace Leaders to Governance Team

The Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) has announced the election of Kathleen Ferguson as Chair of its Board of Directors, along with the appointment and reelection of several distinguished leaders to its governing body. Ferguson, a career Department of the Air Force civil servant, will begin her three-year term on October 1. Her appointment reflects AFA’s continued commitment to leadership grounded in operational insight and institutional experience.

Ferguson previously served as Principal Assistant Secretary for Installations, Energy and Environment, capping a 35-year career in civil engineering and senior leadership roles. She currently leads the defense consulting practice at The Roosevelt Group in Washington, D.C.

New Board Members Bring Operational, Legislative, and Industry Expertise

Joining the board are:

• Dwyer Dennis, retired Air Force Major General and former Program Executive Officer for Fighters and Bombers, as well as C3I and Networks. Dennis also served as military assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, and as Director for International Programs in the Joint Strike Fighter Program Office. He is currently Executive Vice President at DAI.
• Wesley Hallman, retired Air Force Colonel and former Chief Liaison to the House of Representatives. Hallman commanded at the squadron and group levels and held senior staff roles at Air Forces Central and the Joint Staff. He now serves as Executive Vice President and Head of Washington Operations at the National Defense Industrial Association.
• Janelle Stafford, reelected as National Director for the Central Area. Stafford has more than two decades of experience in aerospace and defense near Tinker Air Force Base and has held numerous volunteer leadership roles within AFA. Her advocacy spans STEM education, family support initiatives, and veteran recognition.

Expanded Appointments Reflect Strategic Growth

Delegates at AFA’s 2025 National Convention approved a resolution expanding the number of National Directors the Chair may appoint from three to five. These appointed directors serve one-year terms and are full voting members of the Board, selected for their unique skills and perspectives.

Current appointees include:

• Col. Robert E. Corsi, USAF (Ret.), former Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services.
• Tom Deale, Corporate Lead Executive at Northrop Grumman and former Vice Director for Joint Force Development on the Joint Staff.
• Greg Touhill, Director of Carnegie Mellon University’s CERT Division and the first Federal Chief Information Security Officer.

AFA Strengthens Governance Amid Evolving Defense Landscape

AFA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Burt Field, USAF (Ret.), emphasized the importance of the new appointments, stating, “AFA’s Board continues to attract members with deep experience, clear vision and a strong passion for service on behalf of Airmen, Guardians, and Families. Their guidance and leadership will be invaluable as we grow and adapt in a rapidly changing world.”

With more than 120,000 members and 200 chapters worldwide, AFA remains the largest independent organization dedicated to supporting the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, advocating for investment, readiness, and recognition across the aerospace community.