Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce, FlightSafety International, and RTX have announced the creation of the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance (GADA), a new organization focused on supporting Georgia’s aerospace and defense sectors. The Alliance will be housed at Mercer University in Macon.
Georgia’s aerospace and defense industry is a major contributor to the state economy. It is the second largest industry in Georgia and its top export category, generating more than $57.5 billion annually and providing jobs for about 200,000 people in related fields.
The Alliance is backed by its founding members—Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce, FlightSafety International, and RTX—all of which have significant operations and investments within the state.
Ember Bishop Bentley has been named executive director of GADA. Bentley previously served as chief of staff and vice president for External Affairs at Middle Georgia State University (MGA). During her time there, she led efforts that secured over $50 million in investment to expand aviation education and infrastructure. She also held roles with the Georgia Department of Economic Development and worked in Governor Nathan Deal’s office.
Jay Neely has been appointed chair of the Alliance. Neely also serves as chair of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). T.Rogers Wade will join as Special Advisor to the Board; Wade is a former president and CEO of the Georgia Public Policy Foundation.
“I’m honored to lead the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance at a moment of such momentum and opportunity,” Bentley said. “Georgia has long been a national force in aerospace and defense. Through GADA, we will bring together industry, education, and government to ensure we remain competitive, innovative, and forward-looking in every aspect of this critical sector.”
“The creation of the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance represents a strategic investment in the future of one of Georgia’s most essential industries. Aerospace and defense are key drivers of our state’s economy, workforce, and global presence,” Neely said. “With Ember’s proven leadership in workforce development and industry advancement — and the strong support of founding members like Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce, FlightSafety International, and RTX — the Alliance is uniquely positioned to strengthen collaboration, attract investment, and ensure Georgia remains at the forefront of aerospace and defense innovation.”
The organization will focus on advocacy efforts as well as initiatives aimed at workforce development across Georgia’s aerospace sector. According to information from GADA’s announcement release above (and see https://www.georgia.org/industries/aerospace), these efforts aim to sustain growth in an industry that already plays a central role in both local employment opportunities and economic impact throughout Georgia.
The founding members bring international recognition to GADA due to their substantial manufacturing bases within Georgia.
Mercer University will serve as headquarters for GADA activities.
