Taking Flight in Georgia
United for the Future of Georgia Aerospace
The Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance (GADA) brings together the state’s most influential aerospace leaders to strengthen one of Georgia’s most powerful economic engines. Founded by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce, FlightSafety International, and RTX, and housed at Mercer University in Macon, GADA is a unified voice for the industry—driving innovation, shaping policy, and building the skilled workforce that will power Georgia’s future in flight.
With more than $57.5 billion in annual economic impact and over 200,000 Georgians employed in aerospace-related careers, this industry is not just vital to our state—it’s a force on the global stage. Through strategic collaboration between industry, education, and government, GADA is committed to ensuring Georgia remains at the forefront of aerospace and defense innovation, investment, and talent development. Together, we are advancing the state’s leadership in an industry that defines progress, security, and possibility.
Member Companies
GADA’s founding members—Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce, FlightSafety International, and RTX—represent the very best of Georgia’s aerospace and defense sector. Each firm is a global leader in its field, with deep roots in communities across the state. From Gulfstream’s world-class manufacturing and engineering operations in Savannah, to Lockheed Martin’s seven decades of innovation in Marietta, to Rolls-Royce’s 62,000 sq. ft. customer support facility in Savannah, to FlightSafety’s state-of-the-art training facilities, to RTX’s Georgia-based Pratt & Whitney engine production, these companies fuel Georgia’s position as a worldwide aerospace leader.
Together, the membrs' investments support tens of thousands of high-skilled jobs, cutting-edge research, and critical infrastructure that serve not only Georgia, but our nation and world. Their shared presence here makes partnership not just natural, but essential—ensuring that Georgia remains a place where aerospace innovation takes flight, defense capability thrives, and opportunity reaches every corner of the state.
Alliance Leadership
John "Jay" Neely, III
John "Jay" Neely, III
John "Jay" Neely, III
Jay Neely is chairman of the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance. An industry veteran and chair of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Jay is uniquely positioned to serve as a leader for Georgia's aerospace and defense industry. Jay also serves on the Leadership Georgia Board of Trustees and on the Georgia Chamber Board of Di
Jay Neely is chairman of the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance. An industry veteran and chair of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Jay is uniquely positioned to serve as a leader for Georgia's aerospace and defense industry. Jay also serves on the Leadership Georgia Board of Trustees and on the Georgia Chamber Board of Directors. He has a bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University and a law degree from the University of Georgia.
Ember Bishop Bentley
John "Jay" Neely, III
John "Jay" Neely, III
Ember Bishop Bentley is executive director of the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance and vice president, external affairs, for Mercer University. Bentley most recently served as chief of staff and vice president, External Affairs, at Middle Georgia State University, home to Georgia's flagship School of Aviation. A longtime Georgia polic
Ember Bishop Bentley is executive director of the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance and vice president, external affairs, for Mercer University. Bentley most recently served as chief of staff and vice president, External Affairs, at Middle Georgia State University, home to Georgia's flagship School of Aviation. A longtime Georgia policy leader, Ember's previous experience includes time at the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Office of Gov. Nathan Deal.