Taking Flight in Georgia
United for the Future of Georgia Aerospace
The Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance (GADA) unites the state’s most influential aerospace companies in Georgia to strengthen one of Georgia’s most powerful economic engines. Founded by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce, FlightSafety International, and RTX, and based at Mercer University in Macon, GADA serves as a unified voice for the industry—driving innovation, shaping policy, and building the skilled workforce necessary for aerospace manufacturing in Georgia and the future of flight.
With more than $57.5 billion in annual economic impact and over 200,000 Georgians employed in aerospace-related careers, this sector is not only vital to our state—it’s a formidable force on the global stage. Through strategic collaboration among aerospace companies, education, and defense contractors in Georgia, GADA is dedicated to ensuring that 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, while also enhancing engineering higher education workforce opportunities.
Member Companies
GADA’s founding members—Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce, FlightSafety International, and RTX—represent the pinnacle of aerospace companies in Georgia and the defense contractors in Georgia. Each firm is a global leader in its field, deeply rooted in communities throughout 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, and RTX’s Georgia-based Pratt & Whitney engine production, these companies significantly enhance aerospace manufacturing in Georgia and fuel the state’s position as a worldwide aerospace leader.
Together, the members' investments foster tens of thousands of high-skilled jobs, drive cutting-edge research, and support critical infrastructure that benefits not only Georgia but also our nation and the world. Their collective presence here makes collaboration not just natural, but essential—ensuring that Georgia remains a hub for aerospace innovation, bolsters defense capability, and provides opportunities that reach every corner of the state, while also contributing to the economic development and engineering higher education workforce.
Alliance Leadership
John "Jay" Neely, III
John "Jay" Neely, III
John "Jay" Neely, III
Jay Neely is the chairman of the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance, playing a pivotal role in supporting aerospace companies in Georgia. As an industry veteran and chair of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Jay is uniquely positioned to lead Georgia's aerospace and defense industry, including its thriving aerospace manufa
Jay Neely is the chairman of the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance, playing a pivotal role in supporting aerospace companies in Georgia. As an industry veteran and chair of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Jay is uniquely positioned to lead Georgia's aerospace and defense industry, including its thriving aerospace manufacturing in Georgia. He also serves on the Leadership Georgia Board of Trustees and the Georgia Chamber Board of Directors, furthering initiatives that enhance the engineering higher education workforce. Jay holds 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 serves as the executive director of the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance and is the vice president of external affairs for Mercer University. Bentley most recently held the position of chief of staff and vice president of External Affairs at Middle Georgia State University, which is home to Georgia's flagship Scho
Ember Bishop Bentley serves as the executive director of the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance and is the vice president of external affairs for Mercer University. Bentley most recently held the position of chief of staff and vice president of External Affairs at Middle Georgia State University, which is home to Georgia's flagship School of Aviation. A longstanding leader in Georgia's policy landscape, Ember has extensive experience that includes roles at the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Office of Gov. Nathan Deal, where she has supported the growth of aerospace companies in Georgia and advancements in aerospace manufacturing in Georgia. Her work also focuses on enhancing the engineering higher education workforce to better serve defense contractors in Georgia.