Candidates for National Officers and Directors.
The Air & Space Forces Association Nominating and Governance Committee met by video conference in April 2025 and selected four candidates to send forward for open National Officer positions and National Director positions on the Board of Directors. The Committee consists of a Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee as well as at least three actively serving AFA Directors. The Chair and the Vice Chair of the Committee shall be the two most recent past serving Chairs of the Board, unless the Board determines to elect a different Chair or Vice Chair by a majority vote of the Board.
Voting will take place from 8:00 a.m. EST, Saturday, Sept. 20 – 8:00 a.m. EST, Sunday, Sept. 21. Authorized delegates can cast their vote anytime, electronically, during this period.
AFA Chair of the Board
Kathleen Ferguson, Fairfax Station, Va., nominated for a first-year term as Chair of the Board joined AFA in 2015 and is currently a Life Member. Ferguson served nearly 35 years as a civilian in the Air Force, retiring as the Principal Assistant Secretary for Installations, Energy, and Environment, overseeing infrastructure critical to mission success and quality of life. Now with The Roosevelt Group, she advocates for defense communities nationwide. Her experience in policy, mission support, and family advocacy uniquely positions her to advance AFA’s mission of supporting Airmen, Guardians, and their families. She has previously held a position as AFA National Director and has served as an AFA Board Member for the past three year.
A message from Kathleen Ferguson: The Air Force became my career by chance, not by choice. As I look back on the tremendous opportunities I was given in my Air Force career, the experiences I was provided, and the love I have for the institution, I think being the Chairman of AFA would be a fitting way to give back. I could not imagine another career that would have been as rewarding. I understand the mission of the Air Force and AFA, I have managed large organizations throughout my Air Force career, and worked Air Force budget for nearly 20 years. My “superpower” is being able to work well under pressure, and I was always the senior executive the SECAF sent to the Hill to answer the tough questions. I always treat people with kindness, work to fully understand the issues, and I’m not afraid to make a decision.
NATIONAL DIRECTOR, Central area
Janelle Stafford, Shawnee, Okla., an AFA member for over 20 years., has held numerous AFA positions, including, National Director; Region President; serving on the Strategic Planning, Membership, Advocacy and AIMS Steering Committees; roles as Chapter President, Vice President, and Secretary; and also State President and Treasurer. AFA Awards encompass Chapter and State Community Partner of the Year (2017 to 2020); AFA Medal of Merit and Exceptional Service Awards; Chapter Officer of the Year; Chapter and State Person of the Year and National Member of the year (2024). Stafford has nearly 25 years in the aerospace and defense industry, with strong ties to Tinker Air Force Base and Oklahoma’s defense sector. She advocates for airpower, support STEM education through AFA’s programs, and promotes family and quality-of-life issues vital to recruitment and retention and also believes in honoring veterans and preserving our heritage to educate future generations.
A message from Janelle Stafford: I seek to further support AFA’s mission through advocacy for airpower, STEM education, and military family quality-of-life. With deep roots in the Oklahoma defense industry and active engagement in programs like CyberPatriot and StellarXplorers, I aim to strengthen workforce development and honor our service members’ contributions. I bring deep organizational knowledge from experience at all levels of AFA. I’m committed to financial sustainability and unafraid to address tough challenges.
National Director, at Large
Two National Director, At Large positions are open and each will be elected for a three-year term.
Dennis Dwyer, Dayton, Ohio, is an AFA Life Member and retired U.S. Air Force officer with 35+ years in Acquisition, overseeing cost, schedule, and performance of major weapon systems. Dwyer served as Group and Wing Commander and twice as Program Executive Officer (Fighters & Bombers; C3I & Networks). He is currently EVP and advisor at DAI, offering strategic guidance to government and industry while mentoring future leaders. As a lifelong AFA member, he revitalized the Space Coast Chapter post-retirement, serving as Chapter President, AFA Florida EVP, and now Florida State/Regional President—deeply committed to advancing AFA’s mission through leadership, advocacy, and community engagement. Dwyer’s military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service, Medal and the Legion of Merit (2 clusters).
A message from Dennis Dwyer: Initially hesitant due to limited AFA experience, I ran for an At-Large position in 2019 and was not elected. Since then, I’ve served in multiple field roles, gaining valuable insight into AFA’s structure and mission. As I conclude my term as State/Regional President, I’m eager to bring my expanded knowledge, leadership experience, and strategic perspective to the national board to help further AFA’s goals and impact. I bring strong leadership and management skills in strategic planning, organizational development, and innovation. I’ve led the creation of new organizations using “form follows function” principles and bring deep experience in financial oversight, including budgets, 401K management, and philanthropic initiatives.
Wesley Hallman, Washington, D.C., nominated for a second-year term, served 27 years in the U.S. Air Force before retiring as a colonel. His last assignment was as the Chief Air Force Liaison to the House of Representatives. Prior to Congress, he served in several flying and staff positions, including commanding a squadron and a fighter group. Hallman was a White House Fellow, serving as Special Assistant to the Secretary of Agriculture, and his staff assignments included AFCENT Forward Chief of Staff and Joint Staff (J5).
He was formerly the Senior Vice President for Strategy & Policy at the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) and is now a private sector Executive Vice President and Head of Washington Operations. Hallman has a bachelor’s from the U.S. Air Force Academy and graduate degrees from The Ohio State Univeristy, the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, and the Eisenhower School. He also serves on the Falcon Foundation’s Board of Trustees, the parent board of School Without Walls, and as a mentor for the White House Fellows program.