Chair: Manny Lovgren
Co-Chair: Erik Gardner

Committee Purpose
The Government Relations Committee strengthens CDCA’s relationships with federal, state, and local government officials in support of the Association’s 2030
Strategic Plan. The Committee leads strategy and relationship-centered engagement, supported by a policy and legislative engagement subcommittee.

Mission
To advocate for CDCA members and the broader defense community by elevating member perspectives and enabling constructive engagement with government on policy, legislation, and funding priorities.

Vision
Position CDCA as a trusted regional voice for the defense industrial base that educates stakeholders, influences policy and appropriations, strengthens funding pipelines, and convenes government, industry, and community partners.

Committee Structure
The Government Relations Committee operates under a relationship-centered model, with the Committee leading strategy and direct government engagement, supported by a policy and legislative engagement subcommittee. Government Relations Committee • Sets strategy for government engagement aligned with the 2030 Strategic Plan

• Identifies key government stakeholders, engagement priorities, and relationship-building initiatives
• Provides hands-on support for outreach, engagement planning, and participation in high-value government-facing activities
• Serves as CDCA’s primary relationship steward with senior government and military leaders
• Coordinates closely with the Executive Director, Board leadership, and external partners

Policy & Legislative Engagement Subcommittee
Chair: Greg Hoyer
Co-Chair: Jason Sawyer

• Identifies legislative priorities and policy issues affecting defense contractors and the regional defense ecosystem
• Recommends approaches for constructive engagement with elected officials and legislative staff
• Supports preparation for meetings, briefings, white papers, and communications
• Provides policy analysis, issue framing, and insight to inform Committee-led engagement

Email the Government Relations Committee