Heather K. Wingate serves as Senior Vice President, Government Affairs for Delta Air Lines. Her responsibilities include managing Delta’s Federal and International government relations teams. She is responsible for developing and advocating Delta’s public policy positions with the White House, the Administration, and Congress. She also oversees Delta’s political engagement and relationships with think tanks, industry coalitions, and other public policy organizations.

Prior to joining Delta in October 2017, Heather spent five years as the Head of Global Government Relations for MetLife. Her responsibilities included managing MetLife’s State, Federal, and International government relations teams, as well as its Regulatory Policy Group, responsible for MetLife’s engagement on public policy and regulatory issues at all levels of government. From May 2010 to October 2012, she was Managing Director of Public Affairs for Nomura Holding America, Inc., where she established and ran the company’s Washington office. From 2003 to April 2010, she served as Managing Director and Head of Federal Government Affairs at Citi in Washington.

Heather has served in several public sector positions, including as Assistant United States Trade Representative for Intergovernmental Affairs and subsequently as Special Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs from 2001 to 2003, where she promoted the President’s legislative agenda before the U.S. Senate. In addition to her executive branch experience, Heather worked in the U.S. Senate from 1997 to 2001, serving as Chief of Staff to then-Senator Sam Brownback. She practiced law in Washington from 1993-1995 and began her Washington career as an intern to then-Senator Bob Dole in 1989.

Heather received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science at the University of Kansas in 1989 and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Kansas School of Law in 1993. She is a member of the Kansas Bar Association and the District of Columbia Bar. She currently serves on the board of the Economic Club of Washington, DC, and the Washington International Horse Show. She previously served on the National Presbyterian School Board of Trustees; the board of Women’s Policy, Inc., a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization focused on women’s issues; and the board of the Business-Government Relations Council, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting best practices in the government relations profession. She also formerly served as the President of the Kansas Society of Washington, DC, a nonprofit member of the National Conference of State Societies.

She lives in Leesburg, Virginia, with her husband, son and daughter.

Jeff Davidman oversees Delta’s State and Local Government Affairs efforts around the country and has direct responsibility for Delta’s MSP hub, the City of Atlanta as well as the Midwest portion of the country. Jeff has represented Delta’s state and local government entities around the country since 2004. During his tenure at Delta, Jeff has been instrumental in securing state and local government support for multiple Delta initiatives, including the successful merger with Northwest Airlines. Prior to joining Delta Air Lines, Jeff worked for 10 years in various positions throughout Minnesota State Government including working as a Senior Policy Advisor for Governor Tim Pawlenty.

Bob Letteney serves as Delta’s Vice President, International Government Affairs & Policy. Bob and the International Government Affairs team advocate for Delta’s policy and regulatory priorities worldwide. Bob joined Delta in September 2013 as Managing Director for Government Affairs. Prior to joining Delta, Bob was the Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of Aviation and International Affairs at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). In this role, he implemented economic and competition policy affecting the air transport industry and coordinated the Department’s international activities. While at DOT, he also served in the Office of Budget and Programs and Office of Government Affairs. Bob began his career working for U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy and later served as U.S. Representative John W. Olver’s Legislative Director where he focused on transportation budget policy. He left Capitol Hill to work in the Japan Ministry of Transport and Parliament in Tokyo as a Mike Mansfield Fellow. After returning to the United States, he became the Chief of Staff to U.S. Representative Martin T. Meehan and later served as the Senior Advisor to Chairman John W. Olver on the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing Appropriations. Bob currently serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board for the College of Social and Behavioral Science at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and was a member of the Board of Governors for the International Aviation Club of Washington, DC from 2016 - 2025. Bob is a proud native of Pittsfield, MA and holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and an MBA from George Washington University.

Cherie Wilson is Vice President of Government Affairs – Sustainability, with responsibility for leading Delta’s international, federal, state and local climate policy coordination and disclosures, ensuring alignment between the company’s climate goals and its climate lobbying activities. Her work includes fostering partnerships and policies to catalyze the market for sustainable aviation fuel and other clean energy innovations key to enabling Delta’s net zero by 2050 goal.

Cherie has proven experience working with policymakers, NGOs, non-profits, trade associations, c-suite leaders and management in the aviation, automotive, consumer lending, and electric power industries. Throughout her career, she has worked in various policy and advocacy roles - corporate, consulting and trade association - advising private sector and NGO stakeholders on engagement strategies and partnerships to advance clean energy solutions and mitigate climate change.

Prior to joining Delta, Cherie was a director of federal affairs for General Motors with responsibility for developing and executing legislative and political engagement in the areas of vehicle finance, sustainability/climate change and diversity, equity and inclusion. She began her career in Congress, working for U.S. Representative Albert R. Wynn (D-MD) and U.S. Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI).

Cherie was recognized over the most recent five years as one of the Hill’s Top Lobbyists and was named to Washingtonian’s 2021, 2022 and 2023 Most Influential People list of experts and advocates shaping policy in Washington. She also holds several board and advisory positions, including serving on the board of the Congressional Black Caucus Political Action Committee (CBCPAC).

Cherie holds a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment and a Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania.

Cherie lives in Maryland with her partner and children. She enjoys spending time traveling with her family, running, and Peloton.

Eric Burgeson joined Delta in 2019 having previously served as Chief of Staff to House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster. He served as the chief policy and political advisor to the Chairman and oversaw the day to day operations of the Chairman’s Washington, DC, district and committee offices.

Prior to his work on Capitol Hill, Eric served as Special Assistant to President George W. Bush and Associate Director for Presidential Personnel at the White House. He also served as Chief of Staff at the Department of Energy to Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman, and previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham.

Eric is an Illinois native and a graduate of the University of Kansas. Eric and his family live in Arlington, Virginia.

Based in Los Angeles, Dana Debel is responsible for government relations with state and local officials in the western U.S., inclu​ding California, Washington, and Utah, along with other key communities. Prior to relocating to Los Angeles, Dana led similar efforts out of Delta’s Detroit hub. Dana has led numerous efforts to enhance the presence of Delta within its hub communities and improve the economic and operating climate for Delta’s customers and employees before state and local elected leaders. Prior to joining Delta, Dana served as Policy Director for Michigan Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm, and was charged with carrying out the Governor’s policy agenda in both the legislative and administrative arenas.​

Based in New York, Patty Ornst is responsible for state and local issues for New York and the northeast region, as well Kentucky. Prior to joining Delta, Patty was a director of state and local government affairs for the Northeast region at American Airlines. She also served as vice president, aviation, for the New York City Economic Development Corporation, where she led aviation strategy for New York City under Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s administration. Earlier in her career, she spent nearly seven years at Airports Council International – North America as director of legislative affairs.

David Werner is the Managing Director of International Government Affairs, Regulatory and Policy at Delta Air Lines. In this role, he oversees legislative, political, and regulatory issues across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India.

David has over 20 years of professional experience spanning broad areas including political, legal, airline corporate real estate, and airline operations. Before joining Delta, David served as the Chief Operating Officer of the State of Georgia and as Executive Counsel to former Governor of Georgia, Nathan Deal. He joined Delta in 2017 as Director of Government Affairs advocating for Delta on state and local issues in the Southeast and Midwest. A Marshall Memorial Fellow focused on global affairs, David is also a member of Chatham House in London and a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Before moving to the United Kingdom, he served on the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Foundation, the Georgia 4H Foundation, the Emory University Board of Visitors, and the University of Georgia Board of Visitors. He served as a board member of the Georgia Ports Authority – the largest port in the southeastern United States.

David holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Georgia and a Juris Doctorate from Emory University School of Law. David and wife, Suzanne, have two children: Reese (8) and Mack (4).

Ronke Adebiyi is Delta’s Director of International Government Affairs and Policy, managing and advocating for Delta's international policy priorities in Washington D.C., across Europe, the Middle East, India (EMEAI) and the Asia Pacific region.

Ronke began her career at Delta in 2010 and has held international and domestic positions across Procurement, Network, and Reservations & Customer Care, serving as an internal advocate for customers and employees throughout the enterprise.

Prior to joining Delta, Ronke held positions as an oil & gas engineer in Mexico and Venezuela for Schlumberger Ltd. and a Six Sigma process engineer in New York for Eastman Kodak.

She holds an MBA from Emory University and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Mississippi State University.

Melissa Alvarado joins Delta Air Lines from the House Committee on Homeland Security, where she was a professional staff member responsible for aviation, maritime, and transportation security for Chairman Bennie Thompson.

Before joining the Committee on Homeland Security, she worked in the Transportation Security Administration’s Office of Legislative Affairs and as a Detail to the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Secretary. Prior to her time in the Executive branch, Melissa worked on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation focusing on aviation security and safety issues, including the 2016 and 2018 FAA Reauthorizations and for U.S. Senator Bill Nelson of Florida in his personal office.

Melissa focuses on Delta’s security and facilitation priorities with Congress, the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, and Transportation Security Administration.

Katie Childers is a director of state and local government affairs for Delta Air Lines and is responsible for the Southeastern states, including Georgia, Florida, Texas and North Carolina. Katie came to Delta from Piedmont Healthcare, where she was the Executive Director of Regulatory Affairs, working with the state legislature, Executive branch and state agencies. She also previously served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Healthcare Policy advisor to former Georgia Governor Nathan Deal for eight years.

Sarah Gonzales is a director of state and local government affairs for Delta Air Lines and is responsible for Midwest states including the Delta Hub states of Michigan and Utah in addition to Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Sarah joined Delta most recently from the Executive Office of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer where she served as a senior member of the leadership team working to develop and implement policy, administrative, legal, and legislative strategy in her role as Director of Public Affairs. During her tenure in the Governor’s Office, Sarah led the Public Affairs team during an unprecedented time of colliding crises and great economic opportunity for the state by serving as point for businesses, elected officials, civic and community groups, and organizations. During her career, Sarah has held prominent roles in both the public and private sector including Deputy Chief of Staff for the Michigan Department of State, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy for Creative Many Michigan, Chair of the National State Arts Action Network for Americans for the Arts, and Deputy Chief of Staff for the Michigan Speaker of the House. Sarah resides in Lansing, Michigan with her son Teddy (Theodore) and daughter Charlie (Charlotte).

Skiffington Holderness joined Delta in November 2021 as Director of Government Affairs. Prior to Delta, Skiffington worked in the United States Senate overseeing a wide variety of issues for over twelve years as Special Projects Director and Senior Professional Staff for the Foreign Relations Committee, Staff Director for the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and Senior Advisor to Senator James E. Risch (R-ID). Skiffington earned a Master of Business Administration from Georgetown University where he was a two-time Bryce Harlow Fellow and holds a Bachelor of Science from Boise State University in Accountancy. In 2019, he was a Young Leader with the American Council on Germany. An Idaho native, Skiffington lives in Washington, DC with his wife.

Jana Lozano joined Delta Air Lines in 2022 as Director of Policy in Government Affairs. In this role, she serves as Delta’s primary liaison to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) leadership and works closely across the company—including operations, safety, and technical teams—to define, advance, and advocate for Delta’s top regulatory and policy priorities. Jana plays a central role in shaping Delta’s engagement on aviation safety, air traffic, infrastructure, workforce, and emerging policy issues, supporting alignment between government strategy and operational excellence.

Prior to joining Delta, Jana served as Director of Federal Affairs at Denver International Airport, where she led federal advocacy efforts, advancing priorities related to infrastructure investment and federal funding.

Jana previously spent nearly a decade at the Federal Aviation Administration, most recently as Deputy Assistant Administrator for Government and Industry Affairs (A). In that capacity, she advised the FAA Administrator and agency leadership on congressional and intergovernmental strategy and served as a senior point of contact for Members of Congress, federal agencies, and aviation stakeholders on a wide range of aviation policy issues. She also supported interagency coordination with the U.S. Department of Transportation and other federal partners.

In 2018, Jana was selected for a detail assignment to the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, where she supported the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee and participated in drafting the annual appropriations legislation funding the Department of Transportation and related agencies.

Earlier in her career, Jana held federal relations roles advocating for higher education and research institutions and began her professional career on Capitol Hill, where she rose to Legislative Director for a Member of Congress.

Jana holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas Christian University.

Mandy Zhou is Delta’s Director, International and Regulatory Affairs based in China. In her position, she plays a pivotal role in facilitating and strengthening relationships with all the government bodies in China.

Mandy has 23 years of global airline experience in sales, marketing, HR, finance and government affairs. Mandy has spent most of her career with Delta and also has past experience with British Airways and Canadian Airlines.

Prior to joining the aviation industry, Mandy was a business analyst for a major French oil company conducting business in Beijing and Shanghai.

Mandy holds an M.B.A from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, B.C Canada and a B.A. from the Institute of International Relations in Beijing China. Mandy is fluent in English, French and Mandarin Chinese.

Lisa Hanna is responsible for Delta’s wide-ranging public affairs communications strategy. She leads a dedicated team focused on Delta’s brand and reputation with policymakers at the local, state and federal levels and oversees key communications campaigns to bolster Delta’s advocacy efforts across the country.

Lisa’s leadership spans across Delta working alongside government affairs, regulatory, corporate and employee communications, marketing, global sales, legal, compliance, investor relations, and sustainability. She joined Delta in 2018 having worked at the intersection of politics and communications for nearly 20 years.

Previously, Lisa worked on Capitol Hill, for influential D.C. public relations firms and trade associations, and Fortune 500 companies. She is a former communications director to U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30), where she focused primarily on policy issues within the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. Lisa began her career as a broadcast journalist in Texas.

In 2025, Lisa was one of 26 women across the U.S. recognized with the prestigious PR Week Women of Distinction award, an honor which includes a high-profile alumni network of many of the most notable female leaders in the PR industry.

Lisa holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science from Baylor University and an MBA from Johns Hopkins University. She is a native of both Austin, Texas and Edmond, Oklahoma.

Dee Janovsky joined Delta Air Lines as Political Engagement Manager in 2018. She is responsible for managing the Delta Political Action Committee (PAC) and employee political engagement programs.

Prior to joining Delta, Dee held the position of Political Affairs Director at Phillips 66, where she was responsible for establishing and managing the Phillips 66 PAC, grassroots, Get Out the Vote (GOTV), and political compliance programs. Previously she worked at Raytheon Company, first as a PAC associate, where she was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Raytheon PAC, and subsequently as a legislative analyst, where she developed and managed its grassroots programs and conducted legislative research.

Dee holds a bachelors degree in Government from Smith College in Northampton, Mass. and a master’s degree in Legislative Affairs from The George Washington University, Graduate School of Political Management in Washington, D.C.

Emma joined Delta Air Lines in 2022 as a policy communications manager supporting state and local government affairs and currently serves as Senior Manager of Public Affairs – Global Communications. During her time at Delta, Emma has worked alongside teams across the airline, including government affairs, global sales, marketing, and network planning. She has also supported communications tied to Delta’s commercial strategy, network, and revenue initiatives.

Prior to joining Delta, Emma served as director of communications for the Office of Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan in Georgia, where she oversaw communications and media relations. She also held roles within the Georgia State Senate, including the Senate Press Office and the Office of the President Pro Tempore, focused on legislative communications and policy messaging. Earlier in her career, Emma worked in external affairs at the Georgia Student Finance Commission.

Emma holds a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Brenau University and a master’s degree in strategic communication from Troy University.

Nicholas Johnson joined Delta in 2024 as a senior manager on Delta’s Government Affairs team, where he helps advance the company’s legislative and policy priorities. Before joining Delta, Nicholas served at the U.S. Department of State as Senior Advisor to the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy where he provided strategic counsel during a period of significant political shifts nationally and around the globe.

Previously, Nicholas served as House Director in the Department’s Bureau of Legislative Affairs, where he led a team responsible for engagement with the U.S. House of Representatives, advising senior Department leadership, and managing congressional strategy. He also served as Nominations Advisor, guiding ambassadorial nominees through the Senate confirmation process. Early in his career, Nicholas held roles under the Clerk of the U.S. House, with the House Committee on Homeland Security, and in the office of Congressman Al Green, where he advanced to Legislative Assistant focusing on national security policy.

With over a decade of service across both the legislative and executive branches, Nicholas has cultivated strong relationships with Members of Congress and staff. He holds a B.A. in History from Morehouse College.

Justine Blaney serves as Senior Coordinator, Government Affairs for Delta Air Lines. In 2011, she joined the Delta family working as part of the frontline operation in El Paso, Texas. Throughout her 11-year tenure she has gained invaluable experience in many facets of the Delta operation, chosen for special assignments across various departments, and strengthened her teams with a drive for customer service and meticulous project management.

In her current role, responsibilities include fostering relationships and working cross-functionally with partners in loyalty, sales, corporate communications, and community engagement to support Delta’s federal and international government affairs teams. She also supports the strategy, planning and execution of cross-channel internal and external engagement efforts including DeltaPAC-related events, fundraisers, congressional, stakeholder and community meetings. Most recently, Justine was designated as a DE&I ambassador to help support Delta’s mission of actively seeking diversity, boldly pursuing equity, and consciously promoting inclusion in the Washington, DC metro region.

Justine is a Delta Chairman’s Club Nominee for 2013, 2018, 2021 and 2022, which is the most prestigious recognition any Delta employee can receive. Fueled by a passion to help others and communities, she volunteers often. Justine was selected as a 2019 Delta Global Build Participant in partnership with Habitat for Humanity in Recife, Brazil.

Justine serves on the board of Friendship Place in Washington, DC dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness.

Ethan Gallagher joined the Delta family as a senior analyst supporting Delta’s lobbying and regulatory efforts, as well as DeltaPAC in 2021. Prior to joining Delta, Ethan served as a policy advisor under former Secretary Sonny Perdue at the United States Department of Agriculture where he managed a series of interagency rural economic development initiatives. Ethan also spent time on Capitol Hill serving former Senator David Perdue of Georgia.

Originally from Peachtree City, Georgia, Ethan holds degrees in political science and international affairs from the University of Georgia and a Master's in Public Management from the John's Hopkins University.

Donavan Vialva serves as Manager, Government Affairs for Delta Air Lines, where he oversees key government partnerships and Washington-based operations. In this role, Donavan manages the government affairs budget, leads the execution of sponsorships in Washington, DC, and plays a crucial role in resolving complex travel logistics for government officials. He also manages congressional constituent services, coordinates administrative functions, and supports political finance compliance reporting.

Donavan joined Delta in 2020 as a senior financial analyst and has since been promoted into roles of increasing responsibility. Throughout his tenure, he has brought a wealth of financial planning and strategic expertise, leading initiatives across several of Delta’s commercial divisions.

Prior to joining Delta, Donavan gained diverse experience in Corporate Accounting at The Home Depot and in public accounting and consulting. He holds a Master of Science in Accounting from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Columbus State University.

Donavan was born and raised in St. Lucia and moved to Georgia in 2009 to pursue further education. In 2024, he relocated to Washington, DC.

Alana Calhoun serves as the Special Assignment Flight Attendant, where she collaborates with policymakers and the Government Affairs team to ensure flight attendant perspectives are represented on issues impacting our In-Flight Services team and company. She also facilitates strong two-way communication within the flight attendant workgroup. Alana began her flight attendant career in 2014 and currently flies as an Atlanta-based purser.

For seven years, Alana worked as a technical facilitator in the In-Flight Service Training Center, creating immersive behind-the-scenes experiences that showcased the rigor and intensity of flight attendant training. Her programs welcomed a diverse range of participants, including members of Congress, media outlets such as The Washington Post and Univision, and Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work. She has also partnered with KIPP Atlanta Schools, the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, and local nonprofits to inspire and cultivate aviation career pathways for future generations.

In alignment with Delta’s FAA-approved Advanced Qualification Program (AQP), Alana spent three years on the In-Flight Service Learning Quality Assurance Team. In this role, she audited flight attendant training curriculum, developed evaluation resources, and supported the onboarding and development of new Technical Facilitators.

Raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Alana embraces the values of the “Aloha Spirit,” bringing warmth, respect, and inclusivity to every interaction and thriving in diverse, dynamic environments.

Cheryl Faunce joined Delta Air Lines in 2023 having previously worked as administrative assistant and office manager in three government relations offices Navient Solutions, LLC, Mercury LLC, and the (former) Clark & Weinstock.

Cheryl began her career on Capitol Hill, where she served former Congressman Samuel S. Stratton (D-NY) followed by an administrative role in the House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space and Technology, where she worked on the Subcommittee on Energy under Rep. Marilyn Lloyd (D-TN) as well as the Full Committee under the leadership of Rep. George Brown Jr. (D-CA), Rep. Robert Walker (R-PA) and Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner (R-WI).

Cheryl is a native of Maryland where she lives with her husband and son.

Sarah Giaccio serves as Executive Assistant in Delta Air Lines’ Government Affairs department, supporting the Vice President of Government Affairs – Sustainability and providing administrative and logistical support across the team.

Sarah joined Delta in 2021, beginning in Reservations, where she supported customers throughout their travel journey and mentored new hires. She later served as a lead in the Washington, DC Sky Club, overseeing operations and supporting the protocol office for elected officials and VIP guests.

Before joining Delta, Sarah worked at a flight school, where she developed her passion for aviation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Science with a specialization in Aviation Administration from Polk State College.

Originally from Florida, Sarah now lives in Alexandria, Virginia with her husband and two young children and frequently visits Australia, where her family also holds citizenship.

Holly Jones serves as an executive assistant on the International Government Affairs team, supporting Delta’s efforts to improve air travel and promotion of its unique societal contributions.

A native of the greater Boston area, Holly spent her early years traveling and living abroad before obtaining an Associate's Degree of Business Administration in Travel and Airlines. After graduation, Holly worked as a travel agent for American Express Corporate Travel in Los Altos, CA.

Holly began her career with Delta in 2010 as a reservations specialist managing SkyMiles accounts and booking domestic and international travel for customers, as well as mentoring, training, and supporting new hires. She soon obtained a promotion to the role of customer experience supervisor within Reservations & Customer Care, where she worked to resolve complex passenger escalations and provided real-time support to frontline agents.

Prior to Delta, Holly spent time in Dallas in various administrative, coordinator, and training facilitator roles in the banking, healthcare, and software development industries.

Holly is an avid reader and fiction author. She enjoys going to movies, exploring international cuisine, and spending time with friends and family. She resides in Maryland.