Senior Vice President of Government Relations

John Shea IV

John Shea is a seasoned government relations expert with extensive experience in developing and implementing strategic plans to navigate intricate policy landscapes across various sectors, specializing in aviation policy and adjacent industries.

John joined AxAdvocacy from Vertical Aviation International (VAI), where he served as Senior Director of Government Affairs. In this capacity, he represented the association’s broad membership consisting of operators, manufacturers, suppliers, pilots, maintenance technicians, training institutions, universities, and more, to the legislative and executive branches of the federal government. John’s advocacy efforts in this role extended beyond aviation and transportation policy to encompass diverse industry interests.

He was responsible for advancing policy priorities of the industry’s 45 mission segments, which are governed by a myriad of regulatory bodies and congressional committees. John led advocacy initiatives for industries supported by vertical aviation, including oil and gas, healthcare, construction, agriculture, and utilities. He represented the interests of the association’s member companies that contract with various state and federal agencies for public aircraft operations, including firefighting, search and rescue, and law enforcement. Additionally, John spearheaded multiple legislative and regulatory coalition projects addressing innovative topics concerning electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), sustainable aviation fuel, and next-generation safety technology.

Prior to his tenure at VAI, John held key positions at one of the most senior aviation associations in the United States, the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), including Director of Government Relations and Interim President and CEO. As the head of government relations, he represented state government aviation agencies at the federal level. Prior to joining NASAO, John worked for Representative Stephen Fincher (TN-08), Representative Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX).