Meet AFA’s New Board Chair: Kathleen Ferguson 

The Air & Space Forces Association has a new Chair of the Board, Kathleen Ferguson. She succeeds Bernie Skoch, who completed his tenure as AFA’s Chair of the Board on Sept. 30.

Ferguson, who was appointed to the seat by AFA delegates in September, has experience as a career civil servant, military spouse, and longtime AFA leader. With more than three decades of service in the Department of the Air Force and a deep connection to military family life, Ferguson brings a powerful blend of professional expertise and personal commitment to her new role.

Here are four themes that define Ferguson’s vision for AFA: 

1. Advocacy Grounded in Experience 

Ferguson says her 34-year Air Force career happened by chance. What started as a 90-day temporary GS-5 civilian position turned into decades of civil engineering work at Air Force Bases, across Air Combat Command, and in the Pentagon. Her career culminated in 2014 as the Acting Assistant Deputy Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment, and Energy. 

During that era, Ferguson was well known as a tireless advocate. She testified before Congress countless times, developed policy to strengthen missions, and represented the Air Force on Capitol Hill during difficult moments. 

“When I worked in the Pentagon, I worked for a Secretary of the Air Force, and I was the one he always chose to go to Capitol Hill to talk about the tough problems and the things that were not popular, because he knew I would be able to speak rationally, on behalf of the Air Force, and diffuse a difficult situation,” she said. 

Her reputation for steady, effective advocacy in government service now informs her leadership at AFA.

2. Supporting the Total Force Family 

Ferguson has a personal connection to the challenges faced by Airmen, Guardians, and their Families. She raised children while navigating deployments, PCS moves, and the sacrifices that come with military life. 

“I never served in uniform. I never flew a fighter aircraft,” she said. “But I did serve alongside military men and women for 34 and a half years. I understand the challenges. I understand their needs and can help advocate for things that can assist them to make their jobs easier.” 

As Chair, she plans to ensure that AFA continues to uphold its mission to support not only the force but also the families who serve alongside them. Whether through chapter-level outreach, national programs like AFA’s United Forces & Families (F2) program, or expanded advocacy for family readiness, Ferguson considers the support element of AFA’s mission core to our Association’s and the Department of the Air Force’s long-term health.  

3. Expanding AFA’s Influence 

For Ferguson, advocacy isn’t just a professional skill—it’s a calling. She believes AFA must amplify its voice on Capitol Hill and across the country to ensure Airmen, Guardians, and their Families are heard. 

“Challenging the status quo in how we do advocacy is probably where I can be the most effective and helpful in driving change in this organization,” she said. “We can be a much more powerful voice in Washington, D.C., and across the country by focusing on advocacy.” 

Her decades of experience working with Congress and senior Pentagon leaders give her the tools to achieve that goal. And her vision builds on existing AFA efforts such as AFA AIMS (Advocates to Inspire Military Service). By strengthening and expanding such programs, Ferguson aims to position AFA as a trusted voice for the Total Force. 

4. Building a Stronger, More Viable AFA 

Ferguson has already left her mark on the Association. Since joining the Board in 2021 as a Chairman Appointed Director, she played a key role in securing AFA’s new headquarters—a modern, collaborative facility that reflects the organization’s expanding mission.  

“One of my most critical contributions to the Board has been to advocate for selling the old building in Rosslyn and moving the staff into a brand-new renovated facility with the technology they need to move forward,” she said. 

Ferguson’s Vision for the Association 

With her deep roots in both military life and federal service, Ferguson is poised to guide AFA through a pivotal chapter—strengthening its advocacy, supporting its families, amplifying its voice, and building a vibrant future. 

In outlining her vision, Ferguson named four objectives that will guide her leadership: 

1. Increase membership and ensure AFA’s voice is heard. 
2. Continue supporting Airmen, Guardians, Families, and civilians. 
3. Diversify revenue to sustain long-term viability. 
4. Promote AFA more broadly to expand its visibility and influence. 

These priorities reflect both the challenges and opportunities ahead. 

“I want to help lead this organization over the next three years to bring my experience to help improve the viability of AFA for the long term. [I will] continue to support our Airmen, our Families, our Guardians, and the civilians who work side by side with our military members each and every day,” Ferguson said.