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 a number of 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 serves on the National Presbyterian School Board of Trustees. She previously served on 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 McLean, 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.

Prior to joining Delta in September 2013, Bob Letteney was the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Aviation and International Affairs at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). In addition to his experience at DOT, Bob spent significant time on Capitol Hill, where he worked for Senator Edward Kennedy, served as Chief of Staff to Representative Martin Meehan (D-MA) and also worked on the Committee on Appropriations for Chairman John Olver (D-MA). He also was a Mike Mansfield Fellow and worked in the Ministry of Transport in Tokyo, Japan.

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.​

Julie Oettinger joined Delta Air Lines in January 2015 where she holds the position of Managing Director, International Regulatory and Policy. She is based in the Hague, Netherlands.

Prior to that, Julie Oettinger served from June 2010 to November 2014 as Assistant Administrator for International, Policy and the Environment at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in Washington, DC. Prior to joining FAA, Ms. Oettinger was Managing Director for International and Regulatory Affairs at United Airlines.

Ms. Oettinger previously served as Assistant General Counsel at US Airways from 1998 to 2002 where she was responsible for all international legal affairs and all regulatory matters. Ms. Oettinger also was Attorney Advisor in the Legal Advisor’s Office at the U.S. Department of State where she was Legal Advisor to the aviation negotiation team, Special Assistant to the Under Secretary for International Security Affairs and Legal Advisor at the U.S. Embassy Panama.

Ms. Oettinger received a B.A. from Tufts University and a J.D. from the University of Michigan.

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.

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 response for the 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.

Humberto Lopez-Mata joined Delta Air Lines in October 2018 as Director International and Regulatory Affairs and is responsible for overseeing regulatory matters and leading Delta Air Lines’ government affairs strategy in Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America.

Before joining Delta Air Lines, Mr. Lopez-Mata worked at White & Case Miami office as an associate from October 2011 to October 2018 and as international associate from September 2007 to August 2009. Mr. Lopez-Mata’s primary practice areas included aircraft finance, bank finance, derivatives and general corporate work, with a focus on cross-border transactions in Latin America. Mr. Lopez-Mata worked closely with White & Case Mexico City office, providing active support on complex Mexico-based transactions.

Until June of 2006, Mr. Lopez-Mata served as Legal Vice President of Aeromexico, the flag carrier airline of Mexico, where he was in charge of the legal aspects of the company's aviation and financial affairs.

Until June of 2004, Mr. Lopez-Mata served as a senior in-house attorney at Grupo Bimbo, the largest Mexican-owned baking company and one of the largest bakery companies in the world. Mr. Lopez-Mata was responsible for the company’s corporate governance and was involved in a wide variety of financial and commercial transactions, including derivatives, mergers and acquisitions and software licensing agreements.

Until July of 2002, Mr. Lopez-Mata acted as Deputy Legal Director at Mexico's deposit insurance entity, the Instituto para la Protección al Ahorro Bancario (IPAB). At IPAB, Mr. Lopez-Mata participated in the development and implementation of bailout procedures for major Mexican financial institutions (Grupo Financiero Serfin and BanCrecer) and a Mexican pension fund (Afore BanCrecer-Dresdner), arbitration procedures on behalf of the Mexican government, and the drafting and negotiation of credit agreements.

Mr. Lopez-Mata began his professional career at a boutique law firm in Mexico City, where he was actively involved in civil and commercial litigation and bankruptcy.

Jana Lozano joined Delta Air Lines in 2022 as Director of Policy. She comes to Delta from the third largest airport, Denver International, where she served as Director of Federal Affairs.

Prior to that, Jana spent nearly a decade with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), most recently as Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for Government and Industry Affairs. In that role she advised the FAA Administrator and leadership on matters concerning Congress, federal agencies, and aviation industry groups. She also served as the primary point of contact for Members of Congress, Senators, and Congressional Committees on airport infrastructure, aviation safety, workforce development and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), among other aviation policy issues.

Jana also coordinated with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and participated in interagency efforts to ensure consistency on broader government initiatives. In 2018 she was selected for a detail assignment to the Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee under the House of Representatives’ Appropriations Committee and participated in drafting a $71 billion annual appropriations bill to fund DOT and related agencies.

Prior to joining the FAA, Jana worked for the University of Texas System’s Office of Federal Relations advocating for legislative goals and federal research funding benefiting UT’s nine universities and six health institutions.

Jana began her career working for former U.S. Representative Solomon P. Ortiz where she was promoted to Legislative Director.

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 joined Delta Air Lines in 2018 having worked at the intersection of politics and communications for nearly 20 years.

Today her leadership spans across Delta working alongside government affairs, corporate and employee communications, marketing, global sales, legal, compliance, investor relations, and sustainability. 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 strategies and campaigns to bolster Delta’s advocacy efforts in Washington and beyond.

Over the years Lisa has 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.

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

Sophie Hayashi joined Delta Air Lines in January 2021 where she holds the position of Manager, International and Regulatory Affairs. She is based in Washington, D.C. Sophie began her career in aviation as a Legal Extern at Delta while in law school. Before rejoining Delta, Sophie was a Law Clerk at the United States Department of Justice Consumer Protection Branch. Most recently, Sophie was the Staff Attorney to the Office of the General Counsel at Airlines for America (A4A).

Ms. Hayashi has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Indiana University, a Master of Science in Crisis and Security Management from Leiden University, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida.

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 Johnson joined Delta Air Lines in 2022 after working as Communications Director in the office of Georgia Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan. Prior to that she worked as an external affairs consultant for the Georgia Student Finance Commission, primarily focusing on media relations. She has also served as an aid, policy coordinator and communications associate within the Georgia Senate.

Emma is a Georgia native and a graduate of the Women’s College at Brenau University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in history/political science. She holds a master’s degree in strategic communications from Troy University.

Jenna began her career with Delta Air Lines more than 15 years ago working in various roles in Delta’s Operations Customer Center and Flight Operations. She transitioned to the Delta flight deck as a pilot in 2016, and currently flies as a first officer on the Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft throughout Delta’s worldwide network.

In addition to flying, Jenna serves as Manager, Government Affairs overseeing program management and budgets in support of Delta’s lobbying and advocacy teams and importantly, is a liaison to Members of Congress and their staff who regularly fly Delta.

Previously Jenna served as the Special Assistant to the Vice President and Chief Pilot for Delta, assisting with pilot hiring, regulatory compliance, labor agreements, and policy and communications for over 15,000 pilots. Prior to that, she was the Special Assistant to the Managing Director of Line Operations, where she was an expert in day-today flight operations, operational performance, and authored routine and time critical policies to the pilot group.

Jenna is a military officer and aircraft commander and instructor pilot on the C-17 Globemaster aircraft in the United States Air Force Reserves. She holds a Master’s of Aeronautical Science from Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University and is from Atlanta, GA.

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.

Kate Morgan joined Delta Air Lines in 2022 as Senior Analyst, Government Affairs and Sustainability. Prior to joining Delta, Kate spent five years working at the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the nation’s largest private conservation grant-maker. Her responsibilities focused on water and species conservation, while working collaboratively with landowners and multi-sectoral stakeholders.

Kate is originally from Ohio and got her BS in engineering management and sustainability from Miami University (OH). She will receive her graduate degree in environmental resource policy and a certificate in geographic information systems from George Washington University in May of 2023.

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.

Jenn McNeely is a special assignment flight attendant embedded with Delta’s federal government affairs team. In this role Jenn works to provide subject matter expertise on flight attendant priorities and directly engages in employee advocacy, DE&I, and anti-human trafficking initiatives on behalf of Delta with Members of Congress. Jenn also monitors legislative and regulatory policy issues impacting flight attendants and collects feedback from across the In-Flight organization to advocate for flight attendants before Congress.

In addition, Jenn continues to fly and serve as an operating experience (OE) evaluator for new-hire flight attendants. During her four years as a Delta flight attendant, Jenn has also served as an OE evaluator and a member of the In-Flight Hospitality Support Team.

Jenn brings a wealth of experience in regulatory and government affairs on the federal and state level, having served in all three branches of Georgia's state government and as an intern in Washington, D.C. Originally from East Point, Georgia, Jenn has an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Georgia State University and is a graduate of the University of Georgia School of Law.

Jenn is active in her community as an alumnus of Lead Atlanta and enjoys reading and cooking in her free time.

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.

Fawn Torcisi joined Delta Air Lines in 2019 having worked in the airline industry for over 20 years. Fawn spent time at Northwest Airlines as a government affairs executive assistant, working through the merger with Delta. Prior to joining Delta’s Government Affairs Department, Fawn worked as a supervisor, overseeing congressional travel and customer service for Northwest at Washington’s Reagan National Airport. Her airline experience also includes Southwest Airlines, where she served as Station Administrator at one of Southwest’s largest hubs, Baltimore Washington International Airport. In addition to her career in the airline industry, Fawn previously worked in the hospitality industry for Hilton and Marriott, serving in the finance and accounting departments as an accounting specialist. Fawn holds a BS degree from University of Maryland, College Park in Business Management and Marketing.