Jay Neely

John J. "Jay" Neely III is Chairman of the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance (GADA), providing strategic leadership to the statewide organization representing Georgia's aerospace and defense manufacturers and suppliers. With more than 27 years of experience in aerospace and manufacturing, Jay brings a unique combination of industry leadership, legal expertise, government affairs, and economic development experience to advancing Georgia's aerospace and defense industry

Jay retired in 2025 from Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, where he served as Vice President of Law & Public Affairs, after over 25 years with the company. His Law responsibilities included management of the Legal Department, its lawyers, and other personnel and advising executive leadership on complex aircraft sales, global supplier contracts, regulatory compliance, risk management, and strategic business matters. His Public Affairs responsibilities included leading the company's state and local government relations and community engagement efforts, including economic development and policy advocacy supporting facility expansions and business growth.

Following his retirement, Jay began a part-time law practice with SC Law Group, a boutique firm advising on aircraft sales, leasing, and management structures; aerospace & defense supply-chain and commercial contracting; intellectual property; and government relations.

Jay also serves as Chairman of the Georgia Department of Economic Development Board of Directors, a position to which he was appointed by Governor Nathan Deal and reappointed by Governor Brian Kemp. He serves on the boards of the Corporate Aircraft Association, University System of Georgia Foundation, Russell Foundation, Telfair Museums, and Georgia Public Policy Foundation.

An accomplished aviator, Jay holds an FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, previously held FAA Flight Instructor Certificates (CFI/II/MEI) and has more than 4,650 hours of flight experience. He actively flies RV-8, TBM 850, and King Air 90/200 aircraft on personal business and as a professional pilot.

He holds a bachelor's degree in economics and history from Vanderbilt University and a law degree, cum laude, from the University of Georgia School of Law