Central Virginia National Security Alliance
Mission
The Central Virginia National Security Alliance (formerly the Defense Affairs Committee) strengthens the local national security ecosystem and advocates at the State and Federal level for national security-related business attraction, retention and growth in partnership with Central Virginia economic development professionals.
History
NGIC Change of Command – July 2025
In 2009, the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce established the Defense Enterprise Round Table. Renamed in 2019, the Chamber Defense Affairs Committee (DAC), has become the leading defense intelligence enterprise advocate in the Charlottesville area. On June 27, the CVPED Board approved becoming the new home of the DAC. The move aimed to increase regional economic growth in the defense and broader national security sectors by expanding the geographic reach and impact of the DAC across nine Central Virginia localities. In this expanded role, in 2026 the DAC Council voted to change the name to Central Virginia National Security Alliance (CVNSA).
Upcoming National Security Events
- April 9, 2026: VIPC SBIR/STTR Funding Programs
- April 23-24: Tom Tom Innovation Summit
- April 24, 2026: 2026 University of Virginia Venture Capital Conference
- May 5, 2026: NSF SBIR/STTR Proposal Perp Workshop
- May 11-13, 2026: ADC50 – Summit + Celebration
- May 21, 2026: DoD/DoW SBIR/STTR Proposal Prep Workshop
- June 23, 2026: AFCEA Data Centric Summit
- Find Intelligence and National Security Alliance Events here
News
- July 18, 2025 – National Ground Intelligence Center Welcomes New Commander
- February 18, 2026 – CVNSA and Albemarle County Present Before the Virginia General Assembly Military and Veteran’s Caucus
Business Resources
- IARPA
- DARPA
- Air Force Acquisition
- Office of Research Naval Research
- Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation
Economic Impact
In 2023, UVA’s Weldon Cooper Center released a study on the economic impact of the defense sector across the City of Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and Greene County. The findings revealed a total economic impact – direct, indirect, and induced – of $1.2 billion, supporting 7,347 jobs, generating $618 million in labor income, and contributing $831 million in value added. The defense sector now ranks alongside biotech as the region’s second-largest economic driver.
Click to open or download the report.
Provide National Security Business Feedback
CVNSA Leadership Council
Rebecca Ivins, UVA Foundation, Chair
Emily Kilroy, Albemarle County, Vice Chair
Helen Cauthen, Central Virginia Partnership for Economic Development
Chris Engel, City of Charlottesville
Adrian Felts, Mantel Technologies
Rob Jones, UVA Office of Research Security
Eddie Karoliussen, Four Corners Real Estate Solutions
CSM Rosemary Leath (Ret. USA), Booz Allen Hamilton
Julie Perry, Orange County
Matt Daum, Hourigan
Alan Yost, Greene County
Director, Central Virginia National Security Alliance
Miles Davis II, Central Virginia Partnership for Economic Development
[email protected]
434-979-5610 x107