The National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) has announced the appointment of Jessica Nagasako as Director of Government Affairs. This newly created position is responsible for the development and delivery of ongoing advocacy and communications to Federal policymakers and other aviation stakeholders about the concerns and needs of state aviation as part of our national aviation system.
Prior to joining NASAO, Jessica served three years as a communications consultant for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Previously, she served as a political appointee at VA’s Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs and U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Policy. Nagasako also worked for eight years in the United States Senate, where she served as a Legislative Assistant to Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) where she advised on security and economic issues, including aviation, travel and tourism, homeland security, and appropriations. She also served as Professional Staff Member on the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs’ Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management. In this position, she advised the subcommittee chairman on issues pertaining to transportation security, biosecurity, agriculture security, and emergency management.
“We are excited about the skills and experiences that Jessica brings to NASAO’s advocacy efforts, and look forward to ever expanded success in working with the Congress and new Administration to advance the interests of the states in the governance and funding of aviation ” commented NASAO President and CEO Greg Pecoraro.
Nagasako grew up in Lahaina, HI, and graduated from Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, CA with a degree in government and psychology.
NASAO is dedicated to representing the interests of the states and the public before policymakers at the federal level. Its goal is to ensure the nation has a safe, secure, efficient, and well-funded aviation system as a powerful economic engine for growth and job creation across the nation. NASAO is the only organization deeply invested in representing the public interest in all facets of aviation and airports. NASAO members organize, promote and fund a wide variety of aviation programs across the nation.
