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THE HAMPTON ROADS MILITARY AND FEDERAL FACILITIES ALLIANCE
Regional Advocacy for Federal Investment

Rick Dwyer - Executive Director

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Rick Dwyer serves as the Executive Director of the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance, a public-private partnership dedicated to attracting, retaining, and growing federal facilities in Hampton Roads, Virginia.  Prior to becoming Executive Director, he served 6 years as the HRMFFA Deputy Executive Director.

Rick is a 1996 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO where he earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.  He also holds master’s degrees in construction engineering and management from Virginia Tech, and military operational art and science from Air University.

A career Air Force officer, Rick served over 20 years on active duty as a civil engineer and worked in a number of installation level, RED HORSE (heavy construction unit), major command and Headquarters Air Force engineer positions.  As an Air Force civil engineer, he gained extensive experience working on facilities, infrastructure, environmental, housing, emergency management, fire emergency services, and explosive ordnance disposal issues.  He commanded three civil engineer squadrons within the continental United States and in the Southwest Asia area of operations.  As the Base Civil Engineer, Rick worked closely with surrounding communities on issues such as strategic planning, encroachment management and transportation issues.  He also deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, special operations throughout Southwest Asia, and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in Afghanistan.  Prior to his retirement from military service in 2016, Mr. Dwyer most recently served on the Headquarters Air Combat Command and Installation and Mission Support Center staffs at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA.

Mr. Dwyer assumed his current duties in July of 2022.

 

Todd Nichols - Deputy Executive Director

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Todd Nichols serves as the Deputy Executive Director of the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance (HRMFFA), where he plays a pivotal role in advocating for federal investment and policy initiatives that benefit Hampton Roads. His extensive experience and leadership are instrumental in advancing HRMFFA’s mission to attract, retain, and grow federal capabilities within the region.

Before joining HRMFFA, Todd had a distinguished career in the United States Navy, enlisting, earning a commission, and retiring as a Captain after 40 years of service. His naval career included significant operational leadership roles on submarines, aircraft carriers, and nuclear repair facilities where he developed expertise in nuclear propulsion plants, shipbuilding and ship repair. These were complemented by assignments in the U.S. Navy’s Policy and Program Management, manpower distribution, and training nuclear operators.

In his current role at HRMFFA, Todd works closely with the Virginia Governor's staff, General Assembly members, and U.S. Congressional Delegation to influence federal policy, legislation, and appropriations. He has fostered strong relationships with local, state, and federal government officials, as well as industry leaders. These collaborations have led to successful initiatives that support the sustainability and growth of military and federal facilities in the area.

His efforts are focused on securing funding for critical infrastructure projects and accruing military installation missions, ensuring the region remains a vital hub for national defense, coupled with strategic and economic benefits from federal investments. Todd is committed to engaging with the local community to raise awareness about the importance of federal facilities and their impact on the region. He has organized and participated in numerous outreach events, fostering a strong sense of community support for HRMFFA's mission. Through his strategic advocacy and collaboration efforts, his work ensures that the region's needs and priorities are represented at the highest levels of government. 

Mr. Nichols assumed his current duties at the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance in December 2022.