About Us
Who We Are
Ventura Defense Industry Forum (VDIF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building stronger partnerships between the Department of Defense, defense contractors, and local governments. For over three years, we have served as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and mutual growth — enabling stakeholders to come together to address emerging security challenges and drive the future of national defense.
Winning the Future Fight:
Building the Secure, Agile, and Dominant Defense Ecosystem
A cross-service program squarely focused on faster acquisition, continued tech dominance, resilient supply chains, combat readiness, cyber strength, servicemember support, sustainable infrastructure, and the Nation’s industrial mobilization. Accelerating the pace of National Security and Defense accomplishments by ensuring the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) are secure, agile, technologically superior, and workforce-enabled, delivering advanced capabilities at speed and scale, independent of adversarial supply chains, and resilient under both peacetime and wartime conditions.
Our Mission
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To facilitate ongoing collaboration among defense industry participants, governmental agencies, and local municipalities.
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To foster innovation and the development of mission‐focused solutions through workshops, forums, and technology showcases.
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To ensure that all stakeholders, including small businesses, have access to opportunities in the defense ecosystem.
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To bridge regional and national policy goals with tactical and operational needs for stronger national security.
Our Values
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Integrity – Transparency and accountability in everything we do.
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Innovation – Encouraging new ideas, solutions, and technologies.
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Collaboration – Bringing parties together; fostering shared knowledge and joint efforts.
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Inclusivity – Ensuring participation from small and large entities, diverse regions.
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Excellence in Impact – Delivering measurable benefits for national defense and supporting communities.
The Team
Brandon Jones – Executive Director
Over 20 years of leadership experience in defense and technology sectors. Brandon oversees VDIF’s strategic direction and partnerships with government and industry stakeholders.
Sarah Mitchell – Director of Programs
Expert in defense procurement and program management. Sarah designs and manages VDIF workshops, forums, and innovation showcases.
David Chen – Technology Advisor
Specialist in AI, cybersecurity, and unmanned systems. David guides VDIF’s tech initiatives and ensures members stay ahead of emerging innovations.
Maria Lopez – Community & Government Liaison
Strong background in municipal governance and public policy. Maria connects local governments with defense contractors and agencies.
James Parker – Small Business Advocate
Dedicated to ensuring SMEs have access to defense opportunities. James provides mentorship and resource navigation for small business members.
Ayesha Khan – Communications & Outreach Manager
Manages VDIF’s brand presence, media relations, and community outreach efforts. Ayesha ensures VDIF’s mission and impact are visible to the wider audience.
Why VDIF Matters
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Defense challenges are becoming more complex; cross‐sector collaboration is no longer optional.
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Local governments and small businesses often lack direct access to Defense Department pathways — VDIF serves as a bridge.
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Innovation (cybersecurity, AI, unmanned systems etc.) needs forums to grow, standards to emerge, and partnerships to be built.