Virginia governor names new aviation department director

Mark Flynn

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam recently named Mark Flynn director of the Virginia Department of Aviation.

Flynn was sworn into the position after the governor’s inauguration Jan. 13. He replaces Randy Burdette who retired from the agency after 13 years as director.

“Mark Flynn has been a strong advocate for aviation and is well versed in the key issues facing aviation in the Commonwealth today,” Burdette said. “I believe he is the right person to capitalize on the hard work and achievements we have made together and to lead our aviation industry into even more accomplishments and higher achievements.”

Flynn is a general aviation pilot and provides local government legal services through his law firm, Woodley & Flynn. He previously was city attorney for Winchester and county attorney in Tazewell County and is a former president of the Virginia Local Government Attorney’s Association.

Flynn served with the Virginia Municipal League for 18 years as general counsel and chief lobbyist. He is the 2013 recipient of the Edward Finnegan Award for Distinguished Service from the Virginia Local Government Attorney’s Association.

In retirement, Burdette plans to volunteer with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, his local Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter and with Pilots N Paws.