Growing up a young Dawgs fan in Jacksonville, Florida, Andrew Dill had no idea how tied his life would be to the University of Georgia—or the impact he would eventually have on his alma mater.
Although he considered other universities, the decision was never truly in question—deep down, he always knew exactly where he belonged.
“I grew up a Georgia fan; my dad was a Georgia fan. I’ve been coming to Georgia games since I was 3 years old,” Dill says. “The heart was always on UGA.”
From his first days on campus, Dill BBA ’06, AB ’07 recognized that no other institution could match the experience and network UGA offers. He quickly found a group of influential mentors to guide his future.
After graduating with dual degrees in risk management and insurance, and political science, Dill returned to Florida. He’d found a job in insurance that provided financial security.
But this didn’t sit well with one of Dill’s most trusted mentors, Earl Leonard ABJ ’58, LLB ’61, executive-in-residence at UGA’s Terry College of Business and former senior vice president at The Coca-Cola Company. Leonard shared blunt advice.
If you take the job that pays the most, someone’s going to pass you because they built their experience, Leonard told him. And in five years, they’re going to blow past you because they have the talent and skillset they needed to be successful.
Leonard’s words gave Dill the push he needed to change course. He landed in the office of the late Sen. Johnny Isakson BBA ’66, where he worked as a staffer and became well-versed in the essentials of government relations.
Then, yet another mentor, Trey Paris AB ’84, MBA ’85, opened a new door and guided Dill toward General Electric in California. He began his journey at the intersection of business and politics, navigating industry-impacting policies and building relationships with policymakers to shape and respond to regulatory shifts.
What UGA built in the College of Engineering here is phenomenal. The quality of students we’re hiring from Georgia—they’re not only brilliant engineers but also team leaders.” — Andrew Dill, director of government relations at Lockheed Martin
Rising through the ranks, Dill eventually served as director of government relations at GE until 2012.
That’s when Dill felt the call to return to UGA. As director of federal relations, he helped establish the Chambliss Leadership Forum, named for former Sen. Saxby Chambliss BBA ’66. The forum funded student participation in the Washington Semester Program. Dill also helped establish the university’s 40 Under 40 award. (Both Dill and his wife, Caitlyn Cooper Dill AB ’07, later received 40 Under 40 awards.) He continues to serve as a mentor to UGA staff and students alike.
Today, Dill leads government relations for Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth, Texas-based aeronautics division, managing extensive U.S. operations, including a key presence in Marietta. In this role, he coordinates with domestic and international partners; oversees major initiatives like the F-16 fighter production line in Greenville, South Carolina; and guides efforts within the innovative Skunk Works division, known for pioneering advanced and experimental aircraft technologies.
Dill’s work involves meeting with local, state, and federal government partners to address everything from noise complaints to complex aircraft deliveries. His role also involves collaborating with foreign defense representatives on Lockheed Martin aircraft use in national defense programs.
Though his job keeps him busy, Dill always makes time to give back to UGA, the institution he credits with his success. A frequent guest speaker in classes taught by Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor Audrey Haynes ABJ ’87, MA ’91 and Richard B. Russell Professor Charles Bullock (another of his collegiate mentors), Dill also stays in touch with Delta Hall, the home base for Washington Semester students in D.C.
Additionally, Dill works closely with the UGA College of Engineering, which serves as a growing pipeline for future Lockheed Martin employees.
“What UGA built in the College of Engineering here is phenomenal,” he says. “The quality of students we’re hiring from Georgia—they’re not only brilliant engineers but also team leaders.”
