Lucas Hitt, Senior Associate and Director of Business Development, works with clients in a variety of the firm's practice areas. Building on his experience and expertise in public policy, legislative strategy, appropriations and political advocacy, Lucas also works with clients and prospective clients to identify their needs and develop creative and innovative strategies making use of Rhoads' capabilities. Prior to joining The Rhoads Group, Lucas spent several years as an advocate for the men, women and families of the U.S. Air Force in his capacity as Associate Director of Government Relations at the Air Force Association (AFA). In that role, he was responsible for the implementation of the overall government relations program, as well as policy development coordination for the Association's full spectrum of legislative issues affecting the Air Force, its corporate family, and U.S. National Security. As a member of the Association's headquarters staff, Lucas was a regular speaker and writer on topics of interest to the Association's membership, including personnel issues, and served as the Association's representative to The Military Coalition, Washington's preeminent voice on military and veteran's issues. Additionally during this time, Lucas was appointed to the Department of Defense's TRICARE for Life Legislative Working Group; the Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary's Advisory Panel, and the Partnership for Veterans Education.