Philip Van Cleave
President
Philip is the President of VCDL, and has served the organization and membership in this capacity since 2001. He became active in 2nd Amendment advocacy in 1995, and is the primary lobbyist for VCDL. He's been honored many times for his activism, including being named the Gun Rights Defender of the Month in June of 2004 by the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and bear Arms.
Philip has a masters degree in computer science and has a small software company. He served as a reserve deputy sheriff in San Antonio, TX for seven years before moving to Virginia in 1980.
The best way to keep up with Philip is through X.com, where you can find him as @VCDL_ORG
(804) 639-0600
president@vcdl.org
I am the official voice for VCDL, including lobbying at the Virginia General Assembly and composing our free email service, the VA-ALERT.
I work with our dedicated team to help draft favorable 2A-related legislation, and find sponsors for our bills. I speak in committee meetings for or against bills that concern us. Part of this process is compiling the Legislative Analysis, a packet we present to every Delegate and Senator on our annual Lobby Day.
Throughout the year, I hold membership meetings around the state. These are open to the public, and we discuss current 2A events while we enjoy fellowship.
Work Experience
2020-2021
Advisor, South Company
In this position, I led a team of more than 40 professional and volunteer staff members, from various company departments.
2019-2020
Advisor, South Company
In this position, I led a team of more than 40 professional and volunteer staff members, from various company departments.
2018-2019
Project manager, East Company
In this position, I led a team of more than 40 professional and volunteer staff members, from various company departments.
Education
2014-2018
New York University
MBA in International Studies and Economics
2010-2014
Texas University
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (BAIS)
Professional skills
Entrepreneurial Mindset
Go-to-Market Planning
Teamwork & Collaboration
Digital Analytics
Other team members
Joe Thomas
Eric Zehr
John Commerford
Chris Stone
Philip Van Cleave
Gilbert Ambler
John Pierce, Esq.
Brendan Mooney
