RICHMOND, Va. — Command Chief Master Sgt. James J. Profita will succeed Command Sgt. Maj. Alan Ferris as the Virginia National Guard’s command senior enlisted leader, according to an announcement made Jan. 24, 2019, by Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia. Ferris now serves as the command sergeant major for the 29th Infantry Division, and Profita serves as senior enlisted leader for strategy and policy and senior enlisted Guard advisor at Headquarters U.S. European Command. His assignment as CSEL is effective April 1, 2019.
“CMSgt Profita’s incredible depth and diversity of experience make him uniquely suited to lead our enlisted force at this most senior level,” Williams wrote in the announcement. “He has ably served at the flight, squadron, group and wing levels, including multiple deployments, first sergeant experience and assignments with Joint Forces Command and United States Africa Command. I look forward to partnering with him as we continue to drive our organization to excellence.”
The CSEL serves as the principle advisor to the Adjutant General on matters of health, welfare, morale, professional development, good order and discipline and the effective employment of the state’s enlisted members of the Virginia Army and Air National Guard.
Profita enlisted in the Air Force in 1992 and completed basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, that October. Upon graduation, he went to Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, and graduated from information management and received his duty assignment to the U.S. Air Force Mobility Center at Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina. He transferred to the Virginia Air National Guard in January 1994, under the Palace Chase program and joined the 200th Weather Flight.
Profita mobilized in 2001 and was stationed at the 28th Operational Weather Squadron at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. After returning to Virginia, he became the 200th WF station chief. He was selected to be a first sergeant in 2006, and went on to serve at the squadron, group and wing levels. Profita also served as the 192nd Mission Support Group Superintendent, 192nd Fighter Wing at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.
During his tenure in the Guard, Profita volunteered for many stateside and overseas deployments, such as Operations Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle. He has also had temporary assignments with the United States Joint Forces Command and the United States Africa Command.
In his civilian career, Profita served in many different leadership roles over the last 22 years with the Chesterfield County Police Department. He attained the rank of lieutenant and serves as a unit commander.