Lt. Col. Rob Riggle, USMC (Ret), is an actor, comedian, writer, producer, and director with more than 15 years in comedy. Known for roles in “The Hangover” and “Step Brothers,” he also starred on “Saturday Night Live” and “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.” He recently hosted the hit ABC series “Holey Moley.” Film credits include “The Other Guys,” “21 Jump Street,” “22 Jump Street,” “Dumb and Dumber To,” and “Night School.” Rob earned acclaim for his dramatic roles in “12 Strong” and “Midnight Sun.” He served 23 years in the Marine Corps, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in theater and film from the University of Kansas as well as a Master of Public Administration from Webster University.

1 Degree of Separation is a groundbreaking suicide-prevention training program that uses comedy to address serious issues. Since January 2019, it has been presented at 200-plus events across 15 states, impacting audiences from middle schoolers to senior military officers. The program recently signed a contract with the Navy for 125 days of global events over the next 18 months.

1 Degree has performed at numerous military bases and veterans events, including a keynote at the VA/DOD Suicide Prevention Conference. With a documentary in progress and a book deal signed, 1 Degree continues to save lives by teaching people how to talk about depression and suicide through laughter and conversation.

Brian Alvarado serves as the director of military spouse programs at Hiring Our Heroes, a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation initiative addressing military spouse unemployment through grassroots engagement and public-private partnerships. He leads workforce programs and events that create sustainable employment pathways for military families, and he manages partnerships with senior military, government, and business leaders. Alvarado is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public policy at Georgetown University and was the 2018 U.S. Navy Spouse of the Year. He lives near Washington, D.C., with his husband, Matthew, a retiree of the Navy.

Josh Andrews, a certified financial planner, is an advice director for USAA, where he focuses on ensuring the company is equipped to best serve military members as they make decisions that impact their financial security. Andrews served for 11 years on active duty in the Air Force and for nine years in the Air Force Reserve, retiring in June of 2020 after 20 years of service. He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a master’s degree in financial planning from Kansas State University.

Michael Arnold is a fellow through Stanford University’s Bochnowski Family Veteran Fellowship Program as well as a principal consultant with technology provider LMI’s Human Capital Strategy division. He previously served as deputy director of the U.S. Army Talent Management Task Force, a role in which he helped the service acquire, develop, employ, and retain its total force by piloting a personnel system that moved beyond subjective evaluation systems and toward objective-based assessment tools.

Lena Asmar is the vice president of human services at the New England Center and Home for Veterans. She is the driving force behind the center’s innovative behavioral health, case management, peer support, housing, and employment service programs for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. She holds a master's degree in social work from Simmons University and is a licensed and independent clinical social worker. Asmar also serves on Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Veterans Services’ End Veteran Homelessness Advisory Group. The state’s governor has appointed her to Massachusetts’ Community Behavioral Health Promotion and Prevention Commission. She is an experienced CARF Surveyor, accrediting Veteran programs.

Col. Robert “Gator” Ator, USAF (Ret), was appointed to serve as the secretary of veterans affairs for the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs. Ator also serves on the Cabinet of Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Prior to this role, he served as the director of military affairs for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. Ator retired from military service as the commander of the 189th Airlift Wing at Little Rock AFB in Jacksonville, Ark. He is a command pilot with more than 28 years of experience and is a veteran of numerous combat operations.

Lt. Col. Nick Barringer, USA (Ret), Ph.D., is an expert in kinesiology, nutrition, and performance optimization. He holds a doctorate from Texas A&M University with advanced degrees in exercise science and dietetics. As a registered dietitian, a certified strength and conditioning specialist, and a certified specialist in sports dietetics, he has led military nutrition research, serving as program director for the joint Army-Baylor University graduate program in nutrition and as an assistant professor at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. His military background includes service with the 75th Ranger Regiment, deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and extensive research in performance nutrition, supplementation, human performance, tactical athlete resilience, and warfighter readiness strategies.

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JoAnne “Jo” Bass is a trailblazing leader, trusted advisor, and nationally recognized voice in purpose-driven leadership. As the 19th chief master sergeant of the Air Force — the first woman to hold the highest enlisted position in any U.S. military branch — she shaped strategy, culture, and the future of the force. Today, she leads The Bass Group, serves on multiple nonprofit boards, and advises executives and organizations on leadership, national security, and workforce transformation. A champion for veterans, military families, and the next generation of leaders, Bass brings clarity, courage, and connection to every stage and mission.

After a 20-year career as a Marine Corps artillery officer, Ryan Bauman served in a variety of roles across the higher education industry. He currently serves as the community engagement director for Our Community Salutes, a national nonprofit organization. In this role, Ryan plans and organizes community-based recognition events across the country for young men and women enlisting in all branches of the U.S. armed forces.

Peter Belk is the acting assistant secretary of war for readiness. He supports the secretary of war and the undersecretary of war for personnel and readiness on matters related to military readiness. He also develops policies and plans, provides advice, and makes recommendations related to executing the National Defense Strategy. He has held prominent national security positions in the departments of War and State. Belk also served in the Army as a civil affairs and military intelligence officer. He is a New Jersey native, an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan, and the proud son of an Air Force lieutenant colonel and C-130 pilot.

Harrison Bernstein is the founder and CEO of Soldiers To Sidelines, which helps servicemembers, veterans, military spouses, and Gold Star families discover a renewed sense of purpose as character-based sports coaches in their communities. He is also an author and podcast host. His experience includes coaching football teams and providing sports performance services within the NFL as well as NCAA divisions I, II, and III. He taught for nine years in the graduate-level exercise science program at George Washington University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Johns Hopkins University and is currently working toward a master’s degree in applied positive psychology at the University of Pennsylvania.

Jody Bergstrom is the founder and CEO of Camp Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing quality-of-life strategies for servicemembers, veterans, and their families. A former military spouse and the mother of two military-connected children, her family served through eight deployments and mobilizations. With more than 20 years of corporate and nonprofit leadership, Bergstrom is nationally recognized for translating high-level priorities into actionable community impact. She leads multi-sector collaborations in workforce, education, and family support, building scalable, innovative solutions that strengthen communities.

Scott Blackburn is a senior partner at McKinsey & Co. and chairman of the firm’s U.S. government-focused team. For more than 20 years, he has led performance and culture transformations in the government and private sector. A fourth-generation U.S. Army veteran, Scott served in several roles at the VA from 2014 to 2018, including as chief transformation officer, interim deputy secretary, and chief information officer. He remains active in the veteran community, supporting over two dozen nonprofits pro bono. He sits on the boards of Student Veterans of America, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, VETSports, the Concussion Legacy Foundation, and The Golden Heart Fund.

Trying to marry his passion for cars and cameras, AJ Bleyer began shooting automotive videos with his high school friends. His work caught the attention of local dealerships, and at 22 he left Apple to pursue filmmaking full time. He founded Advent Films and became a trusted shooter for the likes of Ferrari, McLaren F1, Aston Martin, Red Bull, Riot Games, Amazon, and more. Despite rejection from every film school, AJ was accepted into the Directors Guild of America as one of its youngest directors at 27. Known for dynamic angles and unforgiving attention to detail, he specializes in action-packed commercials with vehicle stunts, pyrotechnics, skydiving, and low-flying helicopters — pretty much anything that freaks out his parents.

Brad Bonar is an experienced comedian with a strong track record in the entertainment industry. Known for his sharp wit and heartfelt storytelling, he blends humor with purpose in his show One Degree of Separation: A Funny Look at Suicide and Depression, offering a powerful and relatable take on mental health. Beyond the stage, Brad is skilled in business planning, coaching, entrepreneurship, and team building. A proud graduate of the School of Hard Knocks, he brings real-world insight and a passion for connecting with audiences to every performance, inspiring laughter, reflection, and hope.

Brian Bosché is the president of John Maxwell’s company, Maxwell Leadership. Brian has been called “the next generation of motivators” by the Zig Ziglar and Napoleon Hill foundations. Bosché is the co-founder of The Purpose Company’s assessment, The Purpose Factor, which is the first scalable purpose discovery tool. Bosché is a bestselling author and TEDx speaker, and he has been featured on SiriusXM and in USA Today for his work on purpose and leadership development. He helps leaders discover who they are, who they are meant to help, and how to use their purpose to become optimized leaders.

Gabrielle Bosché is the CEO of The Purpose Company, which offers consultancy and goal-setting services for individual leaders and teams. Bosché has provided advising services across the Department of War, Fortune 500 companies, presidential campaigns, professional athletes, and celebrities. She is also the author of seven books. Bosché has been called the “next generation of motivators” by the Zig Ziglar Foundation and John Maxwell, and she has keynoted alongside Malcolm Gladwell.

Nate Boyer, a Bronze Star recipient, served in Iraq and Afghanistan with the U.S. Army Special Forces. While in combat zones, he trained himself to become a walk-on with an NCAA Division 1 football team. He started in 38 of 39 games and was the No. 1 long snapper for the last three seasons of his five-year career with the Texas Longhorns. In 2015, Boyer joined the Seattle Seahawks as the oldest rookie in NFL history at age 34. As a veteran and professional athlete, Boyer saw an opportunity to team up both populations to tackle shared transition struggles through Merging Vets & Players (MVP), an organization he co-founded with NFL insider Jay Glazer. In 2020, he co-wrote, produced, directed, and starred in the film “MVP,” which premiered on Veterans Day 2022.

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Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges, ARNG, was appointed by Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sander as secretary of the Arkansas Department of Military and as adjutant general of the Arkansas National Guard. He enlisted in the Arkansas Army National Guard in 1991 and commissioned in 1998 through the Arkansas Military Academy. He commanded the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, leading a mission in Germany to train Ukrainian soldiers. He deployed to Iraq and the Sinai region; served key Pentagon roles shaping the 2022 National Defense Strategy; and is an Army War College distinguished graduate. Among his awards are the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and Bronze Star.

Sharene Brown has dedicated her life to supporting military families. As the spouse of the 22nd Air Force chief of staff and 21st chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, she has championed access to resources that help military families thrive. She helped launch Five & Thrive to tackle top quality-of-life issues, driven by her passion for military child education, the Exceptional Family Member Program, and military spouse employment. With a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia and a Master of Arts from Webster University, she has worked in advertising, trade associations, and education. Her journey has taken her across the globe, enriching her perspective on military life. 

Pete Canalichio is an award-winning author of Expand, Grow, Thrive (2018) as well as Strategic Brand Licensing (2024), and is a TEDx speaker. He has worked in brand strategy, expansion, and licensing for the past 20 years for Coca-Cola, Newell Brands, and the service-disabled veteran-owned small business BrandAlive. In 2025, he and two co-founders launched ThriveAlive.Ai to help servicemembers, veterans, and spouses discover their purpose, vision and mission. Canalichio believes people deserve to be delighted with new and innovative products and services from brands they love. That is why he has made it his mission to develop tools, talks, and platforms designed to inspire, educate, and empower his clients to achieve all that is possible.

Keith “KC” Castille serves as CEO and co-founder of C2H, an independent contractor advising on force development, policy creation, and implementation as well as providing a wide range of business solutions in the U.S. and abroad. Castille is a retired veteran, having served 28½ years in the Air Force. While on active duty, Castille served in the highest enlisted grade as a chief master sergeant in a position serving 680,000 warriors. With 30-plus years of work experience in the field of human resources, he continues to expand his knowledge in strategic leadership. Castille is also a global speaker, trainer, and executive coach.

Maj. Gen. Sean Collins is the Air National Guard’s assistant to the surgeon general. In this capacity, he is the champion for the surgeon general, focusing on medical readiness and ensuring the mission readiness of about 108,000 military and civilian Air National Guard personnel spanning 90 wings and 180 installations. Collins also serves as director of the Space Force Medical Operations Directorate, acting as champion of health care and medical readiness support requirements for the Guardians. In collaboration with the chief of space operations and senior-level leadership, Collins coordinates the development and establishment of policies and practices that best support Guardians.

Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Ramón “CZ” Colón-López, USAF (Ret), served in the Air Force for 33 years. In December 2019, he became the fourth senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the most senior enlisted servicemember in the U.S. armed forces. He also served as a special operations pararescueman, during which he completed some of the most rigorous training the Pentagon had to offer, including the Air Force’s pararescue pipeline, Navy SEAL and Army Special Forces courses, and other joint special operations training. Colón-López is now the CEO of the consultancy Carnivore Concepts and the author of Carnivore Leadership: Taking Charge Instead of Taking Shit.

Kayla Corbitt, founder and CEO of Operation Child Care Project, is a trusted authority and leading advocate for military child care. With expertise in crisis counseling and victim advocacy, she brings a unique perspective to addressing challenges faced by military families. Her data-driven approach and authentic storytelling have paved the way for groundbreaking resources, ensuring servicemembers and their spouses receive critical child care support. A dedicated voice in policy and reform, Kayla continues to champion lasting change for military families. She is an active duty Army wife, currently residing near Colorado Springs.

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Shane Chapman is an Army veteran with 30 years of service, leading teams from platoon to brigade and completing more than eight years of operational and combat deployments. Handpicked by the Army chief of staff, Chapman helped launch the Soldier for Life program, building partnerships across sectors to support veteran transitions. He holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership and a graduate certificate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. From 2019 to 2025, Chapman led the military programs and workforce planning teams for Boeing. Chapman now serves as director of military-connected talent for Walmart and Sam’s Club.

Chris Chebat is the chief of staff at TurboVets where he leads strategic operations to expand digital access to veterans’ benefits. He is also the founder of both Olive Tree Academy Tutors, helping 120-plus students master math, science, and standardized tests, and The Garey Avenue Project, a nonprofit providing care packages to underserved communities. A licensed attorney, he practiced at Husch Blackwell and holds a Juris Doctor from Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law within Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Science in applied mathematics and economics from University of California, Riverside.

Dedrick Curtis is a leader in the military financial counseling space with more than 18 years of experience. He is a certified financial planner, chartered financial consultant, and accredited financial counselor, as well as a Navy veteran and a military spouse. His mission is to empower military and veteran families with the knowledge and resources they need to achieve their financial goals and overcome their challenges. He has spoken at the AFCPE Symposium, at MilMoneyCon, and on numerous financial readiness podcasts. He has worked for Zeiders Enterprises since 2017.

technology, and engagement across the department to accountably improve the lives of veterans and their families, caregivers, and survivors while earning their trust. Davis previously served as the chief veteran experience officer within the administration of President Donald Trump. During her prior tenure, that team led the VA’s hardwiring of the customer experience framework.

Kristopher Deming, Ph.D., is an analyst and assistant professor in the Office of Labor and Economic Analysis and the Department of Economics and Geosciences at the U.S. Air Force Academy. His research focuses on applied microeconomics, with an emphasis on labor, public, and regional economics, and how these fields can inform policies to better support servicemembers, veterans, and their families. He has published research examining the factors that affect the performance of veteran-owned businesses, the impact of restrictions on short-term loans for military families and local economies, and policies that influence entrepreneurship and business formation.

As the director of programs and community impact at Dog Tag, Maureen Devine-Ahl ensures delivery of the company’s five-month entrepreneurial fellowship and a wide-range of alumni programming. She also oversees impact measurement and evaluation. Prior to this role, she founded Candor & Co., a consultancy providing strategic planning and executive coaching to nonprofits. She has also held leadership roles at George Washington University, East Carolina University, and Antioch College throughout multiple military moves for her husband’s Air Force career. She has a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Ithaca College and a Master of Arts in education from George Washington University. She’s also a published author and TEDx speaker.

A proud wife to an Army Aviator, Crystal DeVoss Mahany has served the military community over the last 22-plus years and is committed to serving until and beyond her soldier’s retirement. Professionally, she’s has worked as a contract paralegal, policy researcher, and brief writer, and she serves as an adjunct faculty member at George Washington University teaching graduate students in legal research and writing as well as family law. She frequently collaborates with local school districts and state boards of education. As director of advocacy and a legal analyst, she’s been with Partners in PROMISE since its founding and is deeply committed to policy changes to advance education policy for military families.

Andia Dinesen is the chief operating officer for the Association of Military Banks of America (AMBA). Dinesen is responsible for AMBA’s communications, operations, and programs with a focus on providing financial readiness support to the military and veteran community through the organization’s member banks. Dinesen maintains and manages the Veterans Benefits Banking Program, a partnership between AMBA and the Veterans Benefits Administration. Dinesen has worked with AMBA since 2013. Formerly, Dinesen was the national coordinator for Military Saves and a personal financial counselor at Laughlin AFB in Texas. Dinesen is an accredited financial counselor and has a Master of Science in personal financial planning from Kansas State University.

Sam Eckholm is the founder of SE Media and the host of one of the largest aerospace and defense video series highlighting the unique mission sets across the U.S. military. His show has accumulated over 300 million views and 1.3 million YouTube subscribers. Videos include Surviving A Week In Air Force Special Operations, What It’s Like to Fire the AC-130 Gunship, Pulling 7Gs in an F-18 Fighter Jet With the Blue Angels, and Experience the FIREPOWER of the AH-64 Apache! Eckholm grew up in Dallas and attended the U.S. Air Force Academy. While on active duty, he was assigned to the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team as a public affairs officer and later the 375th Air Mobility Wing at Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

Sharon Edmond is a licensed professional counselor and project management professional who has provided more than 20 years of behavioral health in the federal, state, and private sectors. She has presented at mental health conferences, corporate workshops, and industry events, sharing real world stories, insights, and actionable strategies to reduce stigma and build inclusive, wellness-driven cultures. She has worked for Zeiders Enterprises since 2021. She has a doctorate of education, a master’s degree in counselor education/school counseling and guidance services, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Mojisola Edu, Ph.D., is a transformational leader, healer, and advocate whose work bridges wellness, equity, and human-centered leadership. She holds a master’s degree in education leadership, organizations, and entrepreneurship from Harvard University as well as credentials from the universities of Keiser, Georgetown, and Cornell. She received an honorary doctorate in transformational leadership in 2023. Edu founded both Love Energy Services and She Wins Network. She has led healing-centered programs for over 300 people at Harvard and Omega Institute, blending ancestral wisdom, yoga therapy, Reiki, and trauma-informed leadership. An ordained chaplain, disabled Army veteran, and recipient of the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, she authored Reclaim Your Power and is featured in Yoga and Resilience: Empowering Practices for Survivors of Sexual Trauma.

Lt. Gen. Brian Eifler became the Army’s deputy chief of staff, G-1, in August 2024. He previously commanded the 11th Airborne Division, served as the Army’s chief legislative liaison, served as deputy commander of the 10th Mountain Division, and directed CJ3 for Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq. A Michigan native, he’s served in leadership roles across eight divisions and the 75th Ranger Regiment. He holds a bachelor’s degree in interpersonal and public communication from Central Michigan University and a master's degree in strategic studies from the Army War College. He is a graduate of MIT Seminar XXI, a national securities studies program, and is a top 10 finisher at the Army’s Best Ranger Competition.

Christine Erspamer is a senior vice president and the chief of growth for product and strategy at Optum Serve, the federal-facing business within UnitedHealth Group that is responsible for providing health care delivery, services, technology, and consulting expertise to agencies. Prior to assuming this position, Christine was the chief operating officer for Optum Serve’s health services unit and vice president of program integration for the company’s community care services. She has worked there for the past 12 years, previously with the company’s advisory services team. Prior to that, Christine worked at Accenture in health management consulting.

Stephen Ferrara, Ph.D., is the acting assistant secretary of war for health affairs, advising the secretary of war and the undersecretary of war for personnel and readiness on all departmental health and force-health protection policies, programs, and activities. A 25-year Navy veteran, he has held senior roles at the CIA, the National Capital Region federal health care network, the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. He holds a doctorate in medicine from the university and a bachelor’s degree in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Ferrara is an author and speaker on topics including health policy and economics.

Jen Goodale is MOAA's director of Government Relations for military family and survivor policy. She advocates for programs and policies that support uniformed service families. She develops relationships with leaders in DoD, Congress, and other military and veterans service organizations. Jen serves as the advisor to MOAA’s Surviving Spouse Advisory Council and the Currently Serving Spouse Advisory Council. With more than 10 years of experience in nonprofit support and program development, Jen is a passionate, highly organized project manager with proven leadership and communication skills. She is a Marine Corps veteran and the spouse of an active duty Marine.

Adrienne Griffen is an advocate and nationally recognized expert in the field of maternal mental health. She is a sought-after speaker and educator, using her lived experience (laced with humor) to engage audiences on issues surrounding the mental health and well-being of our nation’s mothers. Griffen is the executive director of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the mental health of mothers and childbearing people in the United States with a focus on national policy and health equity. She holds a master’s degree in public policy.

Arun Gupta, CEO of NobleReach, is a venture capitalist, educator, and national bestselling author of Venture Meets Mission. He teaches a course at Stanford University called Valley Meets Mission and another at Georgetown University on entrepreneurial finance, where he's earned teaching excellence awards. As a partner at Columbia Capital for 18 years, Gupta led investments in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and government technology focused on national security. He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science from Stanford as well as a Master of Business Administration from Harvard University. Gupta serves on advisory boards at Stanford and within Georgetown's entrepreneurship program.

Beau Higgins is a retired Marine who served for 25 years as an intelligence officer with the Marine Corps. This included deployments to Somalia, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Following retirement in 2014, Higgins served as a senior manager on Amazon’s military affairs team. During his seven years at Amazon, Higgins focused on creating strategies for hiring, developing, and retaining the best and brightest military talent available for positions within the company. He now serves as a vice president for Oplign, which uses technology to match veterans to open jobs, and as a senior client partner for The Military Veteran, specializing in placing veteran talent into executive roles in private equity-backed companies.

Stephen Hudson, a retired Navy veteran with 20 years of service, blends military leadership, academic expertise as an adjunct professor, and 20 years of corporate executive and business ownership experience. He is the author of two books on artificial intelligence, sharing insights on how AI transforms business management and talent acquisition. Hudson is also the founder and CEO of AI Ready Veteran, a nonprofit that equips servicemembers, veterans, and their families with AI-driven tools for career transitions, entrepreneurship, and everyday success. He serves as a bridge between the military and corporate worlds, helping veterans and spouses thrive in the AI era, while enabling companies to unlock the value of military-connected talent.

SEAC David Isom serves as the sixth senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, representing the voice of the enlisted force to senior military leadership. A Navy SEAL since 1987, he has led at every level of special operations, including as senior enlisted leader for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, U.S. Special Operations Command North, and U.S. Special Operations Pacific. His combat and operational deployments span Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, with extensive experience across the Pacific and Horn of Africa.

Holly Joers is president of CareSource Military & Veterans, where she leads efforts to provide high-quality, cost-effective health coverage to TRICARE beneficiaries through the TRICARE Prime Demo. She brings decades of experience in military health systems, federal innovation, and mission-driven leadership. Joers previously served as the program executive officer for Defense Healthcare Management Systems, where she led enterprise modernization efforts for the Pentagon, including launching a unified electronic health record and advanced operational medicine capabilities. She has also held senior roles at the Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization office and within the Air Force focusing on acquisition strategy and sourcing.

Gail Joyce is a surviving spouse and Gold Star mother. She was married to Lt. Col. Larry Joyce, USA (Ret), for 39 years until his passing in 1999 from Agent Orange-related leukemia. Their son, Casey Joyce, an Army Ranger and Silver Star recipient, was killed in action in Somalia on Oct. 3, 1993. Both are buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Gail serves on MOAA’s board of directors, chairs the Surviving Spouse Advisory Council, and is vice chair of the Surviving Spouse Virtual Chapter. She speaks nationwide and leads workshops for military and surviving spouses on being prepared. Gail holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in humanities and literature from the University of Texas, Dallas.

Kevin Kachin, Ph.D., is a behavioral scientist with a background in clinical and neuropsychology. He is currently the chief strategy officer at Impact Human Performance. He applies his expertise to help others increase both their awareness of how stress impacts them — mentally, physically, and emotionally — and their ability to effectively release stress in ways that are practical and easy to implement. He has published scientific research studies as well as developed and facilitated training programs for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. State Department, the NHL, and more than 260 Fortune 500 companies.

Heather Kelly is the director of advancement for the Travis Manion Foundation. While building relationships with communities and partners, she has the opportunity to assist in growing the foundation’s presence nationwide. Prior to her current role, Kelly also led programming for the organization’s West and Pacific Northwest regions. Kelly is also co-author of The Knock at the Door: Three Gold Star Families Bonded by Grief and Purpose with Ryan Manion and Amy Looney Heffernan, published in November 2019. The three authors are Gold Star family members linked forever by unimaginable loss, sharing their inspiration and unlikely journey that began on the worst day of their lives.

Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret), a New Jersey native, earned an aerospace engineering degree from the University of Notre Dame and holds master’s degrees from the National Defense University and the Air University. He joined the Air Force in 1989 via ROTC and served 33 years in key leadership roles across multiple commands. His career culminated in his role as deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel, and services with Headquarters U.S. Air Force at the Pentagon, overseeing critical personnel policies and operations. Kelly retired in 2022 and became president and CEO of MOAA in January 2023.

Jeff Knauss is the CEO and a co-founder of Arcovo AI, which transforms clients’ operations with artificial intelligence-powered digital employees. He previously built Digital Hyve into an eight-figure revenue company, securing the 52nd spot on the Inc. 5000 list. He sold the business in 2021, with all 56 employees becoming owners. He is a board member of Community Financial System; a recipient of the Crystal Ball Award for lifetime achievement; and a co-founder of the Knauss Family Foundation, which focuses on breaking generational poverty. He holds an honorary doctorate from State University of New York, Oswego. He lives in Skaneateles, N.Y., with his wife Heta and children Max and Lila.

Christi Kruse has more than 25 years of experience in health care, working with some of the industry’s most prominent companies. She is the senior vice president of product at Optum Serve, where she leads the team that develops and manages products and capabilities that serve a broad range of federal customers.

Brig. Gen. Andrew Landers currently serves as the director for policy and force integration through the Office of the Surgeon General within U.S. Army Medical Command, where he is also deputy chief of staff for operations, plans, and training. He previously served as the head of 68th Theater Medical Command. He is a graduate of Ouachita Baptist University and commissioned as a second lieutenant through ROTC. He also earned a doctorate in medicine from Tulane University.

Nelson Lim, Ph.D., is a senior social scientist at Rand. Recently, he served as director of Project AIR FORCE’s Workforce, Development, and Health Program at the think tank, overseeing projects to enhance the Air Force’s human resource management (HRM). As a senior social scientist, he spearheads HRM projects for many clients, including the Secret Service, the Department of Homeland Security, the Coast Guard, and the National Security Agency. Lim has explored ways to apply emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to HRM. His work investigates potential barriers to technology-enabled talent management practices, such as data quality and potential biases, and formulates mitigation strategies to counteract those biases.

Jim Lorraine, the president and CEO of America’s Warrior Partnership, served in the U.S. Air Force as a flight nurse with nine combat deployments and retired as the deputy command surgeon for U.S. Special Operations Command after 22 years of service. He became founding director of the command’s Care Coalition and served as a special assistant for warrior and family support to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Sarah Lu is an associate partner in the D.C. office of McKinsey & Co. as well as a leader in the firm’s people and organizational performance unit.  She has experience leading government, nonprofit, and private sector clients on leadership development, succession planning, team effectiveness, and organizational transformation. She is considered an expert in strategic workforce planning, hiring and retention, productivity improvement, and organizational culture change. She holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in economics and international relations from the University of Pennsylvania.

Jill Lumsden is a leader in career counseling and career development programs and services, supporting customers and clients in the federal, commercial, and academic arenas over the last 25 years. She has co-authored 10 book chapters and six refereed journal articles. She has also presented more than 20 sessions at national, regional, and state professional conferences on topics related to electronic portfolios, career assessment, and distance counseling. She is a member of Zeiders Enterprises’ executive leadership team and has worked for the company since 2016. She is a project management professional and a national certified counselor.

Jared Lyon has served as national president and CEO of Student Veterans of America (SVA) since 2016, leading the organization’s growth to over 1,600 chapters representing 750,000 student veterans worldwide. A Navy veteran and former submariner and diver, Lyon co-authored the National Veteran Education Success Tracker and led SVA’s advocacy for the “Forever GI Bill,” the largest expansion of college aid for veterans in a decade. Prior to SVA, he held leadership roles at the Institute for Veterans and Military Families and in MLB operations.

Elijah Maletz leads public sector customer success efforts at Eightfold AI. In that role, he works with federal and state leaders on artificial intelligence solutions for their rapidly evolving talent needs.

Jen Markiewicz Wagman is the founder and executive director of GenVETS, a nonprofit driving solutions for veterans and their families through advocacy, education, and collaboration. She brings 23 years of experience inside the VA, at Paralyzed Veterans of America, in the private sector, and through direct community service. With a Bachelor of Art from Miami University and a Juris Doctor from the Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law, she has built a career focused on transforming frustration into progress. Through her podcast VET’ed and her hands-on work — including with incarcerated veterans — she convenes leaders, veterans, and families to cut through rhetoric and deliver practical fixes.

Col. Kendra Mathews, USAF (Ret), is a corporate responsibility director with seven years of experience at USAA and served more than 24 years as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. She is a national military strategy lead in USAA’s Corporate Responsibility division, directing the philanthropic giving of both USAA and The USAA Foundation Inc. She oversees the mental health and well-being philanthropic portfolio focused on nonprofit programs supporting active servicemembers, veterans, and their families. She also manages the Face the Fight Coalition through USAA, which aims to reduce veteran suicide. Coming from military service, Kendra is a 1992 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Daniel May leads procurement talent development at the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO), strengthening long-term talent pipelines for public procurement nationwide. He drives efforts to attract and cultivate professionals by creating clear pathways for students and career changers to excel in the field. Through strategic talent initiatives and nationwide stakeholder engagement, he ensures procurement remains innovative and impactful for the future.

Prakhar Neema leads the workforce research and strategy team at Draup. During his last six-plus years with the organization, he has worked with more than 120 global businesses, including Fortune 500 companies, to provide solutions to their talent-related problems. He brings data-driven expertise in strategic workforce planning and artificial intelligence skills. Neema is passionate about opportunities AI is creating for the labor force and aims to help enable companies and individuals prepare for the next technology wave.

Louisa Nicola is a neurophysiologist, educator, and the founder of Neuro Athletics — a digital platform and podcast dedicated to leveraging neuroscience to help others achieve peak performance. Nicola specializes in the neurophysiology of brain tumors, neuroplastic surgical techniques, Alzheimer's disease prevention, and brain optimization. Her ultimate mission is to create a world free from Alzheimer's disease. She graduated from the University of Sydney, where her doctoral focus in neurophysiology spotlighted lifestyle interventions and neurodegeneration. She advanced her research career by working alongside world-class neurosurgeons, contributing to clinical investigation in cranioplasty.

Chief Master Sergeant Israel Nuñez is a distinguished leader serving in a dual capacity within the Air Force Reserve. He is both the senior enlisted advisor to the chief of Air Force Reserve, stationed at the Pentagon, and the command chief master sergeant of Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC), based at Robins AFB in Georgia. Nuñez embodies the pinnacle of enlisted leadership, advocating for and providing strategic direction to more than 70,000 airmen who comprise the total force of the Air Force Reserve. As the command chief master sergeant, he serves as the principal advisor to the AFRC commander, directly impacting the welfare, morale, and operational readiness of enlisted personnel stationed worldwide.

Nnana “Obi” Obioha is an Army veteran, cybersecurity professional, and entrepreneur. He leads OBO Resolutions, a veteran-owned company focused on technology solutions and hospitality services.

Elizabeth O’Brien is the senior vice president of programs and events at Hiring Our Heroes, a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation initiative. She leads strategic partnerships and workforce development efforts for the military community. Previously, O’Brien was chief of staff at TFX Capital and CEO of Freedom Learning Group, where she now serves as chairwoman. She’s held leadership roles at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Small Business Administration, and she has coached college basketball for over a decade. A Hofstra University alum and military spouse, O’Brien serves on multiple advisory boards and lives near Washington, D.C., with her family.

Meg O’Grady has more than 25 years of experience creating outreach, transition, education, and employment programs that engage the military community, employers, and federal agencies. She is the senior vice president of military affairs for National University, where she leads a team that helps servicemembers, veterans, and their families reach important milestones in their education and careers. She led strategic partnerships across the highest levels of the military, government, and industry. As a senior leader in the Pentagon, she was instrumental in creating the Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program, including launching the Military Spouse Employment Partnership with the White House’s Joining Forces program in 2012.

Michael Parker is a vice president and business development executive at Salesforce, where he leads strategic accounts and digital transformation for the global public sector. With over 34 years of federal service, including a 20-year career in the Marine Corps and as a Senior Executive Service member, he brings extensive leadership experience to his role. Applying a philosophy of servant leadership, he empowers teams and drives successful outcomes. Parker holds a doctorate and a master’s degree from the Naval Postgraduate School. He is passionate about mentoring veterans and their spouses through the Salesforce Military program.

Dee Person is the assistant director of the Arizona Coalition for Military Families, where she oversees the statewide suicide prevention program Be Connected. The coalition is dedicated to building the state’s capacity to support servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Person, a combat veteran and a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, served during operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom as a combat information center officer and a fire control officer.

Thomas Peterson is the chief technology officer at BAM Technologies, a company with 300-plus people specializing in purpose-built, cloud-based enterprise software solutions. With over 18 years of experience architecting scalable platforms, Peterson leads BAM Technologies’ technical vision across the federal portfolio, with a specific focus on supporting the departments of the Air Force and Army. He is passionate about leveraging technology to solve complex business challenges and advancing the future of federal enterprise software.

Lamarque Polvado is the executive director of PCSIx, the innovation arm of PCSI, a Texas-based, nationwide nonprofit whose mission is to enhance the lives of people with disabilities. Recognized for his human-centered thought leadership and design skill, and passionately inspired by his daughter’s autism diagnosis, he guides the two capabilities of PCSIx, CareStarter, and Feedback. He is driven to build technologies that support military families and to advance compassionate, personalized solutions that positively impact lives and strengthen the total force.

Corey Posgay is a senior strategist with Anderson Business Advisors who served six years in the Marine Corps. With 20 years of experience in advanced business strategizing and real estate investing, Posgay helps hardworking professionals shore up their investments by strategizing at the comprehensive levels of asset protection as well as tax and estate planning. He is passionate about giving back and showing his utmost respect for military members, veterans, and first responders.

Senior Enlisted Advisor John Raines serves as the chief of the National Guard Bureau’s principal military advisor on all enlisted matters affecting training, operations, health of the force, and enlisted professional development. As the highest enlisted level of leadership, he provides direction for the enlisted force and represents their interests. He began his military career in August 1989 and has served in both the Army National Guard and U.S. Army for more than 35 years.

Shannon Razsadin is a military spouse and the CEO of the Military Family Advisory Network. With her expertise in the military-civilian divide, family well-being, financial readiness, and food insecurity, she advocates for servicemembers, veterans, and their families. She is a frequent media contributor and thought leader across corporate, academic, military, and policy platforms.

Wounded warrior and retired Navy SEAL Jason Redman is a New York Times best-selling author, speaker, entrepreneur, and coach. He served 21 years as a SEAL with five deployments, including combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, where he was severely wounded leading his team near Fallujah, Iraq. His story of resilience, including the now-famous orange hospital door sign, has inspired millions. Redman has delivered 700-plus keynotes worldwide, teaching his “Overcome Mindset” philosophy. In 2025, he won the Great American Speak Off at the MGM Grand, beating about 26,000 contestants. He is also an entrepreneur in real estate, events, and Patriot Hard Seltzer, while also serving as vice president of communication and outreach at TurboVets.

Mike Rogers is the chief workforce officer for Arkansas. He chairs the governor’s workforce Cabinet, which consists of the departments of Commerce; Corrections; Education; Human Services; Labor and Licensing; Shared Administrative Services; and Veteran Affairs. Formerly, Rogers taught high school, took apprenticeship classes, and worked in the poultry industry.

Chuck Rotenberry is a former U.S. Marine Corps dog handler/trainer, and he is currently a canine training specialist with the U.S. Secret Service. He has handled patrol/explosive detection K-9s on numerous stateside and overseas missions, directly supporting the highest levels of leadership including the president of the United States. After multiple deployments, he sustained a serious combat injury and was awarded the Purple Heart. His leadership and commitment to the K-9 community are evident in his efforts to strengthen programs that ensure the well-being of active and retired military working dogs. He is passionate about making a difference in the lives of these canine heroes and serves as the vice president of the U.S. War Dogs Association.

Liz Rotenberry is a caregiver for her husband, a wounded warrior who served in the U.S. Marine Corps and participated in operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. As the director of caregiver engagement at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Liz works to advocate not only for herself and her family, but for all 5.5 million military and veteran caregivers nationwide. She regularly presents on the hidden challenges that caregivers face and has been featured in The New York Times Magazine. She is passionate about supporting caregivers for active duty servicemembers, as well as the impacts of caregiving on children. She serves as both a teacher and mentor to military and veteran caregivers across the country.

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Airman Kristopher Rotenberry is an F-15 crew chief stationed at Mountain Home AFB in Idaho. Rotenberry was born at Lackland AFB on Joint Base San Antonio in Texas, and his father was an active duty Marine. Rotenberry endured the challenges of growing up in a military family and attended seven different schools up to sixth grade. At 18 years old he chose to follow in his father’s footsteps and serve his country. He enlisted in the Air Force on Dec. 10, 2024, and returned to Lackland AFB for basic training. He graduated as his flight’s guidon bearer, received a marksman award, and was an honor graduate with the most top-graduate points. He now focuses on learning his craft, deploying, and gaining experience to be the best in his field.

Glenda Scheiner is a member of the Senior Executive Service and serves as assistant deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel, and services for the U.S. Air Force. She is responsible for comprehensive plans and policies covering all life cycles of military and civilian personnel management to ensure delivery of fully qualified, ready airmen for the joint warfighter while meeting all the needs of airmen and their families. She oversees the execution and programming of the manpower, personnel, and services portfolio with an annual $47 billion personnel budget for 685,000 military and civilian personnel.

Lt. Col. Kevin Schmiegel, USMC (Ret), is CEO and co-founder of ZeroMils — a service-disabled veteran-owned business connecting stakeholders to change the narrative and highlight positive service outcomes, elevating brands from “military friendly” to “military thriving.” Kevin served at the highest levels of the Department of War, deploying to 50-plus countries. After retiring from the U.S. Marine Corps in 2009, he led Hiring Our Heroes, growing it into the nation’s largest veteran employment-focused nonprofit. His leadership has raised $100 million, impacting 10 million Americans. A proud husband and father of five, he continues bridging the civilian-military divide.

Laura Schmiegel is the senior vice president of strategic partnerships at Orion Talent. Prior to Orion, she created and led the military affairs program at Booz Allen Hamilton. Schmiegel began her career in nonprofits, co-founding Blue Star Families and creating and leading the spouse program at Hiring Our Heroes. She is also an attorney admitted in four states by examination. Schmiegel currently lives in Wisconsin with her husband, Kevin Schmiegel.

Chief Master Sgt. Brian Sheffield, chief of the Senior Enlisted Group for the Space Force, spearheads talent management for 200-plus senior enlisted personnel, impacting more than 14,000 Guardians, airmen, and family members. He advises on policy across the enlisted life cycle, ensuring readiness and shaping future Space Force leaders. His career began in the Air Force in 2000, transitioning to the Space Force in 2020. Previously, he was senior advisor to the chief master sergeant of the Space Force. Sheffield is a combat veteran of, among other missions, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and has flown 109 sorties as an MC-12 aircraft operator. He also served as legislative liaison for then-House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.

Stephen Simmons is the deputy assistant secretary of war for military community and family policy, leading efforts to strengthen military families and enhance their quality of life. A former Marine Corps major with 17 years of service, he held roles in manpower policy and operational leadership. After his military career, he led logistics programs at Amazon and advised the Walk the Talk Foundation. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal and four Navy Commendation Medals.

Brad Stevenson serves as chief development officer for Neighborly, where he leads strategic growth and franchise development across North America. A member of Neighborly’s executive team, he brings more than two decades of leadership in sales, marketing, and business strategy. Before joining Neighborly, he spent 23 years with MillerCoors and Miller Brewing Co., advancing through senior roles including vice president of grocery as well as director of business development and strategy. A Texas A&M graduate, he and his wife, Candace, live in Frisco, Texas.

B. Taylor is a decorated Navy veteran and an internationally acclaimed artist, producer, and songwriter who has won multiple awards, with six No. 1 songs featured on the Billboard and iTunes charts. He is also the first-ever artist and producer to have bridged the gap between hip-hop/urban music and the genre of Motown legends such as Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. He has worked with NCIS actress Pauley Perrette as well as music artists Chris Brown, Snoop Dogg, Ray J, Flo Rida, and more. He is a best-selling author, speaker, and philanthropist, and holds the title of “A Goodwill Global Ambassador and Advocate of Entertainment for the U.S. Military, Veterans, First Responders, and Their Families.”

In her role as MOAA’s vice president of government relations, Maj. Gen. April Vogel, USAF (Ret), leads a dedicated team in advocating for servicemembers, veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. Vogel and her team diligently work to safeguard compensation and service-earned benefits as well as address emerging legislative challenges. She cultivates relationships with key stakeholders on Capitol Hill as well as within the Department of War and the VA.

Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, USMC (Ret), was commissioned as an infantry officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. A graduate of Bemidji State University and the National War College, he holds a master’s degree in national security strategies. Over his 43-year career, he participated in operations including Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, and held leadership roles such as chief of staff for U.S. Special Operations Command and commander for U.S. Africa Command. Since retiring in 2019, he has served in advisory roles, including positions with Girl Security, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, and Jones Group International. He currently chairs MOAA’s board of directors.

Brig. Gen. Jennifer “Jenn” Walkawicz, USA, is the deputy commander for the service’s Center for Initial Military Training. She has held a range of senior leadership positions, including G-3/5/7 at Training and Doctrine, director of talent alignment at Human Resources Command, and commander of the 733d Mission Support Group. Walkawicz has also served as executive officer to the deputy chief of staff G-1, senior military assistant to the secretary of the Army, and commander of the 1st Special Troops Battalion. Her military education includes the U.S. Army War College and the Joint Advanced Warfighting School. Her awards include two Legions of Merit and the Bronze Star.

Carrie Waltz is a member of the Senior Executive Service and serves as the director of force management within the U.S. Space Force. In this role, she oversees military and civilian talent management programs, senior leader portfolios, and IT systems. She previously served as deputy director of military force management policy for the Air Force and as vice director for manpower and personnel for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Her expertise includes personnel policy, readiness, cyber strategy, and artificial intelligence integration. She holds degrees in human resources management and public administration, and she is a recipient of multiple Department of War and Air Force service awards.

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Phyllis Wilson, USA (Ret), is a 37-year veteran of the service. She served as an intelligence officer in Iraq with special operations units, which included Navy Seals, Army Rangers, and Green Berets. Wilson also had a civilian career as a registered nurse and served in the Army Reserve. She has also jumped out of military airplanes. She is a graduate of the Defense Language Institute, where she focused on German and Spanish, and has two master’s degrees. She is the president of the Military Women’s Memorial located at Arlington National Cemetery, which is America’s only major national memorial honoring the more than 3 million women who have defended America, from the American Revolution to today.