ONE MILITARY, ONE COMMUNITY - Key Persons
Bob Ross serves as an advisor to the Governor and legislature on defense industry issues and is the primary liaison to the Connecticut congressional delegation on military and defense matters. He is responsible for coordinating state-wide efforts to protect and promote Connecticut military bases and defense industries. He also represents the state in efforts to enhance the quality of life for service members and military families residing in or deploying from Connecticut.
He is a retired naval officer who piloted aircraft carriers and guided missile cruisers before directing public affairs for the United States Sixth Fleet, encompassing naval operations ashore and at sea in the Mediterranean, European and North African areas of responsibility. He also served as a spokesman at the Pentagon and was director of community and media relations for the United States Atlantic Fleet, coordinating public affairs for over 250 ships homeported at 13 major naval bases.
He holds an M.A. in National Security and Strategy from the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, RI. and an M.A. in Public Policy and Administration from the University of Connecticut. As a former City Administrator for the City of Cripple Creek, Colorado, and former First Selectman (Mayor) of the Town of Salem, Connecticut, he has decades of experience in federal, state and municipal government. He is a Board Member of the national Association of Defense Communities, Trustee of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, and former Commissioner on the Connecticut Maritime Commission. He is a former Adjunct Professor of Public Policy in the UCONN Graduate School and recipient of the UCONN Distinguished Alumni award for continued commitment and excellence in public administration.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Deputy Director for Military Affairs
- Director / Deputy Director for Military Affairs, Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs
As Deputy Director for Military Affairs, Mr. Garrett serves as a liaison to the leadership of Utah's military installations, defense industry, economic development organizations, and military organizations to preserve, protect, and grow Utah's military missions while improving the quality of life for Utah's service members, veterans, and their families. He advises the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs Executive Director, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, other state agencies, and the Legislature on matters pertaining to military affairs throughout Utah.
Mr. Garrett has served in the United States Air Force for over 36 years and currently serves as the State Command Chief Master Sergeant for the Utah Air National Guard (UTANG). In this capacity he serves as the principal advisor to the Assistant Adjutant General for Air and Commander of the UTANG on all issues regarding the welfare, readiness, morale, and proper utilization and progress of the Utah Air National Guard's 1,250 enlisted members.
Prior to his current position he served as the Director of Military Relations for Zions Bank where he was responsible for quality of life programs for Zions Bank's veterans, servicemembers and their spouses. He created and launched Zions Banks' Military Banking products and services, Zions' Military internship program, and served as Zions' liaison to the military community where he was actively engaged in activities to improve the quality of life of our veterans and service members.
Prior to his current position Mr. Garrett was appointed by the Governor of Utah to serve on the Utah Veterans Advisory Board, Utah Emergency Management Advisory Committee, and Co-Chair of the Utah Commission on Volunteers and Service. State legislative leadership also appointed him to serve on the Utah legislature's Veterans and Military Affairs Commission. He has recently served as the Chair of the Salt Lake Chamber Military Affairs Committee, Chair of the Top of Utah Military Affairs Committee, Chair of the Utah Guard Charitable Trust, and as a member of Utah Defense Alliance. As a result of his efforts, he received the 2015 Veteran Advocate award from the US Small Business Administration, in 2012 he received the Hill AFB Wingman award for his support of his activities at Hill AFB, and in 2014 Zions Bank received the Secretary of Defense Freedom Award for the bank's outstanding support of their guard and reserve employees.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Executive Director
- Executive Director of AACOG
Diane Rath has served as Executive Director of AACOG since December 2014. In this capacity, she oversees 300 employees in 11 program areas with a budget of $50 million. During her tenure, AACOG has been recognized with national awards from NADO and NARC recognizing both Innovation and Transportation Partnerships.
Before joining AACOG, Ms. Rath served as Senior Vice President at ResCare Workforce Services, with oversight responsibility for operations in over 300 locations in 28 states with 2200 employees and a budget of $230 million.
In 1996, then Governor George W. Bush appointed her as Chair and Commissioner for the Texas Workforce Commission, where she served until 2008. During her tenure, she oversaw the consolidation of 28 programs from 10 different state agencies to form a $1.2 billion agency with responsibility for services involving federal programs from the U.S Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and two other federal agencies. In 2007, Rath was nominated by President George W. Bush as Assistant Secretary of Administration for Children and Families at U.S. Health and Human Services. During this time, she became recognized as a national leader in workforce development, forging partnerships with economic development and educational entities to meet the workforce needs of Texas businesses.
A physical therapist by background, Ms. Rath attended TCU, and graduated from UTMB-Galveston.
She is active in the San Antonio community and currently serves (or served) on numerous boards and committees which include:
National Association of Regional Councils, Executive Director Council, 2017-2021
Frost Bank- San Antonio, Advisory Board Member, 2003-present
Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute, Board Member, 2003-present
Valero Alamo Bowl, Board Member, 1994-present, Chair 2002
San Antonio Airport Advisory Commission, 2015 - 2021
Lone Star Rail District Board, 2015-2018
San Antonio Mobility Coalition (SAMCo) Board Member, 2015 - present, Treasurer 2016-2020
American Public Human Services Association Policy Council, 2007-2008
Texas Public Education Reform Foundation, Board Member, 2006-2010
Bexar County United Way, Board Member 1998-2004
Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors 1993-96, Vice-Chair 1993
JPMorganChase - San Antonio, Advisory Board Member, 1992-2003
Texas Council on Workforce & Economic Competitiveness, 1995-2003, Chair 1995-1996
Texas Department of Commerce, Board Member 1995-1996
San Antonio Development Agency, Vice Chair, 1990-94
San Antonio Water System Board, Vice-Chair 1992-94
Texas Rehabilitation Commission, Board Member 1989-1992
Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners, 1981-1983
Ms. Rath has received several awards including:
LULAC, Distinguished Texan, 2005
NAWDP, System Building Award, 2006
Distinguished Alumna, SAHS-UTMB 2008
NASWA President's Award, 2008
TARC Regional Unity Award, 2018
San Antonio Business Journal 2019 Women's Leadership Award
Job Titles:
- Counsel
- Director
- Executive
- Mayor
Don Anderson is Executive Counsel to the County Executive of Pierce County Washington, where his various duties include acting as liaison for military and veterans' affairs. He was elected to the Lakewood City Council in 2007 and recently completed serving nine years as Mayor. Lakewood and Pierce County host Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the largest military base on the West Coast. Anderson represents Lakewood as a member of the Executive Board of the Puget Sound Regional Council and represents Pierce County on the Executive Leadership Team of the South Sound Military and Communities Partnership.
Anderson's past civic and community involvement includes serving as Board President of Goodwill of the Olympics and Rainier Region, President of the Puyallup School District Board, and a Board Member of Tacoma Rotary #8. He is currently the Board President of the Friends of American Lake Veterans Golf Course, supporting the only fully ADA-accessible golf course in the country. He also has an extensive record of volunteer service and has been an official for high school, NCAA and Olympic Trials track and field meets.
Anderson's advocacy at the state and federal levels was instrumental in obtaining nearly $500 million in improvements to the Interstate 5 corridor adjacent to JBLM and multi-agency funding commitments for McChord Field clear zone property acquisition. His active support of military members and their families has been recognized by his induction into the Order of St. Maurice (Civis) by the National Infantry Association and selection to the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Civilian Hall of Fame.
Anderson received his BA in business administration and his JD from the University of Puget Sound, where he competed in both football and track. He was an attorney in private practice with the Tacoma firm Eisenhower & Carlson, PLLC for over 30 years, focusing on business, real estate, and commercial litigation. Early in his legal career he served as managing partner and chairman of the firm.
Prior to entering private practice, Don served overseas as a U.S. Navy JAG officer. Don and his wife, Nancy have been married since 1976. They have four adult daughters and seven grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Superintendent
- Superintendent of Knob Noster Public Schools
Dr. Jerrod H. Wheeler is Superintendent of Knob Noster Public Schools, the resident public school district of Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. Wheeler is an active leader in various support organizations, including: Whiteman Area Leadership Council, Whiteman Base Community Council, Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission, National Association of Federally Impact Schools, Military Impacted Schools Association, and Strategic Deterrent Coalition. Wheeler continues to advocate for unified efforts across multiple organizations to strengthen military-child education, thereby enhancing quality of life and mission readiness. As a result of ongoing efforts, Whiteman AFB ranked number one in quality of education on the recent study and scorecard produced by the Air Force.
Jerrod received his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Louisiana, Monroe, his Master's in Educational Administration from the University of Louisiana, Monroe, and his Bachelor's in Education from Northeast Louisiana University, where he was also a two time National Champion in Collegiate Waterskiing. Dr. Wheeler completed post studies through the Harvard Graduate School of Education Leadership Institute for Superintendents and will complete the National Security Forum Institute through Air University in 2021. Wheeler and his wife, Amie, have been married for 21 years and have two children, Jorgie (13) and Jaxon (11).
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Legal Counsel
- Partner
- Chairman of the Kutak Rock LLP Federal Practice
Mr. Schlossberg is Chair of the Kutak Rock LLP Federal Practice and National Security Law Group, and a partner resident in the firm's Washington DC office. He represents state and local governments, Federal Departments and Agencies, and private entities in connection with Federal real property transactions, the closure and reuse of military installations, the financing of government and commercial facilities on Federal land, government contracts, and associated environmental matters. Mr. Schlossberg has served since 1990 as General Counsel to the Association of Defense Communities ("ADC"), the pre-eminent national organization representing state and local governments and communities with active, closed and closing military installations.
Prior to joining Kutak Rock, Mr. Schlossberg served for over twelve (12) years in various positions in the Pentagon, including Senior Counsel in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. In that position, he advised the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary's immediate staff on matters related to real property, base closures, defense installations, international agreements, the leasing, construction and private financing of defense facilities, government contracts, and associated environmental matters. While with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Mr. Schlossberg was instrumental in the drafting and policy implementation of the original 1988 Base Closure Act (Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act), and testified frequently before Congressional committees on matters relating to Defense real property, construction and the financing of defense facilities. During his tenure with the Defense Department, Mr. Schlossberg served also as Counsel to the Office of Economic Adjustment, Counsel to the President's Economic Adjustment Committee, Counsel to the President's Commission on Alternative Utilization of Military Facilities, Counsel to the Department of Defense's Bureau of Prisons Assistance Council and Assistant Counsel to the Naval Facilities Engineering Command.
Job Titles:
- Director of Communications
Job Titles:
- Director
- President
- President of SIA Solutions
Mr. Kleiser is the President of SIA Solutions with 25 years of experience supporting large Federal Government infrastructure asset management, environmental, water resource programs and projects ranging in size from $3M - $500M in size.
Mr. Kleiser has led multiple large infrastructure projects to successful completion for the Department of Defense and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, leveraging creative private financing solutions under Public-Private and Public-Public Partnerships (P3/P4) models. He currently serves as Principal on over ten active P3/P4 projects valued at over $350M. Mr. Kleiser is an expert in applying emerging technologies to solve asset management challenges. Mr. Kleiser supports International Port Authorities in the technology development for the beneficial reuse of dredge material and use of robotics applications for environmental and water resources projects. He as been successful in aligning the investment fund community in support of large Federal Government infrastructure projects.
Mr. Kleiser's projects have been nationally recognized by the American Planning Association, the United States Air Force, and the Society of American Military Engineers for excellence in management, innovation in design, planning, and outstanding integration of environmental practices into planning. Mr. Kleiser is a Professional Engineer with a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Delaware and a MS in Technology Management from the University of Maryland.
Job Titles:
- Communications Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Director
- President
- Co - Chair of Harford County Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee
Karen Holt has played an advocacy role with Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) for 14 years in support of the 2018 Great American Defense Community. As BRAC Manager during Base Realignment and Closure 2005, she established the Chesapeake Science & Security Corridor (CSSC) Regional BRAC Office and formalized a multi-state, multi-jurisdictional consortium of more than 50 entities. Karen secured and administered $11M in federal grants from the Office of Economic Adjustment for the APG region related to infrastructure, transportation and workforce projects; presented defense community best practices nationally, facilitated relocation efforts of personnel associated with large mission sets, served on state BRAC committees, briefed state and federal legislators on matters impacting defense communities, coordinated four regional BRAC conferences of 300-plus attendees, and celebrated five (5) national community, elected and military official recognitions from ADC.
Today, as the Director of Harford County Office of Economic Development, she serves as the County's liaison to APG and more than 155 defense contractors promoting community resources to industry to support contracting opportunities at APG. Karen has served as Project Manager on a multi-year Joint Land Use Study/Compatible Use Plan and implementation strategy to address sea level rise, transit-oriented development, and APG defense mission's economic impact for the County's growth planning. She conducts tours of APG with senior-level leaders to educate community stakeholders on the importance of the APG mission and to support recruitment of a highly-skilled workforce. In 2019, Karen was presented the Commanders Award for Public Service by then-Commanding General of CECOM and Sr. Commander of APG MG Randy Taylor for her work in developing enduring partnerships. Karen continues to coordinate initiatives of the CSSC Consortium while serving as technology liaison for advanced manufacturing, IT, defense and cybersecurity within Harford County's Office of Community and Economic Development.
Most recently, Karen has cultivated partnerships focusing on small business outreach and co-located offices for the U.S. Army Futures Command Network-Cross Functional Team and the Office of Small Business Programs-APG within the Harford Business Innovation Center, moving satellite offices outside the gate, becoming more accessible to an entrepreneurial network, and strengthening government and industry exchange. Currently, she is coordinating a Veterans' Entrepreneur program which will be launched in Northeastern Maryland in early 2021.
Karen serves as co-chair of Harford County Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee; a board member with Army Alliance, Inc., Northeastern Maryland Technology Council (NMTC), and Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnership of Maryland (RAMP MD). She is the Community Partnership Liaison on the board of AUSA MG Harry Greene Aberdeen Chapter; and an advisor for the APG Discovery Center. She is active with the Industrial Representatives Association and Women in Defense Mid-Atlantic Chapter. She serves on Maryland's Task Force for Connected Autonomous Vehicles (CAV) and the Technical Advisory Committee for Maryland's Defense Technology Commercialization Office.
Karen is an advocate of non-profits including Fisher House, TAPS, and other organizations that support wounded warrior initiatives. Her hobbies include travelling, golf, and all things Chesapeake Bay. She resides in Havre de Grace, MD, with her husband, Wayne.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director / Chair, Colorado Springs
Keith is an Army Retiree of some 21 years Aviation service. He was the 2016 Chairman of the Colorado Springs Military Affairs Council and of its Board of Advisors during its 75th Anniversary Year, and presently serves an indefinite term as the Chairman (only the 4th in its 25 year history) of the very impactful Defense Mission Task Force((DMTF). The DMTF works in concert the Military Community Support Organizations and government at all levels to develop relationships and programs to improve the ability of all Colorado military installations to execute and grow their missions. In the 20 years since retiring from active duty, Keith has become a fixture as an advocate for our military community, one of the largest in the nation, with its five local installations and multiple Army, Air Force, Joint and Bi-National Commands. In each of these last 20 years, and most recently multiple times a year, Keith has traveled to our nation's Capital either of his own accord or with the Chamber of Commerce's annual Legislative Action Mission for meetings in the Pentagon, on Capitol Hill or with Senior Defense Industry Leaders.
Keith is the Honorary Co-Command Chief of the United States Air Force Academy and is an active member and supporter of his local Chapters of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), the Air Force Association (AFA), and the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) which in 1998 bestowed upon him their Order of Saint Michael, Bronze Award for his career contributions to the Aviation Branch. In 2013, Keith was publicly honored by the Regional Business Alliance with their annual "Award for Excellence" in the category of Military Support and in 2016 he was named Peak Military Care Network (PMCN) "Champion" for his work as a Committee Chairman on their Board of Directors. He has also served as a Director and as a Committee Chairman on the Boards of The Home Front Cares as well as Five Star Bank which serves Peterson Air Force Base and the community at large.
For over a decade Matt Borron had dedicated his career to advocating for communities, service members, veterans and military families on the local, state and federal level. Mr. Borron currently holds the position of Chief Operating Officer for the Association of Defense Communities, a national non-profit organization representing communities and states with a significant military presence.
As Executive Director, he oversees the organizations day-to-day operations, including managing the development of the association's educational events, membership councils, and legislative and federal agency outreach. As the primary point of contact for ADC members and stakeholders, Mr. Borron works closely with the House and Senate Defense Communities Caucus and key offices in DOD and other federal agencies to coordinate policy efforts that support military-community partnership efforts and defense infrastructure.
Prior to his time at ADC, Mr. Borron taught history at Montana State University, managed the Department of Labor's Montana Veterans Upward Bound program and also did a stint as a Congressional Intern for U.S. Representative Denny Rehberg (MT)
Mr. Borron has also been a member of the U.S. Army Reserve for the past 16 years, currently serving as Chief Ordnance Inspector for the 3998th Combat Support and Sustainment Battalion.
Mr. Borron holds a Bachelors Degree in World History and a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Montana.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Vice President
- Vice President at PESystems, Inc
Maurice "Mo" McDonald is a Vice President at PESystems, Inc. In his capacity, Mo is responsible for leading the company's largest contract that includes over 420 positions valued at over $418 million supporting the US Air Force. He manages personell providing program management, engineering, cyber security, logistics, test and evaluation and administrative support across several locations nationwide.
Prior to joining PESystems, Mo was the Executive Vice President of Aerospace and Defense at the Dayton Development Coalition. He managed partnerships and initiatives across the Dayton region with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB), the Springfield Air National Guard Base and the Dayton Veterans Administration Medical Center. Mo was responsible for preserving and protecting the federal assets in the Dayton region. In addition, he helped shape the Ohio Unmanned Aircraft Systems Strategy and supported the attraction, retention and expansion of Aerospace and Defense related businesses across Ohio.
In addition, Mo was a Senior Program Manager at URS Corporation in Beavercreek, Ohio. He led over $90 million in government contracts, performing business development activities, program management, and recruitment and employee retention in support of the Federal Government.
Ms. Lisa A. Swoboda, a native of Washington, DC, has spent over 20 years in the professional field of business and economic development. Joining the Office of Military & Federal Affairs in 2005, Ms. Swoboda served as Deputy Director and currently serves as Senior Director of the office since December 2017. Ms. Swoboda serves as a senior advisor and liaison to Maryland Military Alliances and federal military and civilian facilities including Aberdeen Proving Ground and Joint Base Andrews where Ms. Swoboda serves as an Honorary Ambassador of the 316th Wing. Ms. Swoboda is a prominent leader in defense community engagement, previously serving a three-year term as Co-Chair of the States Advisory Council for the national Association of Defense Communities. Ms. Swoboda manages the strategic direction of federal civilian agency engagement and supervises a number of projects related to Department of Defense actions impacting Maryland's defense community, including a multi-million defense industry diversification federal grant program. Her office is the state office responsible for the planning and implementation of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) decisions in Maryland.
In partnering with the installation defense communities, Ms. Swoboda works to advance business opportunities with installations in support of the growing defense missions to include communications, electronics, unmanned aerial systems, chemical-biological and cybersecurity. Ms. Swoboda led the development of the Maryland Defense Technology Commercialization Center (DefTech) which in 2020 won a national Federal Laboratory Consortium award for technology transfer and commercialization partnerships with the U.S. Army, and the Maryland Defense Network (MDN) which is a nationally recognized online resource tool for Maryland's defense industry. Ms. Swoboda also initiated the first formal economic impact analysis of Maryland's 15 military facilities. This study has served as the cornerstone to citing installation impacts and to fostering greater awareness of Maryland's largest economic driver.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Director
- Registered Professional Engineer
Sal is a registered professional engineer and leads efforts across a spectrum of client services, including program management, military mission analysis, strategic and master planning, economic analysis, public-private partnerships, and public process facilitation. Prior to joining Matrix, Sal served for nearly 24 years in the United States Air Force, finishing his career as the Installation Commander for Eglin AFB. Sal earned his bachelors of science in civil engineering from the University of Delaware in 1988. He went on to earn five masters degrees, with extensive studies in Public Administration, Engineering, Organizational Management, and National Security Strategy. As a voluntary, Sal serves as the Society of American Military Engineers National President, as a board member for the United Way of Okaloosa and Walton County, as co-chair of a national committee for the Association of Defense Communities, as mentor to the Niceville Youth Advisory Council, and as the Mayor Pro Tem (and Councilman) for the City of Niceville, Florida.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Treasurer
- Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer of TexAmericas Center
Scott Norton is the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of TexAmericas Center (TAC), and has the overall responsibility for the economic redevelopment of a 12,000 acre industrial complex in the heart of Bowie County, TX (parts of the former Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant and realigned portions of Red River Army Depot). TexAmericas Center is home to 30 commercial tenants and land owners, as well as components of the Red River Army Depot mission. The complex is a mixed use development including residential, golf course, commercial and industrial development.
During his tenure at TexAmericas Center, which started in 2011, Scott has led the effort to work with his Congressman and staff to have all TAC property designated as a HUBZone, which eventually led to Congressional action that allowed many other LRA's to receive this designation on their former military property. Likewise, he worked with the US Army BRAC office and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to have the Army's Resource Conservation and Recovery Act's (RCRA) Permit removed from the TAC property, which was completed in January 2021. At the State level, Scott worked with TAC's State Senator, State Representative and the Texas State Legislature in 2015, 2017 and 2019 (with legislation filed in 2021) to pass legislation to provide more tools for TAC to be successful, which results in better jobs and tax base for the region.
Scott served three years as an elected member of the Texarkana, TX City Council, was Founding President of the Pleasant Grove ISD Education Foundation, serves as a member of the CHRISTUS St. Michael Regional Quality Committee, as the Chair of the Economic Development Council of the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce, on the Board of Directors for the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce, the Ark-Tex Council of Governments, Red River Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and has served the community in several other areas over the years.
Scott has a Master of Science in Business Administration from Texas A&M University-Texarkana and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Texas Tech University.
With almost 30 years of experience working in corporate, political, and policy-oriented environments, I bring a diverse background that would enhance ADC's viability to meet your strategic goals. I began my career as a Senate Staffer, moving to industry while I got my Masters in National Security, and supported a defense think tank whose mission is to develop "innovative, resource-informed defense concepts, promote public debate, and spur action to advance U.S. and allied interests". I translated diagnostic policy into programmatic delivery when I moved to Jacobs contributing to corporate growth through a variety of roles in sales, operations, and government relations to now lead worldwide efforts to support DOD, the Intelligence Community, and Federal Civilian Agencies with comprehensive technical and advisory services. Critical to the DOD initiatives was the integration of stakeholder requirements to meet the needs of the installations, the mission, and the surrounding community - which led to my ADC membership 15 years ago. Addressing policy, programmatic, and regulatory issues, we collaborated to create win-win solutions for all, and continue to anticipate emerging challenges of readiness, resilience, and quality of life. As an example, I led the industry effort to partner with DODEA and USACE on the Vision for 21st Century Teaching & Learning, to significantly improve K12 schools worldwide. An effective problem solver and coalition builder, I am results-oriented both in the workplace and in volunteerism, with a personal ethos that places an imperative on giving back, dedicating time and www.jacobs.com stacey.shepard@jacobs.com 703-627-6800 (mobile) 1100 N. Glebe Road, #500, Arlington, VA 22201 Jacobs Vice President, Federal & Environmental Solutions Stacey Shepard, PMP I have been an active ADC member for 15 years - since the 2005 BRAC recommendations, through periods focusing on environmental remediation, energy P3s, and more recently on resilient, smart installations. My organization is in good standing, with regular sponsorship of your significant events. I have participated as a panel moderator and presenter, and corporately we have leveraged subject matter experts for ADC sessions. We are currently engaged in a collaborative and innovative program regarding Future of Work (FoW). resource to professional and community non-profits.
Job Titles:
- Director of Administration
- Vice President
Ford serves as the Grand Forks County Director of Administration. He has served for eight years. Ford is responsible to the Grand Forks County Commission for the daily administration of County affairs, counseling the Commission, and County departments in areas of administration, county internal and external affairs, policy, laws, and procedures.
Ford represents the County with the United States Air Force and North Dakota National Guard, Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (formerly OEA), federal, state, and local elected officials, and UND. Ford also manages, directs, and coordinates programs and activities for governmental relations, to include working with Federal and State legislative and executive officers, officers of local government and community groups. At the State level, Ford manages, directs, coordinates, and communicates the County's legislative priorities/concerns prior to and during each North Dakota Legislative session. He also oversees and directs' the Grand Sky project on Grand Forks AFB, a 50-year Enhanced Use Lease partnership with the United States Air Force.
Ford serves the community through various other activities such as the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, Grand Forks Young Professionals Advisory Board, Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee, UND's Research Institute for Autonomous Systems' Public Sector Board of Directors, and Governor Burgum's Task Force Military in North Dakota (TFMIND), formerly known as the Council on Military Promotion and Strategic Sustainment.
Ford graduated with a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of North Dakota. He currently resides in Grand Forks, ND with his wife, son, and their English Pointer, Ginger.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- CEO of the Association of Defense Communities
- President / CEO of LRG
Tim Ford has served as the CEO of the Association of Defense Communities (ADC) since 2010. Tim previously served as the organization's Executive Director from 2004-2007 and Deputy Director from 1999-2003. Credited with guiding ADC's hundreds of member communities and related organizations through BRAC 2005, Tim also nearly tripled the size of the organization and led efforts to fundamentally expand its mission during his decade leading the association. In recent years, Tim spearheaded the development and advocated for passage of a new authority that allows local governments and the military to share public services and launched ADC's Great American Defense Community program. A nationally recognized expert on BRAC, the impacts of base closure, base redevelopment and community-military partnerships, Tim has been featured on ABC World News Tonight, CNN, and MSNBC, as well as in USA Today, Time, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times.
Tim also serves as the President/CEO of LRG. Founded in 1998, LRG is an award-winning strategic communication firm that provides government agencies, commercial firms, non-profits and educational organizations with a range of professional services, including strategic communications and organizational development. LRG is among the top 10 public relations firms in the Washington, D.C., area according to the Washington Business Journal.
Prior to returning to Washington, D.C. in 2009 to join LRG, Tim was the Executive Director of the New York City Employment & Training Coalition, the city's leading workforce development association. A Pennsylvania native, Tim has a B.A. in Urban Studies from the University of Pittsburgh, and an M.S. in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Tim was recognized with the Department of Defense's prestigious "Above and Beyond" award for its commitment to supporting Guard and Reserve personnel.
Job Titles:
- Director of Strategic Events
Job Titles:
- Board Member, 1994 - Present, Chair 2002