Senior Army installation leaders will explore the key challenges facing Army installations, including mission readiness, support for service members and their families, and how partnerships can bring new innovations and opportunities.

Speakers:

• Hon. Rachel Jacobson, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy & Environment
• Lt. Gen. David Wilson, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-9 (Installations)
• Lt. Gen. Omar Jones, Commanding General, Army Installation Management Command
• Sgt. Maj. Michael Perry III, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-9 (Installations)
• Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Copeland, Installation Management Command
• David Dentino, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Housing and Partnerships
• Brandon Cockrell, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Energy & Sustainability
• David Leinberger, Chief, Army Partnerships, ODCS G-9

Senior Navy and Marine Corps installation leaders will explore the key challenges facing Navy and Marine Corps installations, mission readiness, and support for service members and their families.

Speakers:

• Brenda M. Johnson-Turner, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy, (Installations and Facilities)
• Vice Adm. Scott Gray, Commander, Navy Installations Command
• Brig. Gen. Jason Woodworth, Commander, Marine Corps Installation Command
• Force Master Chief Andre Brown, Navy Installations Command
• Paula Monachelli, Director of Basing, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations, Energy & Environment
• Dr. Sean Wheatley, President, Military Services Group, American Water

Senior Air Force installation leaders will explore the key challenges facing Air Force installations, including great power competition, mission readiness, and support for service members and their families.

Speakers:

• Hon. Dr. Ravi Chaudhary, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installation and Environment
• Robert Moriarty, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations
• Nancy Balkus, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Environment, Safety and Infrastructure
• Jeffrey Domm, Deputy Director, Air Force Civil Engineer Center
• ToniAnn Fisher, Director, Air Force Community Partnerships and Mission Sustainment

Join top military leaders from each of the services for a broad discussion, sure to hit on the hot topics our community is interested in. This opening session is a true town hall. All questions will come from attendees.

Speakers:

• Sal Nodjomian, CEO, Matrix Design Group; City Councilman, Niceville, FL; ADC Board of Directors
• Lt. Gen. Omar Jones, Commanding General, Army Installation Management Command
• Vice Adm. Scott Gray, Commander, Navy Installations Command
• Jeffrey Domm, Deputy Director, Air Force Civil Engineer Center
• Brig. Gen. Jason Woodworth, Commander, Marine Corps Installation Command

Under the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment, DOD funds programs and offices such as the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program, the DOD Noise Program, the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, and the Environmental Planning and Conservation to provide critical resources to defense communities by enhancing military readiness, protecting local habitats, strengthening military community relations, and creating partnerships among local stakeholders.

Speakers:

• Andy Porth, Director of REPI Projects and Resources, DOD Readiness & Environmental Protection Integration
• Liz Chimienti, Deputy Director for Community Adjustment, Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC)
• Erica Rohr, Director, DOD Noise Program

Leverage a nationwide IGSA to immediately improve purchasing for your home installation. Discover how to buy supplies and services faster – even with your authorized local dealers and contractors – with this new, efficient option. No hidden catches. Just clear, actionable insights and full support from Sourcewell’s procurement experts.

Speakers:

• Randy Fuss, Senior Director of Installation Support, Sourcewell
• Monica Klimek, Director of Installation Support, Sourcewell
• David Leinberger, Chief, Army Partnerships, ODCS G-9
• Paula Monachelli, Director of Basing, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations, Energy & Environment

This session will explore the benefits of “Community-Military” partnerships, highlighting best practices in strategic planning, sustainable growth, information sharing, and utilizing grant opportunities. Expert panelists will share insights on successful collaborations and innovative tools that have fostered stronger communication between military, industry, and defense community stakeholders. These success stories will showcase diverse approaches that have led to impactful outreach, increased awareness, and compatible development.

Speakers:

• Capt. Ted “Thumbs” Elkins, Commanding Officer, Naval Air Station Whiting Field, FL
• Randy Roy, Community Planning and Liaison Officer, Naval Air Station Whiting Field, FL
• Amanda Wilson, Public Involvement Manager, North Central Texas Council of Governments
• Tony Parisi, Program Manager, Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute

This panel discussion will debut research commissioned by ADC featuring the behaviors surrounding three multi-base communities (Colorado Springs, Colorado, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington) and sentiment toward the defense community, effect on economic development, relations between workforce and the community, and strains/opportunities on infrastructure. These strategy-provoking insights will queue discussion between an expert panel to reflect on the defense communities at large.

Speakers:

• Dean Browell, Chief Behavioral Officer, CareStarter Technologies | Feedback LLC
• Chuck Milam, Consultant, Milam Consulting
• Reed Woodworth, Executive VP, CHM Government Services
• Scott Pollack, SRPlanning

In partnership with the Army, Corvias is supporting DOD climate strategy and resiliency goals through a holistic energy project at Fort Johnson, Louisiana. A $100 million investment in energy savings improvements is proving successful through a variety of conservation measures. From increased savings in operating expenses, improved resident comfort and the addition of local employment opportunities, find out how the military housing community is maximizing the use of the Investment Tax Credit and reaping the benefits of ground source heat pumps, a 13-megawatt solar ground mount project and other innovative solutions. It’s a real-time example of how effective partnerships help the Army meet its goals.

Speakers:

• Pete Sims, Managing Director, DOD, Corvias
• Pablo Varela, SVP, CRC Innovations
• John Plack, VP, Engineering, Ameresco
• Jeffrey W. Rodgers, Installation Energy Manager, Army Directorate of Public Works, Fort Johnson, LA

Finding child care throughout the nation is a monumental challenge. This challenge is especially problematic for military families that often find themselves needing care on weekends and during non-traditional hours. The universal shortage of childcare providers, long wait lists at child care facilities, and the high costs of child care have in some cases forced families to have one parent stay at home while the other works to support the family. A panel of leading experts in the child care field will discuss their approach to helping mitigate the problem.

Speakers:

• Paula Cabrera, Program Analyst, Child and Youth Programs, DOD, Military Community and Family Policy
• Jessa Santangelo, VP of Business Development and Community Impact, Upwards
• Olivia Burley, Military Spouse Liaison, Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs
• City Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda, 6th District, San Antonio, TX
• Ivan Bolden, Managing Member, Ivan Bolden & Associaties LLC

Quality of life issues have taken center stage for installation and defense community leaders, and a critical new voice is joining the conversation—our military spouses. This session will highlight the important role military spouses can play in addressing these issues and explore ideas on how defense communities and installations can begin integrating these champions into their local leadership frameworks.

Speakers:

• Sharene Brown, Spouse of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
• Patty George, Spouse of the Chief of Staff of the Army
• Gina Allvin, Spouse of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force
• Mona Dexter, Vice President of Military & Veteran Affairs, Comcast NBCUniversal

ADC and NMFA are proud to welcome the second cohort of the Military Spouse Community Leadership Initiative. This special session will explore the initiative and how communities and installations can work to integrate military spouses into their local leadership frameworks.

Speakers:

• Janet Driggers, Military Spouse Community Leadership Initiative Mentor and First Cohort Participant
• Renee Woodworth, Military Spouse Community Leadership Initiative Mentor and First Cohort Participant
• Besa Pinchotti, CEO, National Military Family Association
• Brian Garrett, Deputy Director for Military Affairs, Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs

This is a presentation and facilitated discussion of public works manpower and solutions through leveraging hiring within sustainment, restoration, modernization funding coupled with the exponential efficiencies gained through the full capability of facility-related control systems to enable predictive maintenance. Building back DPWs can occur with SRM funding with the specific mission of moving to predictive maintenance that will achieve significant savings through reducing costs and extending the service life of facilities and equipment. This model will enable public works to close the current gap of sustaining installation footprints.

Speakers:

• Sean Dust, Energy Manager, Fort Drum, NY
• Justin Bator, Chief, Engineering Plans and Services Division, Fort Drum, NY

The panel will serve as an opportunity for Air Force and Army senior leaders to update ADC IIF attendees on the Services’ progress in meeting their respective end strength requirements and to detail their recruiting plans for the coming year and beyond, with comments on how defense communities can assist the Services in meeting their goals.

The community panelists will provide examples of inventive ways they are supporting Army and Air Force recruiting efforts at the local and state levels. The information on community strategies can be used by attendees as examples of ‘best practices’ that can be replicated across the country, serving as a ‘force multiplier’ for the Services’ recruitment efforts.

Speakers:

• Joe Driskill, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, Missouri
• Dorsey Newcomb, Executive Director, Leonard Wood Institute & Sustainable Ozarks Partnership
• Maj. Gen. Clark Quinn, Deputy Commander, Air Force Education and Training Command
• Brig. Gen. Fred Hockett Jr, Deputy Commanding General Support, Army Recruiting Command
• Kristi Hilbert, Air & Space Forces Civic Leader, Department of the Air Force

Understanding the details of your defense economy is foundational for defense communities to set a strategic path to growth and improvement. In this panel, state, regional and community leaders will share their experiences in identifying key focus areas to prioritize studies and initiatives that align with both military and community needs. Panelists will discuss effective methods for gathering data, from economic assessments to stakeholder consultations, and how this information can drive strategic decision-making, inform policy, attract investment, and strengthen partnerships between installations and local communities.

Speakers:

• Brad Johnson, Deputy Director, Government Consulting Services, Matrix Design Group
• Rick Dwyer, Executive Director, Hampton Roads Military & Federal Facilities Alliance
• Larry Muzzelo, Assistant Director, Department of Economic Development, Harford County Government
• Russell DeSalvo, President and CEO, PuebloPlex, CO

The Navy is employing new authorities to further partnerships with non-Navy partners to find new efficiencies and ways to address service and partner needs. In the area of real estate and partnerships, the use of new authorities allows new ways to move forward to achieve Navy goals.

Speakers:

• Chris Lewis, Installation Innovation Initiatives, Mid-Atlantic Region, Navy Installations Command
• Amanda Pack, Real Estate Director, Navy Installations Command
• Brian Ballard, Community Plans Liaison Officer, Mid-Atlantic Region, Navy Installations Command
• Paula Monachelli, Director of Basing, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment

With the availability of new and innovative methods, processes and tools, installation management professionals now have access to advanced analytics, automation, artificial intelligence and next-generation systems engineering like digital twins. This session explores some of the latest ways installations can and are leveraging technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Speakers:

• Douglas Hammer, Executive Director, Digital Transformation Mission Support Practice, ManTech
• Peter Michaelson, Chief Technology Officer, Army Installation Management Command
• Allison Long, Program Manager, Army Installations Modernization Pilot Program, Army Engineer Research and Development Center
• Col. Travis Pond, Deputy Wing Commander, 88th Air Base Wing, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH
• Kevan Dilworth, C2 Modernization Program Manager, 88th Air Base Wing, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH
• David Canestrare, Assured Base Operations Program Manager, Air Force Research Laboratory / Information Directorate

DOD is leading global efforts to build strong norms that will promote the responsible military use of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems and is seen as a global leader in responsible military use of AI and autonomy. For decades, DOD has been championing ethical AI principles and policies on autonomy in weapon systems for over a decade. While DOD relies on contracts with private companies to help develop, manufacture and supply advanced technologies, it is academia and universities that lead the way in expertise, research capacity and practical applications of new and emerging technologies to support the warfighter. This session will explore and expand on how academia and universities partner with DOD in cultivating responsible and ethical AI practices and principles.

Speakers:

• Tom Ford, Vice President, Association of Defense Communities; County Administrator, Grand Forks County, ND
• Andrew Armacost, President, University of North Dakota
• Eric Toler, Executive Director, Georgia Cyber Innovation & Training Center
• Maj. Gen. Larry Broadwell, Deputy Commander, 16th Air Force
• Jim Perschbach, President & CEO, Port San Antonio, TX

Join us for an engaging panel discussion on the future of workforce innovation in defense communities. This session will explore cutting-edge strategies and technologies driving change, the evolving needs of defense sectors, and how communities can adapt and thrive in a rapidly shifting landscape. It will delve into the “Skills Forward” approach, emphasizing the importance of upskilling and reskilling the workforce to meet emerging challenges. Learn how targeted training programs and continuous learning initiatives can equip personnel with the necessary skills to stay ahead in a dynamic environment. Industry experts, military leaders and workforce development professionals will share insights on talent acquisition, training and retention, as well as collaborative efforts to build a resilient and future-ready workforce. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the latest trends and best practices shaping the defense workforce of tomorrow.

Speakers:

• Lisanne McNew, Chair, National Association of Workforce Boards; President & CEO, SAFE Engineering
• Colin Newman, Director, Workforce & Economic Development, Amazon
• Sean Murphy, Director, Grant Portfolios, Walmart Foundation
• Traci Marques, Executive Director & CEO, Pikes Peak Workforce Center

This panel will explore how artificial intelligence and machine learning can improve military installations’ readiness and efficiencies by harnessing the power of data and cloud. Panelists will discuss cutting-edge AI/ML applications, such as predictive maintenance, supply chain optimization, public safety and threat analysis, to enhance operational efficiency and improve decision-making. The panel will also discuss how AI/ML may address quality of life issues from accessing quality child care to addressing housing needs. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the practical implementation of AI/ML technologies on military installations and their potential to transform base operations.

Speakers:

• Andy Napoli, Assistant Commander for Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC), Public Private Ventures (PPV), and Real Estate Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) HQ
• Paul Schaefer, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff G4, Facilities, Logistics, Environmental Management Headquarters, U.S. Army Material Command
• Matthew Bruce, Google Public Sector, Google AI/ML Principal
• Joe Dingman, Executive Director, Travis AFB

The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is a coalition of federal agencies, state and local governments, and non-governmental organizations that work with volunteering landowners and local defense communities to strengthen military readiness, conserve natural resources, bolster agricultural economies and enhance resilience to climate change. During this session, leaders from the Camp Bullis Sentinel Landscape Partnership in Texas and the Eastern New Mexico Sentinel Landscape will discuss their work to protect groundwater resources. Joint Base San Antonio—Camp Bullis straddles the Edwards and Trinity Aquifers. These aquifers provide drinking water for the installation and neighboring communities, which are seeing dramatic population growth and increased demand for limited water resources. In New Mexico, Cannon Air Force Base relies on the High Plains (Ogallala) Aquifer, which is being depleted while experiencing little recharge, as its only source of potable water. Join this session to learn about the challenges and successes of these locally led initiatives and how the broader coalition of the Sentinel Landscape Program is supporting defense communities across the country.

Speakers:

• Daniel Oppenheimer, Camp Bullis Sentinel Landscape Coordinator, Joint Base Camp Bullis, TX
• Ladona Clayton, Executive Director, Ogallala Land & Water Conservancy, Clovis, NM
• Andy Porth, Director of REPI Projects and Resources, DOD Readiness & Environmental Protection Integration

Exposure to nature has a host of mental health benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood and reduced risk of psychiatric disorders. No matter the size of your community’s green spaces, learn how your community leaders, planners and policy makers can use the healing powers of Mother Nature to support military families. Besa Pinchotti, CEO of the National Military Family Association, will bring together NMFA’s leading experts on outdoor recreation and military teen well-being in conversation with Leidos and a local military teen to discuss the power of the outdoors to strengthen and refuel a community.

Speakers:

• Besa Pinchotti, CEO, National Military Family Association
• Aspen Bergmann, Strategic Impact, National Military Family Association
• Christy Brown, Operation Purple Program Manager, National Military Family Association

Speakers:

• Celeste Werner, Chief of Strategic Development, Matrix Design Group
• Col. Collin Keenan, Commander, Army Pine Bluff Arsenal, AR
• Noel Foster, Mayor, White Hall, AR
• Brian Hoffman, Vice Director, 502nd Air Base Wing, Joint Base San Antonio, TX
• Will McKnight, Senior Director, Alamo Area Council of Governments, TX

Reliable communication solutions on military bases are no longer a luxury; they are critical to enhancing mission readiness and supporting the well-being of service members and their families, ultimately contributing to national security and operational success. This session will address the connectivity gaps on military bases and present significant opportunities that are currently in use. Hear from a former commander and telecom experts about how they are revolutionizing connectivity on military bases by providing faster, more reliable and higher-capacity networks to significantly enhance mission-critical communications, improve real-time data sharing and support advanced applications like Internet of Things for better operational efficiency.

Speakers:

• Lou Zeisman, Military Liaison, Boldyn Networks
• Stephen Goetz, Vice President, Fiber Strategy and Business Development, Boldyn Networks
• Christine Habeck, Director, Site Acquisition, Boldyn Networks

This breakout session addresses key barriers to effective civilian and military partnerships in advancing innovative concepts. Participants will engage in collaborative strategies to build dynamic, innovative partnerships that drive forward-thinking solutions.

Speakers:

• Col. Rich Bendelewski, Garrison Commander, Fort Gregg-Adams, VA
• Mike Flanagan, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, VA
• Becky McDonough, CEO, Hopewell & Prince George Chamber of Commerce, VA
• Jeff Stoke, County Administrator, Prince George County, VA
• Eric Tatum, Manager, Federal Energy Solutions, Dominion Energy

The presentation highlights the potential for collective impact when diverse organizations share a common goal of education and training, leveraging each other’s unique strengths and expertise to drive innovation and progress. By collaborating with partners from various institutions, the organizations can transcend the limitations of their perspectives, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges they face and developing more effective solutions. The Intergovernmental Service Agreement for Military for the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence and the Doolittle Scholars Program serve as a compelling example of this synergy in action, demonstrating how collaborative efforts can lead to enhanced professional development and strategic readiness for military personnel.

Speakers:

• Matt Stazenski, CIV, Air Force Community Partnership Manager, Department of the Air Force
• Brook Dickison, Assistant Professor, Angelo State University, TX
• Lanna Hubbard, Dean of Arts and Sciences, Howard College, TX

The Navy has a reinvigorated directive with funding to identify, develop and award third-party financed recapitalization and utility service contracts for mission priority installations. Utility systems under consideration include water, wastewater and electrical distribution systems and plants as allowed by 10 USC 2688.

Speakers:

• Nicole DuPriest, Vice President, JLL
• Ray Smalling, Program Manager, Utility Privatization, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command
• Gerald Boetsch Jr., PE, Chief, Utilities Privatization Branch, Air Force Civil Engineer Center
• Dr. Ali Bakhshi, PE, Program Manager, Utilities Privatization, Office of Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, G-9 (Installations)
• Martha Gray, Director, Defense Logistics Agency, Energy Utility Services

The Defense-State Liaison Office and the Clearinghouse for Military Readiness at Penn State University will unveil their collaborative research evaluating implementation of four DOD policy priorities supporting military child education: Advanced Enrollment, Purple Star Schools, the Military Student Identifier, and the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. Joined by military branch and community partners, this panel discusses the why behind DSLO and Penn State’s research, what’s next and what it means for military child education.

Speakers:

• Jerrod Wheeler, Superintendent, Knob Noster Public Schools, MO
• Daniel Perkins, Director, Clearinghouse on Military Family Readiness, Penn State University
• Jeremy Hilton, South Central Regional Liaison, Defense-State Liaison Office
• Lori Phipps, Chief, Dept. of the Air Force School Liaison Program, HQ Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, Air Force Services Center
• Becky Porter, CEO, Military Child Education Coalition
• Michelle Norman, Governor Appointee and Military Spouse, Virginia Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission

Communities and military installations are interconnected by resources that must be managed and shared in order to operate well now and into the future. The connections occur physically and culturally, at many scales, and involve diverse technical fields. No matter the size or subject, a shared understanding of the resource can transform friction to function. Geospatial technology is a broad capability that provides location-based insights and helps create that understanding, when applied with the outcome in mind. Join this session to learn of existing and future innovations in building community-installation resilience with applied GIS.

Speakers:

• Jack Haefner, Operational Readiness & Warfighter Support Team Lead, Esri
• Kevin Lariscy, Installation Geospatial Information & Services Director, Army Installation Management Command (G-4)
• Jennifer Alley, Federal Sustainability & Climate Lead, HDR
• Jared Ware, Senior Engineer and Director, Railroad Commission of Texas

As it enters its sixth round, the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) has awarded funding to over 70 projects. During this session, you will hear from successful applicants as they share the critical actions and steps that led them to a ‘yes’ on DCIP.

Speakers:

• Dan Glasson, Deputy Director for Community Investment, Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation
• Lt. Col. Benjamin Iannucci, Commander, 910th Mission Support Group, Youngstown Air Reserve Base, OH
• Jonathan Ramsdell, Chief Public Affairs Officer, Rock Island Arsenal, IL
• Greg Lipscomb, Community Plans & Liaison Officer, Marine Corps Installations Command, G-7 Modernization and Development Directorate
• Ryan Blackburn, Director, Projects & Programs, Military & Federal Installations; Dayton Development Coalition; JobsOhio

The session will focus on healthcare innovation at the University of Colorado School of Medicine through their Colorado Center for COMBAT (Combat Medicine and Battlefield) Research Institute. The panel will discuss in a fireside chat format how the COMBAT Research Institute was started, what types of innovative research is being conducted, how local military installations and their communities are involved in and benefiting from the research, innovation, and healthcare solutions and the integration with the UCHealth Military Training Affiliation Agreements.

Speakers:

• Ron Fitch, President, UCHealth Pikes Peak Regional Hospital, Grandview Hospital and Military Affairs
• Vik Bebarta; Colonel, Air Force Reserve; Director, Colorado University Center for COMBAT Research; Vice Chair for Strategy and Growth and Professor, Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine

Many opportunities exist for installation and community resilience investment partnership projects because of grants from multiple agencies, especially given the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Grants from federal and state agencies help with everything from wildfire, drought and flood mitigation to rebuilding and strengthening roads, airport, communications, water, forests, ecosystems, emergency response and energy infrastructure and systems. This session will provide a practical overview of the grant opportunities, how to identify key project types, and practical tips for how to apply and successfully acquire such grant funding to increase both installation and community resilience.

Speakers:

• Beth Lachman, Senior Operations Researcher, RAND
• J. Scott Pippin, Fort Moore, GA, IGSA Partner, The University of Georgia
• Lorie Vega, Deputy, 28th Mission Support Group, Ellsworth AFB, SD
• Charles A. Swasey Howell, Installation Energy Manager, Naval Base San Diego

This Navy panel will discuss Advanced Reactor Technology (ART) and its place in the Navy’s plan to increase its Energy Security posture. ART is the latest groundbreaking nuclear technology that develops and deploys activities through its Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP), Advanced Reactor Concepts (ARC), and Advanced Small Modular Reactor (ASMR) programs to promote safety, technical, economical, and environmental advancements. The panel will discuss Navy policy, provide an overview of the technology, and how the benefits of energy resilience can extend to both Navy installations as well as our non-military partners.

Speakers:

• Commander Ben Kalish, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy
• Capt. Daniel Patrick, Commanding Officer, Naval Weapon Station Yorktown
• Capt. Benjamin Goehring (USMC), Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy

Indoor environments have a direct impact on the well-being, readiness and resiliency of service members and their families. With over 90% of time spent indoors, we begin by meeting service members right where they are with innovative solutions that can be implemented immediately in the home, creating a better tomorrow for our military. During this session, presenters will share science-backed, third party-verified solutions that are proven to promote wellness and will ultimately contribute to an increased quality of life, offer valuable insights into policies, scientific advancements and successful implementations, and provide guidance on building resilient communities.

Speakers:

• Rob Bellmar, President, Vitacorps
• Pete Sims, Managing Director, DOD, Corvias
• Mark Colón, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Housing
• Elizabeth Miles, Vice President, Residential, IWBI

In today’s digital age, the cybersecurity workforce is essential for safeguarding national security and supporting government missions. This panel will explore the intersection of community, education and military partnerships in cultivating a robust cyber workforce. Attendees will learn how to effectively leverage grants, academic partnerships and research initiatives to integrate cyber programs in their communities, enhancing mission readiness and resilience. The discussion will also focus on building local cyber talent, addressing workforce needs and understanding the community impacts.

Speakers:

• Elaine Bryant, Executive Vice President for Aerospace & Defense, Dayton Development Coalition; Managing Director, Military & Federal Sector, JobsOhio; ADC Board of Directors
• Dan Rhoades, Chief Operations Officer, 21st Century Partnership for Warner Robins Air Force Base, GA
• Brittany Smart, Senior Advisor for Defense, Community and Research, University of Alaska Fairbanks
• Col. Darren Hamilton, Commander, 179th Cyberspace Wing, Mansfield Lahm Air National Guard Base, OH

Speakers:

• Jill McClune, Board of Directors, Aberdeen Proving Ground Alliance; Co-Chair, ADC Federal Outreach & Advisory Council
• Dianne Smith, Management & Program Analyst, Plans, Analysis and Integration, Fort Walker, VA
• Gef Fisher, Chief, Environmental and Natural Resources Division, Directorate of Public Works, Fort Walker, VA
• John Anderson, Executive Director, Community & Mission Integration, Joint Base San Antonio & 502 Air Base Wing, TX
• Jessica Ward, IGSA Coordinator, Navy Region Southwest (N55) Business Office, Naval Base San Diego, CA

During a full-scale exercise, a simulated tornado on the installation also takes out the power grid. This session will dive into the results and explore the lessons learned on how the installation staff worked to keep the base operational in the face a natural disaster.

Speakers:

• Brandon Landis, Supervisor, Plans and Operations, Army Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security
• Lindsey Warner, DPW Utility Specialist, Fort Moore, GA

Hear directly from OLDCC leaders as they discuss their latest projects, upcoming programs, and grant opportunities, including the Defense Community Infrastructure Program, the Military Installation Resilience initiative, the Defense Manufacturing Community Support initiative, and more.

Speakers:

• Patrick O’Brien, Director, Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation

• Mike Kelly, Assistant Vice President of Military Affairs, USAA
• Amy Graveley, Deputy Commander, Operational Logistics Command, United States Coast Guard
• E. Kirk Rivers, Mayor, Elizabeth City, NC
• Carl Geffken, City Administrator, City of Fort Smith, AR
• Scott Landguth, Executive Director, South Dakota Ellsworth Development Authority

The relationship between innovation and socio-technical responsibility continues to hold immense significance as we integrate AI into all aspects of our defense communities. This panel brings together a distinguished lineup of speakers to explore the ethical considerations surrounding the development and deployment of innovative AI to support installations, protect our warfighters and provide decision advantage. It will examine strategies to engage stakeholders across the defense community, industry and government with senior representatives from the Chief Digital and AI Office and service component/installation representatives discussing use case examples.

Speakers:

• Maj. Gen. James M. Smith, Deputy Commanding General, IMCOM
• Lynne Randolph, Distinguished Engineer, Southwest Research Institute
• Troy Gonzalez,  AI Digital Transformation Executive, Booz Allen
• John Conger, President, Conger Strategies & Solutions
• David Gagliano, Vice President, Booz Allen

Engage with a distinguished panel of representatives from various branches of the military, along with service member-based organizations, to explore how the integration of esports and gaming on military bases can enhance recruitment and retention, build strong communities and provide essential mental health support for active duty personnel. This session will highlight successful initiatives and examine the transformative impact of gaming on military life, fostering a more engaged and resilient force.

Speakers:

• Josh Otero, Founder & Chairman, Warrior Gaming Foundation
• Chris “Wiley7” Wiley, Chief, Air Force Esports
• TSgt Justyn Guthier, NCOIC, Space Force Esports & Sports
• SSG Joseph Edwards, NCOIC, Army Esports, Marketing & Engagement Brigade
• Hugo “Juice” Flores, Esports Program Manager, National Guard Bureau
• Daniel Sharp, Director of Media, GruntStyle

Maximize the value of utilities privatization contracts by providing reliability, resilience, efficiency and sustainability improvements to the installation and surrounding communities. Utilities privatization’s goal is to be more than just the company operating and maintaining electric power. We want to partner with installations and be a part of the community.

Speakers:

• Brian Dosa, Director, Directorate of Public Works, Fort Cavazos, TX
• Vonzell Mattocks, Director, Community and Military Partnerships, Northern Virginia Regional Commission
• Maj. Gen. Michelle Donahue, Commanding General, Army Combined Arms Support Command and Sustainment Center of Excellence and Fort Gregg-Adams, VA
• Jeffrey Stoke, CEcD, ICMA-CM, County Administrator, Prince George County, VA
• Paul Matthews, Director, Federal Energy Solutions, Dominion Energy

Speakers:

• George Schlossberg, Partner, Kutak Rock; ADC General Counsel
• Elizabeth Guzman, Intergovernmental Support Agreement Manager, PAIO, Fort Moore, GA
• Kelley Paskow, Analysis & Integration Office Lead, Fort Riley, KS
• Jennifer Burcham, Business Program Lead, Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA
• Steven Sadlowski, Community Planning & Liaison Officer, Subbase New London, CT
• Amy Probsdorfer Kelley, Community Initiatives Director, 10th Air Base Wing, Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO

Speakers:

• Erik Mitchell, Deputy Garrison Commander, West Point, NY
• Julia Cantrell, Chief, Real Estate Development EUL Execution Branch, Air Force Civil Engineer Center

Integrating AI at the installation goes beyond the creation of a complex model. Join us for an interactive exploration into the AI Blueprint: the path to integrate AI. Discover the diverse components of AI, then engage in a hands-on workshop where you will experiment with the key data, model and integration considerations for implementing AI solutions to infrastructure, cybersecurity and installation challenges.

Speakers:

• Nicole Lach, Lead Associate, Booz Allen Hamilton
• Josh Braden, Energy Data Specialist and AI Engineer, Booz Allen Hamilton
• Juhi Choudhury, Senior Consultant and AI & ML Analyst, Booz Allen Hamilton

The Mississippi Governor’s Office of Military Affairs and the University of Southern Mississippi recently completed a study of defense communities looking for best practices. Panelists will discuss the study and provide examples of how their communities are organized to support defense installations.

Speakers:

• Jace Ponder, Director, Mississippi Governor’s Office of Military Affairs
• Dianne Smith, Plans, Analysis & Integration Office, Fort Walker, GA
• Tom Clark, Executive Director, Alliance for Fort Eisenhower, GA
• Sam Anderson, Executive Vice President SOFtact Solutions

From mission tempo and housing challenges to drivers’ licenses and video games, this session featuring senior NCOs from each of the services will explore emerging trends and key issues facing enlisted service members and families, as well as innovative efforts happening at the local level.

Speakers:

• Sergeant Major Michael Perry III, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-9 (Installations)
• Force Master Chief Andre Brown, Navy Installations Command
• Chief Master Sergeant Jaycee Roman, Air Force Installation Mission Support Center
• Sergeant Major Jason Hammock, Marine Corps Installations Command

Explore the future of military energy infrastructure with advanced solar and energy storage technologies that improve efficiency, cut costs and boost sustainability. This session highlights how AI enhances energy management, enables real-time decisions and integrates seamlessly into existing systems. Learn from experts how these innovations reduce grid reliance, meet DOD sustainability goals and save money—without extra government funding. Crucially, strong partnerships with defense communities are key to their success. Discover how these solutions are revolutionizing military installations with reliable, cost-effective and sustainable power.

Speakers:

• Clint Saner, CEO, ATC Alliance
• Michael Truelove, COO, ATC Alliance
• Watheq Abu Gharbiah, Solar Eco Systems
• Tomme Sheehan, CEO, Real Business AI
• Fred Welch, Executive Director, Copperas Cove Economic Development Corporation, TX

Building on the foundation laid at last year’s Installation Innovation Forum, this presentation will dive deeper into the innovative use of an integrated platform designed to optimize the allocation of limited sustainment dollars for installations. It will incorporate enterprise data systems like BUILDER, GFEBS and ArMA, enabling decision-makers to develop accurate sustainment plan reflecting cost-effective means for installations to move from reactive to proactive maintenance strategies. By analyzing inputs from inspections, work orders and smart sensors, this platform tool prioritizes investments based on the potential long-term benefits and cost avoidance. The session will also highlight the development process, from the minimum viable product to future expansion opportunities, emphasizing how this tool/platform can be a game-changer for both current and future sustainment challenges for all installations.

Speakers:

• John Ghim, Director, Department of Public Works, Army Garrison Humphreys
• Jaewon Kim, Chief, Operation & Maintenance Division, Army Garrison Humphreys
• Jared Huffman, Sr. Manager, Advisory Solutions, Jacobs
• Matthew Tubtim, Chief, Business Operations and Integration Division, Army Garrison Humphreys

Speakers:

• Matt Borron, Executive Director, Association of Defense Communities
• Nicolas Ginther, Community Planning & Liaison Officer / Landscape Architect, Naval Weapons Station Earle, NJ
• Karen Gray, Strategic Plan / Community Planning & Liaison Officer, Marine Corps Base Barstow, CA

Hear from the field how partnerships with local, state and national agencies have a lasting impact on access to and quality of child care within the military community.

Speakers:

• Denise Hunter, Vice President, Services Operations HQ – Services & Food Directorate, Army & Air Force Exchange Service
• Dr. Sarah Baray, CEO, Pre K 4 San Antonio, TX
• Capt. Amanda Fucelia, HHC Commander, Fort Campbell, KY
• Kelly Sarles, Director, Morale, Welfare and Recreation, Fort Campbell, KY

Speakers:

• Scott Norton, CEO, TexAmericas Center; ADC Board of Directors
• Joe Johnson, Chief of Staff, Red River Army Depot, TX
• CDR Michael Mosi, Commanding Officer, Naval Support Activity Panama City, FL
• Steve Tugend, Director, Central Ohio Defense Group

Camp Navajo and the Naval Observatory are vital to Northern Arizona’s economy. To protect their longevity, Coconino County and Flagstaff launched a Military Installation Resiliency and Compatibility Implementation project centered on advancing community and installation resiliency and sustainability: enhancing dark sky compliance through drone technology and advanced GIS; launching an outreach campaign to boost awareness of dark skies, wildfire mitigation, and the installations’ economic contributions; creating a land use and economic development plan to support forest health to prevent wildfires and align with Camp Navajo’s needs; developing and successfully adopting state legislation to improve military protections and coordination; and conducting a resiliency study to identify and mitigate forest health and natural hazard risks.

Speakers:

• Celeste Werner, Chief of Strategic Development, Matrix Design Group
• Dan Folke, Community Development Director, City of Flagstaff, AZ
• Gregory Nelson, Government Affairs Director, Coconino County
• Mark James, Deputy Director, 56th Community Initiatives Team

“In the past, I holed up and felt isolated. Through art I found connection and community,” said Dani F., a veteran. Given the special challenges members of the military face—including extreme stress, constant relocations and often trauma associated with deployments—the arts provide opportunities for veterans and military families to express themselves, find purpose and joy, and develop stronger ties in their communities. This discussion will allow representatives from the Patriot Art Foundation, The Wilson Foundation for the Performing Arts and Sciences, and other arts organizations to share their passion and examples of how their efforts contribute to the military families and veterans they serve.

Speakers:

• Peggy Tadej, Executive Director, Patriot Art Foundation
• Yoland Gibbons, Willson Center for the Performing Arts and Sciences

This session will feature an impactful overview of trends, efforts, challenges and successes from the past five years provided by joint service regional coordinators with recommendations on how to use the program to partner with communities for successes in environmental, energy, land use planning and mission sustainment. It will provide information on the function and scope of the REC program along with who and how to engage. The session will be followed with an open Q&A opportunity.

Speakers:

• Fred Brooks, Air Force Regional Environmental Coordinator
• Mark Mahoney, Army Regional Environmental Coordinator
• Jason Golumbfskie-Jones, Navy Regional Environmental Coordinator
• Mike Ackerman, Air Force Regional Environmental Coordinator

The discussion is a request for support and participation to the ADC membership on the issues laid out in the recent publication, Transmission Expansion For National Defense (TREND) Report. U.S. military operations around the world depend on reliable and uninterrupted access to energy. The U.S. electric power grid is the cornerstone of our national defense. Compounding threats from our changing climate, aging power infrastructure, increased competition with China and homegrown violent extremism are revealing the growing inadequacy of our national grid to provide the power necessary for defense operations. While on-base backup power is critical, it is insufficient. Defense energy resilience demands a focus on the national grid in parallel with installation innovations. Modernizing our transmission grid will ensure that electricity from diverse sources can be flexibly and rapidly delivered around the country. Building a robust transmission system is mission critical. Installations rely heavily on their surrounding communities for water, gas services, wastewater systems, communication and transportation. It is essential that DOD integrate the support of infrastructure systems beyond the fenceline into its energy strategy. The engagement of ADC on transmission expansion will elevate this effort by drawing in critical voices from defense communities.

Speakers:

• Jonathon Monken, Principal, Converge Strategies
• Will Rogers, Senior Climate Advisor, Army
• Jeff Brown, CEO, Sandhills Utilities
• Daniel Glasson, Deputy Director for Community Investment, Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation

The Air Force Office of Energy Assurance (OEA) is leading installation innovation with a holistic, comprehensive and scaled-up approach. Energy and water resilience efforts must accelerate and and are. OEA will highlight several completed, in-process and upcoming examples of how innovation is and will continue benefitting Air Force installations.

Speakers:

• Scott Sheffield, Program Analyst, Air Force Office of Energy Assurance

This panel will explore the crucial role of local military museums in fostering the next generation of the STEM workforce. Featuring three distinguished panelists from diverse military museums, the discussion will highlight innovative educational programs and hands-on experiences that inspire and prepare young minds for STEM careers. Panelists will share best practices, success stories and collaborative strategies, demonstrating how these institutions serve as vital community assets in driving educational excellence and workforce development in STEM fields.

Speakers:

• Dan Rhoades, Chief Operations Officer, 21st Century Partnership for Warner Robins Air Force Base, GA
• Bob Ross, Executive Director, Connecticut Office of Military Affairs
• Melissa Spalding, Vice President, Museum of Aviation Foundation, Warner Robins, GA
• Aaron Clark, Director, Hill Aerospace Museum, UT

This session will discuss how ”out of the box” thinking can provide a more welcoming, supportive and appreciative community. It will primarily focus on two “firsts”: United Way of the Midlands and Offutt’s Military and Family Readiness partnership in support of the 211 resource hotline and the partnership between the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs, Greater Omaha Chamber, Army Air Force Exchange Service, and the Offutt Advisory Council to establish a Nebraska welcome center in the base Exchange.

Speakers:

• Randy Norwood, Assistant Vice President, Military Affairs and Strategic Partnership, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, NE
• Lauren Kimball, AVP, Community Investment and Analytics, United Way of the Midlands
• Lt. Col. Ryan Davis, Deputy Commander, 55th Mission Support Group
• John Hilgert, Director, Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs

The interactive presentation will dive into the rebuild of Tyndall Air Force Base, which was devastated by Hurricane Michael in 2018. Using this disaster as an opportunity to build a “base of the future,” the Air Force incorporated new technologies into the rebuilding of the base, including Digital Twin, Syzgy Sensor Network Access Point, Purple Falcon Event and other emerging technologies and platforms.

Speakers:

• Peter Sartori, Branch Chief, Natural Disaster Recovery Division, Air Force Civil Engineer Center

This panel will examine how installations and communities adjacent to military installations are taking actions to improve their communities’ critical physical and human infrastructure resilience. Additionally, the panel will examine an area that has not received sufficient attention: the nationwide critical human infrastructure readiness and resilience necessary to maintain public order, public safety and other community services essential to the success of our military’s force projection missions.

Speakers:

• Fred Meurer, Independent Consultant, Booz Allen Hamilton
• Steve Bonner, CEO SONRI
• David Leinberger, Chief of Army Partnerships, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-9 (Installations)
• Jarrod Ross, Energy Manager, Fort Hunter Liggett, CA

In this session, leaders and stakeholders will discover practical, outside-the-wire innovations that can be implemented to enhance family and warfighter readiness at their bases. The panel will showcase proven solutions that address critical challenges, from child care and housing to secure communications, providing actionable insights for improving military life. Attendees will leave with concrete ideas for partnership opportunities with private sector innovators to strengthen resilience and quality of life for service members and their families.

Speakers:

• Sam Meek, CEO, Sandboxx
• Anthony Gantt, CEO, At Ease
• Shelly Scott, CEO, GetSidekicks
• Kevin Landtroop, Chief Growth Officer, SBIR Advisors

The briefing will focus on the current state of Air Force on-base commercial lodging and provide an overview of the benefits and timeline of the program, as well as their current outreach to additional partners via a Request for Information.

Speakers:

• Benjamin Kindt, Chief, Commercial Opportunities Division, Air Force Civil Engineer Center