The defense landscape is rapidly evolving, reshaping local economies, infrastructure, and essential services in every defense community. This session explores three critical issues with lasting impact: Strategic Forces Modernization, which is shifting infrastructure, workforce needs, and partnerships; Fleet Modernization, driving new demands in shipbuilding, maintenance, and regional support networks; and The Defense Community Healthcare Imperative, as military healthcare access faces growing pressures. Join us for a forward-looking discussion on how defense communities can adapt, innovate, and stay ahead of these changes.

Speakers:

• Lt Gen Andrew Gebara, Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration
• John Lee, Chief Financial Officer, Defense Health Agency
• Renee Woodworth, Senior Military Spouse Advisor, ADC Military Spouse Leadership Initiative
• Samuel Byers, Senior National Security Advisor, Center for Maritime Strategy

With U.S. defense underpinned by its nuclear deterrent, modernization of U.S. stra-tegic weapons systems is a top priority for the Department of Defense. Known as the Triad, the three legs of the U.S. nuclear forces include land-based missile systems, strategic bombers and a fleet of ballistic missile submarines, are all set to be upgraded over the course of the next decade at an estimated cost of $756 Billion.

Speakers:

• Randy Norwood, Assistant Vice President of Military Affairs & Strategic Partnership, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce
• Dr. Christopher Yeaw, Assistant Executive Director for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Program, University of Nebraska
• Scott Landguth, Executive Director, South Dakota Ellsworth Authority; President, Strategic Deterrence Coalition
• Brett Doney, CEO, Great Falls Chamber of Commerce; Montana Defense Alliance
• Bekka Kramer, President & CEO, Minot Area Chamber EDC, ND
• Paul Whitescarver, Executive Director for the Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region

This session will explore the critical role military families play in strengthening national security through resilience, readiness, and community support. Featuring insights from military spouses, the discussion will highlight the interconnectedness of family well-being and mission success. Speakers will address key challenges military families face, such as relocation, healthcare access, employment, and educational continuity, while showcasing innovative programs and community partnerships that enhance family stability while supporting economic development in local economies. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how investing in military family readiness directly strengthens our nation’s defense capabilities.

Speakers:

• Dr. Kendra Lowe, First Command
• Jenni Kain, ADC Military Spouse Leadership Initiative
• Amanda Scott, ADC Military Spouse Leadership Initiative
• Breanna Oliver, ADC Military Spouse Liaison and COO, Lone Cypress AI
• Taylor Davis, ADC Military Spouse Leadership Initiative
• Robert Timm, Grant Writer/Administrator, City of Box Elder
• Doug Curry, City Administrator and Military Affairs Director, City of Box Elder
• Jennie Taylor, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (Utah)
• CSM Ruben Murillo, Senior Enlisted Advisor, Prevention, Resilience, and Readiness Directorate, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-9, Department of the Army

Access to quality healthcare for service members, families, and veterans is a growing challenge for defense communities nationwide. As military healthcare systems evolve and local providers take on a greater role, communities must navigate workforce shortages, infrastructure needs, and policy shifts to ensure continued access to care. This session will explore the current state of military healthcare, emerging challenges, and strategies for defense communities to strengthen their local healthcare networks.

Speakers:

• Dr. Michael Malanoski, Deputy Director, Defense Health Agency
• Rear Admiral Matthew Case, Acting Assistant Director for Health Care Administration
• Dr. Julie Freeman, Chief Strategic Innovation Officer, Defense Health Agency
• Ron Fitch, President, UC Healthcare Pikes Peak Regional Hospital, Grandview Hospital and Military Affairs, UCHealth Southern Colorado
• Charlie Perham, Director, Planning & Advisory Services, Matrix Design Group

The next-generation fleet is taking shape, bringing new demands for shipbuilding, maintenance, and support infrastructure that will directly impact defense communities. This session will explore how the Navy and industry are adapting to evolving mission needs, what challenges lie ahead in workforce development and supply chains, and how communities can position themselves to support and benefit from fleet modernization efforts.

Speakers:

• Rick Dwyer, Executive Director, Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance
• Jace Ponder, Director, Mississippi Governor’s Office of Military Affairs
• Jake Proctor, Executive Director, Alabama Military Stability Foundation
• Jerri Wilson, Government Affairs Manager, City of Newport News
• Shawn Avery, President & CEO Hampton Roads Workforce Council
• Paul Lavoi, Chief Manufacturing Officer, State of Connecticut
• Sean Morrone, Director of Supplier & Workforce Development, General Dynamics Electric Boat
• Brett Hershman, Director of Business Development & Government Relations
• Tim Shinbara, Chief Strategy Officer, BlueForge Alliance

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round—the largest and most complex in U.S. military history. Two decades later, memories of BRAC have faded, but as new discussions about DoD efficiency emerge, the idea of another BRAC could be back on the table. This panel brings together key leaders and experts who lived through BRAC 2005 to share their stories, insights, and hard-earned lessons—the good, the bad, and the unintended consequences. Whether BRAC remains in the past or reemerges in future defense planning, this conversation will provide critical context for leaders who may one day face the challenge of reshaping our military infrastructure.

Speakers:

• Tim Ford, CEO, Association of Defense Communities
• Dr. Craig College, Independent Consultant
• Raymond DuBois, Senior Advisor, Center for Strategic & International Studies
• Steve Levesque, President, SHL Enterprise Solutions
• Rochelle Dornatt, Board of Directors, House Chief of Staff Alumni Association

Federal and defense workforce reductions are happening now, with the total impact potentially reaching one million jobs nationwide. At the epicenter of these cuts are defense communities, where federal employment is deeply embedded in the local economy. This is a fast-moving story with serious local consequences—but what does it mean for your community? This panel will break down what we know, what’s coming next, and—most importantly—how defense communities can prepare for the challenges ahead. Don’t miss this critical conversation on navigating uncertainty and safeguarding your local workforce.

Speakers:

• Matt Borron, Executive Director, Association of Defense Communities
• David Berteau, President & CEO, Professional Services Council
• George Schlossberg, Partner, Kutak Rock; ADC General Counsel
• Dr. Kenneth Poole, President & CEO, Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness

Join us for a dynamic town hall discussion with Patrick O’Brien, Director of the DoD Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC). This interactive session will provide a unique opportunity to hear directly from the leader of DoD’s primary community support office about key issues, programs, and initiatives impacting defense communities. From infrastructure investments to mission growth and economic resilience, Patrick will share insights on how OLDCC supports communities and what’s ahead. Bring your questions and be part of the conversation shaping the future of defense community partnerships.

Speaker:

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

A modern-day version of the cold war space race has begun as the U.S. and other world powers are sprinting to develop cutting-edge military technologies that will be needed in a future high-end conflict. This has led to the rapid growth of an emerging segment of defense industry being driven by a new generation of tech-savvy entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurial leaders and companies are using their expertise in artificial intelligence, advanced computing, robotics, and data analytics, heavily influencing the future direction of military hardware and software development. This dramatic change will require defense communities to rethink how they engage and attract defense industry investment. This discussion will dive into how and why this evolution is happening and what it will mean for installations and defense communities.

Speakers:

• Matt Borron, Executive Director, Association of Defense Communities
• Noah Robertson, Pentagon Reporter, Defense News
• Jordan Gillis, Federal Engagement Executive, UiPath
• Evan Regan-Levine, Chief Strategy Officer, JBG Smith

Federal grants are a significant source of funding for communities and state and local governments. For instance, these grants help repair and modernize degraded roads, energy, and water infrastructure; enhance cybersecurity; and improve emergency response and hazard mitigation. Many military installations depend on these community infrastructure systems and services to perform their missions. Federal, state, and other grants contribute to installation readiness and lethality, and enhance the lives of service members and their families. This session will focus on leveraging federal, state, and other grants to improve installation readiness, community sustainability, and partnerships; and explain the efficiencies of grants, the opportunities, and the resources. Participants will walk away with tangible information that will provide them with the tools to get started, or ways to improve the efficiency of their existing activities.

Speakers:

• Beth Lachman, Senior Operations Researcher, Engineering & Applied Sciences Department, RAND
• Keith Sledd, Executive Director, Heart of Texas Defense Alliance
• Marty Anderson, Military Liaison, City of Mountain Home, ID

Unemployment for active-duty spouses has remained above 20% for more than a decade impacting the ability of military families to be financially secure. Military spouse employment continues to be a key factor for military families when considering whether or not the service member will stay in uniform. The primary challenge faced by military spouses in maintaining meaningful employment is relocation which generally occurs every 2-3 years. This roundtable will highlight efforts that some states have made to improve spouse employment, and some of the ongoing spouse employment efforts the Department is leading that states may wish to consider implementing.

Speakers:

• Tim Dill, Performing the Duties of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs
• Lisa Swoboda, Senior Director, Maryland Office of Military & Federal Affairs
• Brian Garrett, Deputy Director for Military Affairs, Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs
• Keith Graf, Executive Director, Texas Military Preparedness Commission
• Geraldine Valentino-Smith, Director, Defense State Liaison Office
• Josie Beets – Office of Military Family Readiness Policy (MC&FP)
• Elizabeth O’Brien, Senior Vice President, Hiring Our Heroes, U.S Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Congress and the Department of Defense have sounded the alarm on the potential national security threat posed by foreign investment near our military installations. As community, state and installation leaders scramble to react, what are the key issues to consider and how can we work to develop solutions at the local, state, and federal levels?

Speakers:

• Adam Savit, Director, China Policy Initiative, America First Policy Institute
• Dan Lips, Senior Fellow, Foundation for American Innovation

As military programs face increasing pressure to cut costs and find efficiencies, this panel will explore how digital ethnographic research can be leveraged to uncover the needs, behaviors, and sentiments of service members and their families. By understanding the root causes of program inefficiencies, lived experiences of those whose readiness they affect, and identifying opportunities for optimization, military leaders and policymakers can make data-driven decisions that reduce costs while enhancing program effectiveness. Key examples from housing, resourcing, base-building, and more will be shared. Panelists will discuss case studies where digital ethnography has identified areas for improvement, reduced redundancies, and led to more streamlined, impactful support programs.

Speakers:

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

This session will explore the national defense dimensions of the transmission grid and how DoD must collaborate with defense communities, including utilities and grid operators, to align national defense and transmission expansion to secure America’s energy dominance. This timely conversation will specifically examine the important role that the DoD Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) can play to help defense communities understand and amplify the DoD equities tied to local and regional transmission infrastructure, and how OLDCC’s programs can contribute to the shared goals of strengthening grid reliability against all hazards that threaten to harm national defense and economic development in the community.

Speaker:

• Will Rogers, Converge Strategies
• Daniel Glasson, Deputy Director for Community Investment, OLDCC
• Lauren Khair, Senior Director of Energy Research and Resilience, NRECA
• Joe Dingman, Chairman, Travis Community Consortium

Speakers:

• U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA), Ranking Member, House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee
• U.S. Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT), Co-Chair, DOGE Caucus

As the military faces growing demands on infrastructure, resources, and readiness, the need for a more efficient and strategic approach to installation management has never been greater. This high-level discussion will feature the Acting Assistant Secretaries of Energy, Installations, and Environment from the Air Force and Navy, along with the Army G-9, exploring how we can rethink installation management as a critical tool for efficiency, lethality, and mission readiness. From energy resilience and modernization to public-private partnerships and operational efficiencies, this session will offer key insights into the future of installation management across the services.

Speakers:

• John Conger, President, Conger Strategies
• Michael Saunders, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment
• Lieutenant General David Wilson, Deputy Chief of Staff, Army G-9, Installations
• Peter Lynch, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations & Environment

From their inception, installation-community partnerships have been about driving efficiency, helping DoD reduce costs, streamlining operations, and enhancing mission support. As the military enters a new era of efficiency and resource optimization, these partnerships offer even greater potential to leverage local expertise, expand shared services, and improve installation resilience. This session will explore how existing and emerging partnership models can help DoD maximize resources, strengthen readiness, and create long-term efficiencies that benefit both installations and the communities that support them.

Speakers:

• John Conger, President, Conger Strategies
• Dave Leinberger, Director, Army Community Partnerships Office
• Al Aycock, Senior Vice President, Corvias Military Housing
• Chris Conner, Senior Vice President, American States Utility Services
• Eric Tatum, Manager of Federal Energy Solutions, Dominion Energy
• Robb Reid, Chief Revenue Officer, Sourcewell

Defending the homeland and protecting national security priorities abroad depend on safe, secure, and resilient installations—working in close collaboration with America’s defense communities to train, equip, and deploy our nation’s military forces. National security leaders have recently warned that nation-state adversaries are actively targeting critical infrastructure around defense communities, aiming to disrupt or destroy military capabilities. This growing threat underscores the urgent need for defense communities to partner with federal agencies to strengthen national resilience. This session will explore emerging threats, strategies to enhance critical infrastructure protection, and the modernization of emergency response capabilities. These efforts are not only vital for mission assurance but are also essential to safeguarding the people who live and work in defense communities across the country.

Speakers:

• Lucian Neimeyer, CEO, Building Cyber Security
• Mark Cancian, Senior Advisor, Center for Strategic & International Studies
• David White, Vice President of Security Engineering, Comcast NBC Universal
• Rebecca Isacowitz, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy Resilience & Optimization
• Vera Topasna, Executive Director of Military Buildup, Office of the Governor of Guam

Speakers:

• LTG Omar Jones IV, Commanding General, Army Installation Management Command
• Rebecca Gray, Senior Vice President, Boingo Wireless

Speakers:

• U.S. Sen Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Senate Armed Services Committee
• U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Senate Armed Services Committee
• U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT), Ranking Member, House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower
• Bob Ross, Executive Director, Connecticut Office of Military Affairs; ADC Immediate Past President
• Sal Nodjomian, Chief Executive Officer, Matrix Design Group, Inc.; ADC Board of Directors

A skilled, adaptable workforce is essential to maintaining military readiness, technological superiority, and defense industry strength. As workforce demands evolve, defense communities must play a central role in developing talent pipelines, expanding career pathways, and strengthening partnerships with DoD, industry, and educational institutions. This session will explore strategies to recruit, train, and retain the next generation of military and civilian talent, ensuring a workforce that is ready to meet the challenges of the future.

Speakers:

• Lisanne McNew, President & CEO, SAFE Engineering; Chair, National Association of Workforce Boards
• Brad Turner-Little, President & CEO, National Association of Workforce Boards
• Traci Marques, Executive Director/CEO, Pikes Peak Workforce Center
• Dr. Patrick Rouse, Director, Workforce & Continuing Education, Engineering & Advanced Technology Dept., Macomb County Community College

Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) are the backbone of the military, driving mission success through leadership, training, and mentorship. Beyond their critical role in force readiness, NCOs also shape the broader defense community, serving as connectors between service members, families, and local support networks. This session will highlight the impact of NCO leadership, explore ways to empower and support them, and discuss how defense communities can better engage with NCOs to strengthen military quality of life and readiness.

Speakers:

• CMS Robert Berrier, Senior Enlisted Leader, Office of Deputy Chief of Staff for Air Force Logistics, Engineering, and Force Protection
• CMSSF John Bentivegna, Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force
• CSM Jason Copeland, Command Sergeant Major, Army Installation Management Command
• Sgt. Maj. Jason Hammock, Command Senior Enlisted Leader, Marine Corps Installations Command
• Brian Garrett, Deputy Director for Military Affairs, Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs

Investing in people is critical to sustaining military readiness, innovation, and economic growth in defense communities. Universities play a key role as force multipliers, driving advancements in research, workforce development, and defense partnerships. This session will explore how higher education institutions collaborate with DoD, industry, and local communities to develop talent pipelines, support military-connected students, and drive technological innovation—strengthening both the defense mission and regional economies.

Speakers:

• Dr. Andrew Armacost, President, University of North Dakota
• Lieutenant General Adrian Spain, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, U.S. Air Force HQ

A showcase example of P3 partnership and contract efficiencies, this first-of-its-kind water and wastewater utility divestment strategy successfully executed at Joint Base Cape Cod is an example of a premier partnership that crosses the fence line in support of both the installation and community at large. Please join us to discuss this opportunity in detail during to preview how installations and communities can leverage utility assets, realizing resiliency and cost efficiencies for the benefit of all.

Speakers:

• Grant Heslin, Managing Partner, Sage Street Strategies
• Col Tim Gordon, Deputy Commander, 102nd Intelligence Wing, Joint Base Cape Cod, MA
• Emily Stewart, Director of Business Development, ASUS
• Matt Kennedy, Managing Director, Converge Strategies

Both the Biden and Trump Presidential Administrations have used Executive Orders to prioritize artificial intelligence (AI) as a defining technology of our era. Rapidly growing AI advancements for national security are enhancing logistics, military capabilities, intelligence analysis, and cybersecurity. The manufacturing base for AI, data centers must be built on sovereign land with huge sources of power and water. Our panel will discuss emerging opportunities for defense communities to site AI data centers and power generation on federal land to expedite construction.

Speakers:

• Harry Kleiser, Senior Managing Principal, Salas O’Brien; ADC Board of Directors
• Lucian Niemeyer, CEO, Building Cyber Security
• Lekecia Clark, Director, Army G-9 IT Directorate
• Nikki Hunt, Director of Real Estate, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act include a once-a-generation investment to build more resilient communities and promote generation of more diverse, more abundant American energy sources. Civilian programs can help create a multi-billion-dollar opportunity for installation-adjacent “fenceline/frontline communities” to support the operational readiness and resilience of nearby military installations. And under the IRA, states, cities, counties, and local governments can also qualify for Direct Pay benefits – which could mean hundreds of millions of dollars of cash refunds that local communities can claim for investments in energy.

Speaker:

• Ted Kowalsky, Principal for Government and Public Sector, CohnReznick Advisory
• Richard Kidd, President & Owner, RK4 Consulting
• Joel Cohn, Partner, CohnReznick, Project Finance Consulting

Speakers:

• Lou Zeisman, Military Liaison, Boldyn Networks
• Matt Loecke, Vice President of Sales, Higher Education

By Invitation Only. Contact Emma Kelly Saunders for more information at ekelly@defensecommunities.org

As global threats evolve, the military is reimagining installations as platforms for lethality, resilience, and mission success. This session brings together senior installation leaders from the Army, Air Force, and Navy to discuss how each service is advancing infrastructure priorities—from housing and energy to partnerships and modernization. Join us for a forward-looking conversation on the future of defense infrastructure and the critical role communities will play in supporting the mission.

Speakers:

• Mona Dexter, Vice President of Military & Veterans Affairs, Comcast NBCUniversal
• David Dentino, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Housing, and Partnerships
• Robert Moriarty, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations
• Christine Ploschke, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy

As the summit comes to a close, join ADC Executive Director and ADC Federal Policy Advisor Matt Hermanan, along with an expert panel of DC insiders for a dynamic conversation on what’s next in defense policy and community engagement. They’ll help you synthesize the key insights from the past few days and offer practical advice on how to translate ideas into action. They’ll also be joined
by a leading DoD journalist, bringing an inside perspective on the sweeping changes happening across the Pentagon and Capitol Hill.

Speakers:

• Matt Borron, Executive Director, Association of Defense Communities
• Paul McCleary, Pentagon Reporter, Politico
• Matt Herrmann, Principal, The Roosevelt Group

As the Indo-Pacific region takes center stage in U.S. defense strategy, communities that support military installations across the Pacific are facing increasing demands and complexity. From housing and infrastructure to workforce and resilience, these frontline communities must balance strategic importance with daily challenges. This session will explore how Pacific-based defense communities are adapting to evolving missions, building partnerships, and preparing for a future where their role is more critical than ever.

Speakers:

• Brittany Smart, Senior Advisor for Defense, Community & Research, University of Alaska Fairbanks
• Brigadier General Kirk Dailey, Director of Operations Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Army G-9, Installations
• Vera Topasna, Executive Director of Military Buildup, Office of the Governor of Guam

Description coming soon.

Speakers:

• U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, Chair, Senate Armed Service Readiness Subcommittee

Whether you’re new to the topic or need a refresher, this session offers a deep dive into the BRAC process—what it is, how it works, and why it matters. Designed for communities looking to better understand base closure and realignment authorities, this session will cover the legal framework, key players, timelines, and what to expect if another BRAC round is proposed. If you’re preparing your community for the possibilities ahead, this is the place to start.

Speakers:

• Andy Napoli, Assistant Commander for Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC), Public Private Ventures (PPV), and Real Estate, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command
• George Schlossberg, Partner, Kutak Rock; ADC General Counsel

This interactive townhall will wargame actionable ideas for community programs and resources that can be funded and quickly implemented to support military families during times of conflict or natural disaster.

Speakers:

• Lindsay Knight, Chief Impact Officer, Blue Star Families,
• Brian Garrett, Utah Deputy Director for Military Affairs; Association of Defense Communities Board of Directors
• Janet Driggers, Ambassador of Community Support, Five and Thrive
• Kate Kuzminski, Deputy Director of Studies and Director, Military, Veterans, and Society Program, Center for a New American Security