Changemakers

As part of its 50th Anniversary, ADC is looking back at the people who have shaped the defense community movement over the past five decades. The Changemakers series highlights leaders from communities, Congress, the Department of Defense, and national partners whose ideas, advocacy, and leadership helped build the strong partnerships that support installations and military families today.

These profiles represent just a snapshot of the many individuals who have contributed to this work over time. Over the next two months, leading up to ADC50, we will be featuring a series of Changemaker profiles to share their stories and impact. We know there are many others who have helped shape this movement—if there is someone you believe should be recognized as an ADC50 Changemaker, we welcome your ideas.

Senator David Pryor (Arkansas)

Senator David Pryor (1934–2024) was a foundational champion for defense communities, helping shape how the federal government supports regions impacted by base closures and military transition. Before serving in the U.S. Senate (1979–1997), Pryor was Governor of Arkansas, where he developed a strong understanding of how military installations anchor local economies.

Josh Gotbaum

As Assistant Secretary of Defense for Economic Security, Gotbaum played a pivotal role during the BRAC era, advancing policies and programs that supported communities navigating base closures and economic transition.

Randall Yim

As Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Installations, Yim was instrumental in expanding redevelopment tools, including advancing no-cost Economic Development Conveyance authority to support community-led reuse of former installations.

Congressman Sam Farr (California)

A consistent champion for defense communities, Congressman Farr helped secure funding for BRAC implementation, environmental cleanup, and redevelopment. He also played a key role in advancing Intergovernmental Support Agreement (IGSA) authority, strengthening military-community partnerships.

Leon Panetta

Throughout his service as a Member of Congress, Director of OMB, CIA Director, and Secretary of Defense, Panetta championed the connection between military readiness and strong community partnerships. He helped advance DoD partnership initiatives and supported communities impacted by base closures.

Rochelle Dornatt

A driving force behind defense community policy on Capitol Hill, Dornatt served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Farr and helped establish the Congressional Defense Communities Caucus. Over more than two decades, she shaped BRAC policy and inserted key provisions into Department of Defense appropriations bills, directing resources and support to defense communities nationwide.

Fred Meurer

Often described as a pioneer of defense community partnerships, Meurer helped redefine the relationship between installations and surrounding communities. His leadership in redevelopment and partnership models strengthened ADC’s mission and helped communities navigate BRAC and beyond.

George Schlossberg

For more than three decades, Schlossberg has been a central legal architect of defense community policy. As General Counsel to ADC and previously at the Office of Economic Adjustment, he helped develop key authorities—including no-cost EDC, IGSA, and DCIP—shaping the framework for community-military partnerships nationwide.

William Armbruster

A leader in both federal policy and local implementation, Armbruster served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations and Environment and later as Executive Director of the Fort Monroe Authority. His work advanced privatization, partnerships, and successful reuse of BRAC-impacted installations.

Senator James Inhofe (Oklahoma)

Senator James M. Inhofe was one of Congress’s most influential champions for military readiness and the communities that support it. After serving in the Oklahoma Legislature and as Mayor of Tulsa, he went on to represent Oklahoma in the U.S. House and later the U.S. Senate (1994–2023). As Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Inhofe helped shape national defense policy while elevating the role of communities in sustaining military missions. Senator Inhofe passed away on July 9, 2024, leaving an enduring impact on defense policy and community partnerships.

Organizational Changemaker

Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA) / Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC)

For decades, OEA—now OLDCC—has been the federal government’s primary partner to defense communities, supporting economic adjustment, infrastructure investment, and community resilience. Through BRAC, mission growth, and evolving national security needs, the organization has helped communities adapt and thrive.

Leaders to mention: