ADC50 - 2026 Defense Communities National Summit

A special 50th anniversary edition of ADC’s premier D.C. convening for defense communities, industry, government, and the armed services. The pace of change across the Department of Defense is rapid—new leadership, new ideas, and significant shifts on the horizon—with real implications for installations and the communities that support them.

This year’s Summit honors ADC’s legacy and, more importantly, looks ahead, bringing leaders together to set priorities, advance solutions, and help shape the next 50 years of support for service members, their families, and America’s defense communities.

The 2026 program will deliver timely insights on defense policy, partnership, and readiness, connecting attendees directly with decision-makers and peers from across the country. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of what’s happening now, what’s coming next, and how national decisions translate into local impact at installations and in surrounding communities.

Agenda

Monday, May 11

7:30 AM

Registration Open

8:30 – 9:30 AM

Defense Community Council Meetings (Community Members Only)

Air & Space Force Community Council

Megan DeLaRosa, Kirtland Partnership Committee, NM (Kirtland AFB & Space Force Delta 11)

Rob Devall, Director of Military Affairs, Aurora Chamber of Commerce, CO (Buckley Space Force Base)

Brekka Kramer, President/CEO, Minot Area Chamber EDC, Minot, ND (Minot AFB)

Kimberly Huth, Executive Director of Military Affairs, St. Clair County, IL (Scott AFB); ADC Board Liaison

Navy, Marine Corps & Coast Guard Community Council

Will Lewis, Mayor, City of Havelock, NC (Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point)

Paul Whitescarver, Executive Director, Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region (Subbase New London)

Rick Dwyer, Executive Director, Hampton Roads Military & Federal Facilities Alliance, VA; ADC Board Liaison

Army Community Council

Maria Tobin, Program Manager, South Sound Military & Communities Partnership, WA (Joint Base Lewis McChord)

Tom Clark, Executive Director, Alliance for Fort Gordon, GA (Fort Gordon)

Dorsey Newcomb, Executive Director, Leonard Wood Institute, MO (Fort Leonard Wood)

Kent Glasscock, Executive Director, Flint Hills Regional Council, KS (Fort Riley)

9:30 – 9:45 AM

☕ Networking Coffee Break

9:45 – 11:45 AM

Military Town Halls

Army Town Hall

Hon Jordan Gillis, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy & Environment

David Dentino, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Housing, Installations & Partnerships

Additional speakers to be announced.

Navy & Marine Corps Town Hall

Hon Brendan Rogers, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations & Environment

VADM Scott Gray, Commander, Navy Installations Command

Additional speakers to be announced.

Air & Space Force Town Hall

Hon Michael Borders, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations & Environment

Robert Moriarty, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations

Additional speakers to be announced.

11:45 AM – 12:30 PM

Lunch (Provided)

12:30 – 2:15 PM

Opening General Session

Keynote Interview

In this keynote interview, Hon. Dale Marks will share perspectives on the evolving priorities shaping military energy, installation management, and environmental stewardship. The conversation will highlight key challenges and opportunities ahead, including resilience, infrastructure modernization, and partnerships that strengthen mission readiness. Attendees will gain insight into the strategic direction and leadership approach guiding these critical efforts.

Hon Dale Marks, Assistant Secretary of War for Energy, Installations & Environment

Sal Nodjomian, CEO, Matrix Design Group; ADC Board of Directors (Moderator)

Installation Leadership: New Policy Priorities and the Evolving Role of Communities in Supporting Installations

Senior installation leaders from the Army, Air Force, and Navy will discuss emerging policy priorities shaping the future of military installations, with a focus on energy, resilience, and infrastructure. The session will explore how surrounding communities play an increasingly critical role in supporting mission readiness and long-term installation sustainability. Panelists will share insights on collaboration opportunities and the evolving partnership between installations and the communities that support them.

Hon Jordan Gillis, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy & Environment

Hon Michael Borders, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations & Environment

Hon Brendan Rogers, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations & Environment

A View of Defense Policy from Inside the Beltway

Matt Borron, Executive Director, ADC

Matt Herrman, Principal, The Roosevelt Group; ADC Federal Policy Advisor

Additional speakers to be announced.

2:15 – 2:30 PM

Networking Break

2:30 – 4:00 PM

General Session

State of the Guard Interview

In this moderated discussion, GEN Thomas Carden will provide insights into the National Guard’s evolving role in supporting both national defense and domestic missions. The conversation will explore how Guard installations and surrounding communities can work together to enhance resilience, readiness, and response capabilities. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the Guard’s unique position at the intersection of state and federal priorities.

Heather Mendenhall, Senior Vice President, Tetra Tech

Brian Garrett, ADC Vice President; Utah Director of Military & Veterans Affairs

GEN Thomas Carden, Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau

A $1.5 Trillion Defense Budget? The Case for Investing in Our Defense Infrastructure

With the new Administration budget under consideration by Congress, what could this level of funding mean for installation infrastructure and readiness? This panel brings together former government leaders and commercial experts to examine where the most significant shortfalls and emerging requirements exist inside the fence—and how a major infusion of resources could address them. Panelists will also explore how different investment strategies could improve outcomes across the installation enterprise within the United States Department of Defense. Finally, the discussion will consider alternative management and delivery approaches to tackle these challenges if additional funding does not materialize.

John Conger, ADC President’s Advisory Council

Omar Jones, ADC President’s Advisory Council

Jason McMahon, Growth & Federal Strategy, Valinor

Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation Town Hall

Join Patrick O’Brien for an interactive town hall focused on the priorities and programs of the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC). This session will highlight how communities can leverage federal resources to support installation resilience, compatible development, and economic sustainability. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly on challenges, best practices, and partnership opportunities.

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

4:00 – 4:15 PM

☕ Networking Coffee Break

4:15 – 5:00 PM

Breakout Sessions

Data Centers & AI Factories: Coming to an Installation Near You

The U.S. Department of War is actively leasing land on military installations to private companies for large-scale AI and cloud data centers. Key sites, including Edwards AFB, Arnold AFB, several Army bases, and over a dozen DOE sites are being used to support national AI dominance, focusing on utilizing underused land for high-power, secure infrastructure. This panel will explore what these opportunities mean for both the installations and the communities, and how these facilities will improve military readiness and lethality.

Stacey Shepard, Senior Vice President, Growth & Strategy, Fluor Mission Solutions; ADC Board of Directors

Beverly Lee, Tullahoma Area Economic Development Council, TN (Arnold AFB)

Rebecca Isacowitz, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Energy Resilience & Optimization

CDR Daniel Patrick, Commanding Officer, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, VA

A Focus on the Family: The Foundation of Military Readiness

Family readiness is mission readiness, but some of its most important drivers are often overlooked. This session explores the hidden costs of mobility and how housing and educational experiences shape the wellbeing of military families and children. We’ll examine how stronger alignment across communities, schools, and installations can better support families—and, in turn, strengthen force readiness.

Stephen Simmons, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Military Community & Family Policy

Phil Rizzo, CEO, Liberty Military Housing

Mary Bier, President & CEO, Military Child Education Coalition

Jerrod Wheeler, Superintendent, Knob Noster Public Schools, MO

The Grid as Deterrence: Powering a Robust Defense Industrial Base

Although supercharging the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) is central to the 2026 National Defense Strategy, the commercial electric grid serving defense industrial base facilities, military installations, and defense communities is currently underinvested in and vulnerable. This panel will bring together defense community and DIB leaders to examine the munitions reconstitution challenge, the grid infrastructure investments required to meet it, and what it means to truly supercharge the industrial base for robust, credible deterrence.

Will Rogers, Principal, Converge Strategies

Michael Wu, CEO, Converge Strategies

Dr. Arun Seraphin, Executive Director, Emerging Technologies Institute, National Defense Industrial Association

David Gassaway, City Manager, City of Fairfield, CA

5:00 – 6:00 PM

Networking Reception

Tuesday, May 12

7:30 – 8:30 AM

Networking Breakfast

8:30 – 10:00 AM

General Session

Recognizing Defense Community Champions

This special recognition event will honor three outstanding Defense Community Champions whose leadership and dedication have strengthened the partnership between military installations and their surrounding communities. Sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union, the program will highlight impactful initiatives and best practices that support service members and their families. Join us in celebrating the individuals making a lasting difference across defense communities nationwide.

Navy Federal Credit Union

Military Modernization: Building Tomorrow's Warfighting Edge (Interview)

An in-depth discussion of how Congress, the U.S. military and defense industry parters are aligning policy, technology and on-the-ground power to counter the growing capabilities of our adversaries.

U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer (ND), Chair, Senate Armed Services Airland Subcommittee

Tom Ford, President, ADC; County Administrator, Grand Forks County, ND

Military Modernization: Building Tomorrow's Warfighting Edge (Panel)

An in-depth discussion of how Congress, the U.S. military and defense industry parters are aligning policy, technology and on-the-ground power to counter the growing capabilities of our adversaries.

Brekka Kramer, President/CEO, Minot Chamber of Commerce & EDC, ND (Moderator)

Col. Schlabach, Commander, 91st Missile Wing, Minot AFB, ND

Janie Nall, Beale Military Liaison Council, Yuba County, CA

Curtis Wilson, Senior Director of Strategic Development for Combatant Commands and Emergent Missions, General Atomics

Defense Continuity & Mission Assurance - The Critical Role of Defense Communities

This session will explore the vital role defense communities play in ensuring continuity of operations and mission assurance across military installations. Speakers will discuss strategies to enhance resilience, strengthen public-private partnerships, and mitigate risks to critical infrastructure and services. Attendees will gain insights into how collaboration between communities, industry, and the Department of Defense supports uninterrupted mission readiness.

Andrew Winternitz, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Defense Continuity & Mission Assurance

Bret Perkins, Senior Vice President for Community Growth & Economic Development, Comcast NBCUniversal

10:00 – 10:15 AM

☕ Networking Coffee Break

10:15 – 11:30 AM

General Session

Building Great Places for Military Families to Call Home (Interview)

A discussion of the key issues facing military families, and how the department, communities and the private sector are exploring new partnerships and innovative policy ideas to tackle persistent challenges.

Brian Garrett, ADC Vice President; Utah Director of Military & Veterans Affairs (Moderator)

Hon. Tim Dill, Assistant Secretary of War for Manpower & Reserve Affairs

Building Great Places for Military Families to Call Home (Panel)

Adam Dontz, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Housing

Bill French, CEO, Armed Services YMCA

Denise Hauck, President, Corvias Military Housing

Rebecca Gray, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Military, Boingo Wireless (Moderator)

Building the Defense Community of the Future

This panel will explore bold, forward-looking approaches to building the defense communities of the future. Speakers will discuss innovative models in land use, infrastructure development, and investment that can support mission growth while enhancing quality of life. Attendees will gain fresh perspectives on how public, private, and community leaders can collaborate to shape resilient, next-generation defense ecosystems.

Sandy Person, Executive Director, Travis Community Consortium, CA (Travis AFB)

Jan Sramek, Founder & CEO, California Forever

Matt Cronin, Partner, Andreessen Horowitz

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Lunch on Your Own

1:00 – 2:30 PM

General Session

Powering Defense Installations from Within the Fenceline

The Nation’s electricity grids are straining from a perfect storm of exploding national demand, increased cyber/kinetic threats, and deteriorated infrastructure at a time when power prices are increasing and regulatory/permitting obstacles persist. The Administration’s declaration of a National Energy Emergency has accelerated programs in both the Department of War and Department of Energy to enhance power reliability nation-wide by building new power generation on military land, including nuclear reactors. This panel will offer defense communities a glimpse into the future of military value – energy independence and assured reliability regardless of the threat.

Lucian Niemeyer, CEO, Building Cyber Security (Moderator)

Dr. Jeff Waksman, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy & Environment

Dr. Igor Dubinsky, Director of Defense Nuclear, BWXT Advanced Technologies

Dr. Julie Bentz, Senior Advisor for Nuclear Power Development, Office of the Secretary of War for Installations, Energy & Environment

A $1.5 Trillion Defense Budget? The Congressional Perspective

U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, Ranking Member, Defense Appropriations Subcommittee

Defense Community Policy on the Move

This session will explore the latest developments shaping defense community policy and their implications at the local and national levels. This moderated conversation with Rep. Jason Crow will highlight congressional priorities, the role of the Defense Communities Caucus, and opportunities for communities to engage in the policymaking process. Attendees will gain valuable insight into how advocacy and leadership are driving policy forward.

Rob Devall, Director of Military Affairs, Aurora Chamber of Commerce, CO

U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, Ranking Member, House Armed Services Subcommittee on Intelligence & Special Operations; House Defense Communities Caucus co-chair

2:30 – 2:45 PM

☕ Networking Coffee Break

2:45 – 3:30 PM

Breakout Sessions

Data Centers & AI Factories: Coming to a Defense Community Near You?

As demand for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and advanced analytics accelerates, data centers and AI “factories” are rapidly expanding into defense communities across the country. This session will explore how these high-density digital infrastructures impact energy, water, land use, workforce development, and installation planning. Panelists will discuss the economic development opportunities and key challenges they present for military readiness, public-private partnerships, and community resilience.

Beth Lachman, Senior Systems Analyst

Danny Yunes, Vice President of Mission Critical Ops, Logistics+

George Teodorescu, Chief Operations Officer, InfraPartners

Tom Crabbs, Military Liaison, Commonwealth of Virginia

Defense Manufacturing Communities: Innovation at the Local & State Level

This panel brings together a diverse set of regional leaders to highlight successful strategies for strengthening the defense industrial base through workforce development, supply chain support, and public-private partnerships. Panelists will share innovative, place-based approaches—from Gulf Coast workforce alignment efforts to Utah’s investments in aerospace incubators and New England’s cross-state collaboration model—demonstrating how regions are scaling impact through coordination and policy engagement. Attendees will gain insight into replicable models that enhance resilience, capacity, and long-term competitiveness across defense manufacturing communities.

Matt Bogoshian, Executive Director, American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative

Ashlee Breitner, Managing Director, University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute

Debra Franklin, Associate VP of Strategic Initiatives and Industry Engagement, Wichita State University, KS

RADM Mark Whitney, Executive Director, Virginia Digital Maritime Center at Old Dominion University

Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative (REPI) Town Hall

This session supports ADC’s mission to strengthen the nation’s defense communities by deepening collaboration between local governments and military installations. The panel will address Office of the Secretary of War for Energy, Installations, and Environment priority issues shaping installation resilience and community readiness, including compatible land use, noise mitigation and operational compatibility, environmental cleanup, compliance, long term stewardship of defense lands, and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) processes and environmental planning that guide installation–community coordination.

Kristin Thomasgard, Chief of Staff, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Environmental Management & Restoration and Program Director, REPI Program (Moderator)

Erica Rohr, Mission Sustainment Director, REPI Program

Cristina Harvey or Kelly Dryer, Program Manager, Environmental Clean Up and Compliance

Liz Chimienti, Deputy Director of Community Adjustment, Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation

Rose Johnson, NEPA Environmental Planning

State Legislation to Address Quality of Life

Sarah Stewart, Director, Defense State Liaison Office

Gabriel Scheffler, Professor of Law, University of Miami, and Reporter, FL

Cam Ward, Director, Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles

Othni Latham, Director, Alabama Legislative Services Agency

3:15 – 4:30PM

Shuttle Service from Grand Hyatt to Anthem

(Shuttles will depart every 10-15 minutes)

4:00 – 7:00 PM

ADC 50th Celebration

5:00 – 6:00 PM

Main Stage Program

Recognize 50 years of leadership, partnership, and local commitment that support our nation’s defense and the people who serve.

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, Chairman, House Armed Services Committee

6:00 – 7:00 PM

Taste of America's Defense Communities Reception

Celebrate our nation’s defense communities with regional dishes and beverages.

6:00 – 8:00PM

Shuttle Service from Anthem to Grand Hyatt

(Shuttles will depart every 10-15 minutes)

Wednesday, May 13

8:00 – 9:15 AM

Breakfast Table Discussions

9:15 – 9:30 AM

Networking Break

9:30 – 10:30 AM

General Session

Asymmetric Threats & Drone Incursions: The Defense Community Role in Protection Installations

This panel will examine the growing challenge of asymmetric threats, including drone incursions, facing military installations and surrounding communities. Experts will discuss the evolving risk landscape and highlight the critical role defense communities play in detection, coordination, and response. The conversation will explore collaborative strategies to enhance resilience and protect both installations and the regions that support them.

Fred Meurer, California Governor’s Military Council

Brig Gen Matt Ross, Director, Joint Interagency Task Force 401

Michael Wu, CEO, Converge Strategies

Military Spouses Lead the Way

This session will highlight the impact of military spouses as leaders within defense communities and beyond. Speakers will share experiences, challenges, and successes in driving change, supporting military families, and strengthening community ties. Attendees will gain insight into how empowering spouse leadership enhances resilience and mission readiness.

Sharene Brown, Five & Thrive Champion and Co-Founder

Kendra Lowe, Director of Military Spouse Programs, First Command Financial

10:30 – 10:45 AM

☕ Networking Coffee Break

10:45 – 11:30 AM

Breakout Sessions

Wireless Connection On & Off Base

Army & Air Force Exchange Service

Boingo Wireless

State Policy to Support Military Family Quality of Life

Jennifer Akin, Vice President of Strategic Alliances, Blue Star Families

Foreign Investment - Striking the Balance Between National Security & Economic Development

This panel will examine the complex intersection of foreign investment, national security, and local economic growth. Experts will discuss evolving policies, risk considerations, and strategies for safeguarding military installations and mission while maintaining a competitive investment environment. Attendees will gain practical insights on how communities can navigate these challenges and strike the right balance.

Jill McClune, General Counsel, US, Avon Protection; Chair, ADC Federal Outreach & Advisory Council

The Epitome of Energy Assurance - Nuclear Power on Military Bases

What programs in the Department of War are focused on deploying nuclear reactors to military installations to provide assured energy for critical mission operations. How can defense communities get involved to raise awareness and actively engage with the military services to partner on the wide range of issues to station resilient and reliable power sources?

Lucian Niemeyer, CEO, Building Cyber Security (Moderator)

Southern Company rep TBD

Dominion Energy rep TBD

Nuclear Energy Insitute rep TBD

Idaho National Lab rep TBD

Army Janus Project rep TBD

11:30 AM

End

Speakers

Rep. Mike Rogers

Chairman, House Armed Service Committee

Rep. Jason Crow

Ranking Member, House Armed Services Subcommittee on Intelligence & Special Operations; Defense Communities Caucus co-Chair

Hon Dale Marks

Assistant Secretary of War for Energy, Installations & Environment

Hon Tim Dill

Assistant Secretary of War for Manpower & Reserve Affairs

Hon Jordan Gillis

Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy & Environment

Hon Michael Borders

Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations & Environment

Hon Brendan Rogers

Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations & Environment

GEN Thomas Carden, Jr.

Vice Chief, National Guard Bureau

LTG James Smith

Commander, Army Installations Management Command

VADM Scott Gray

Commander, Navy Installations Command

David Dentino

Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Housing, Installations & Partnerships

Robert Moriarty

Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations

Hotel & Travel

The official host hotel for ADC50 is the Grand Hyatt Washington, located in the heart of downtown Washington, DC. This centrally located hotel will host the ADC50 Defense Communities National Summit and offers convenient access to key destinations—approximately 10 minutes to The Wharf, where our anniversary celebration will be held, and about 10 minutes from Capitol Hill.

At this time, the ADC50 host hotel room block is now sold out. A limited number of nearby overflow hotel options are available within a short 5‑minute walk of the venue. These rates are available through April 24, while inventory remains.

Book Morrison Clark Hotel

Book Henley Park Hotel

Join Us

Interested in being part of the Summit? Contact Nonja Hayden at nhadyen@defenesecommunities.org for more information on opportunities for engagement.